Define absolutism. Is it accurate to describe the French national government in the seventeenth century as an absolute monarchy?

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The Answer is Absolutism is a political theory and form of government where a single ruler, usually a monarch, holds absolute power and authority over the state and its people. This means that the ruler has unchecked power and is not bound by any laws or institutions, and their decisions are not subject to any form of oversight or accountability.

In the seventeenth century, the French national government under King Louis XIV is often described as an absolute monarchy. During his reign, Louis XIV centralized power in his own hands, weakened the authority of the nobility and other traditional power centers, and established a highly centralized and bureaucratic system of government. He also promoted the idea of the divine right of kings, which asserted that the monarch's authority was derived directly from God and therefore not subject to earthly limitations.

While it is accurate to describe the French national government in the seventeenth century as an absolute monarchy, it is important to note that the extent of absolutism varied throughout the period and was not without limitations. The power of the monarch was still influenced by various factors, including the nobility, the church, and regional parliaments. Additionally, there were instances of resistance and opposition to the king's authority, such as the Fronde rebellion.

Overall, while the French national government in the seventeenth century exhibited many characteristics of absolutism, it is important to recognize that the concept of absolute monarchy is not a static or uniform form of government, and its implementation can vary in different historical and cultural contexts.

Define Absolutism