Absolutism

Definition

Absolutism is a political doctrine and practice where a single ruler holds complete and unrestrained power over the government and its subjects. This form of governance typically emphasizes the divine right of kings, suggesting that the monarch's authority comes directly from God, which eliminates checks on their power. Absolutism significantly influenced many European monarchies, including Russia under the Romanovs, leading to a concentration of power that ultimately contributed to widespread unrest and revolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Absolutism reached its height in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, with notable examples including Louis XIV of France and Peter the Great of Russia.
2. The Russian monarchy under the Romanovs exemplified absolutism, particularly in the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, who resisted political reforms and maintained strict control over governance.
3. The belief in divine right supported absolutist rulers by claiming that their decisions were sanctioned by God, making it difficult for subjects to challenge their authority.
4. Absolutist regimes often suppressed dissent and limited the influence of nobility and other social classes to maintain their grip on power.
5. The absolute rule of monarchs contributed to social unrest and discontent among the populace, ultimately leading to revolutions such as the February Revolution in Russia.

Review Questions

• How did absolutism shape the governance and political climate in Russia leading up to the February Revolution?
  • Absolutism in Russia established a political climate where the Tsar held total control over governance, limiting the influence of nobility and other political factions. Under Tsar Nicholas II, this centralized power prevented necessary reforms and ignored the needs of an increasingly discontented population. The rigid adherence to absolute rule created an environment ripe for revolution, as people sought change and greater representation against an unyielding monarchy.
• Evaluate the impact of divine right on absolutist rulers during the period before the fall of the Romanovs.
  • The concept of divine right heavily influenced absolutist rulers like the Romanovs by reinforcing their legitimacy as sovereigns. This ideology not only justified their absolute power but also positioned any opposition as not just political defiance but as a challenge to divine order. As dissatisfaction grew among citizens regarding oppressive policies and poor governance, belief in divine right became increasingly untenable, leading many to question the authority of a monarch whose rule seemed disconnected from the people's needs.
• Critically assess how absolutism contributed to the conditions that led to the February Revolution and what this reveals about the relationship between absolute power and popular uprising.
  • Absolutism created deep-seated grievances among various social classes in Russia, as it centralized power in the hands of Tsar Nicholas II while ignoring widespread poverty and suffering. The stark contrast between the opulence of the royal family and the hardships faced by ordinary citizens bred resentment. This gap illustrated how absolute power could become detached from reality, ultimately leading to significant civil unrest. The February Revolution demonstrated that when a government fails to respond to its people's needs, even an entrenched absolute monarchy can be vulnerable to upheaval.

Related terms

Divine Right: A political and religious doctrine asserting that a monarch's authority comes directly from God, often used to justify absolute rule.

Monarch: A sovereign head of state, especially a king, queen, or emperor, who typically has significant or absolute power over their territory.

Centralization: The process of consolidating power and authority in a central government, often seen in absolutist regimes where local powers are diminished.