How Did Overseas Monarchs Help Consolidate Their Power in the Early Modern State?

How did overseas expansion help European monarchs consolidate their power in the early modern state (1500-1700)? Jared Mitchell, Word Count: 500 words
Europe was dominated by monarchies in the early Modern state, especially those lead by King Charles I of Spain, Kings Henry IV, Louis XII and Louis XIII of France, and Kings James I and Charles I of England. Traditionally the monarchs had been able to rely on the power of “Divine Right”. However, by the 16th century, Martin Luther, John Calvin and Henry the VIII, among others, had fractured the power of the Church. The Church also faced its power rapidly diminishing before new technological advancements. 1 The monarchs sought to consolidate their power by building wealth, stability and uniting their people behind a purpose. Overseas expansion provided a means for all three.
Overseas expansion allowed the monarchs to build wealth as their nations gained access to resources which were in higher quantities and varieties than were available in the kingdoms of Europe.2 In Mexico (1519-1520)3 and Peru (1531-33)4, Charles I of Spain acquired the largest sources of silver in the world.5 This was a major boost in revenue6 and the inflation wiped out the savings of the rival middle class, entrenching the economic power of the monarchy.7 The British monarchs gained valuable timber for their sugar plantations in the Caribbean8 helping to fund the expansion of the Royal Navy. Henry IV of France benefited from rich trade in furs and this helped to fund the Thirty Years War, which expanded the power of Louis XIII and XIV.9
Overseas expansion also provided the perfect means for relocating a monarch’s potential enemies. In both France and England, those of religions opposed to the monarchs’ were sent to the “New World”. In 1605, King Henry IV of France used the settlement of Acadia to deport French Protestants to North America.10 In 1620, James I of England used the settlement of Virginia to get rid of the Pilgrims, who had separated from King James’ Anglican Church, thus questioning his legitimacy.11 In 1629, James’ successor, Charles I, went one step further persecuting Puritan merchants and landowners and forcing them to flee to Virginia, taking control of their wealth and power at home.12
In addition, overseas expansion provided a common cause for uniting the peoples of a European Kingdom. This was the case in Spain where rapid conquests of Mexico (1519-1520)13 and Peru (1531-33)14 brought home to Spain stories of glory and wealth. 15 In turn, this drove public fervour for colonisation and the wealth and jobs it created improved Charles I’s image.16 These stories were rapidly translated and spread to other European countries. 17 In France, this fervour inspired many to join the Black Robes, who expanded Catholic control to the Americas, helping grow the power of the monarchy. 18
Overseas expansion helped European monarchs consolidate their power in the early modern state by providing wealth, stability and unifying purpose to European kingdoms. Wealth brought the monarchs’ military and economic power, while the expulsion of enemies helped to preserve political and religious power. A populace united with the state consolidated the image and power of the monarchy.

Bibliography:
Clendinnen, Inga. “The Transmission of culture in early modern Europe” (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1990)
Noble, Thomas et al. “Western Civilisation Beyond Boundaries Volume 2” (Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2008).
Parker, Philip et al. “Atlas of World History” (London: Collins Books, 2004).

Bibliography: Clendinnen, Inga. “The Transmission of culture in early modern Europe” (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1990) Noble, Thomas et al. “Western Civilisation Beyond Boundaries Volume 2” (Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2008). Parker, Philip et al. “Atlas of World History” (London: Collins Books, 2004).