Rise of Absolutism

Definition

The rise of absolutism refers to a period in European history when nations were governed by absolute monarchies. These rulers had complete power over their countries, with no legal limitations on their authority.

Analogy

Think about playing a video game where one player has all the cheat codes. They can control everything that happens in the game without any restrictions. That's similar to how absolute monarchs ruled during this time period.

Related terms

Louis XIV: Known as Louis the Great or Sun King, he was a monarch who ruled France with absolute power for over 72 years, longer than any other known sovereign.

Divine Right Theory: The belief that monarchs receive their power directly from God and are not accountable to their subjects; often used to justify absolutism.

Versailles Palace: A royal château in Versailles, France built by Louis XIV which served as an opulent symbol of his absolute monarchy.