3.2 Absolutism

What is Absolutism?

Absolutism is a system where a monarch claims total, unchecked sovereign power, often justified by divine right — the belief that the king's authority comes from God. Absolutist rulers sought to control the nobility, standardize taxation, maintain large standing armies, and eliminate rival sources of power like representative assemblies or independent regional authorities.

Louis XIV: The Model Absolutist

Louis XIV of France epitomized absolutism, declaring "L'état, c'est moi" ("I am the state"). He built the Palace of Versailles to control nobles by requiring their attendance at court, weakened the nobility's independent power, appointed intendants to enforce royal policy locally, and revoked the Edict of Nantes (1685) to enforce religious uniformity by expelling Huguenots.

Other Absolutist States

Absolutism spread across Central and Eastern Europe with variations. Peter the Great of Russia westernized and modernized the state/military while crushing boyar independence. Frederick the Great of Prussia and Habsburg Austria practiced enlightened absolutism, using reason-based reforms (religious toleration, legal codes, education) while still preserving monarchical control and social hierarchy.

Key terms

Absolutism

A system where a monarch holds total, unchecked sovereign power over the state, often justified by divine right.

Divine right of kings

The belief that a monarch's authority comes directly from God, making their rule beyond challenge.

Louis XIV

French absolutist king who centralized power at Versailles and declared "L'état, c'est moi."

Edict of Nantes (revocation, 1685)

Louis XIV's act removing legal protections for Huguenots, causing religious persecution and emigration.

Enlightened absolutism

A style of rule (e.g., Frederick the Great, Habsburg Austria) combining Enlightenment-based reforms with centralized monarchical power.

Try an AP-style question

Peter the Great's reforms aimed to…

1. westernize and modernize Russia
2. give power to the boyars
3. isolate Russia from Europe
4. restore Mongol rule