What Are The Consequences Of Royal Absolutism
The political landscape of 17th century Europe was drastically shifting due to the Thirty Years’ War and the other Wars of Religion. These events brought about a tonal shift in European politics, causing a crisis of authority. Political theorists such Thomas Hobbes responded to the crisis with social theories about government such as absolutism. One place this was concentrated in was in France. During this time period, France was molded into an absolute monarchy. Essentially, royal absolutism arose in France due to rulers limiting the influence of nobles and parlements, the collapse of the Frondeur state, and Louis XIV rising to power, which is reflected in the social theories of Thomas Hobbes. To begin, royal absolutism arose in France due
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Hobbes questioned the structure of government in his book Leviathan. Hobbes writes “And though of so unlimited a Power, men may fancy many evill consequences, yet the consequences of the want of it, which is perpetuall warre of every man against his neighbour, are much worse.” In this excerpt, Hobbes underlines the importance of some form of government. In fact, he believes that even if a government is performing poorly one should still abstain from revolt: “... he that complaineth of injury from his Soveraigne, complaineth of that whereof he himselfe is Author; and therefore ought not to accuse any man but himselfe….” In order to solve the issue posed by the crisis of authority of Europe, Hobbes presents what is now known as Social Contract Theory, which is that in order for society to exist kings must rule by the consent of the people. The government that he though most apt to this task were absolute monarchies: “So it appeareth plainly, to my understanding, both from Reason, and Scripture, that the Soveraign Power, whether placed in One Man, as in Monarchy, or in one Assembly of men… is as great, as possibly men can be imagined to make it.” These social theories are reflected by the rule of Cardinal Richelieu and Louis XIV in that France was a stable nation under the rule of these powerful monarchs rather during the time of the Frondeur
Hobbes questioned the structure of government in his book Leviathan. Hobbes writes “And though of so unlimited a Power, men may fancy many evill consequences, yet the consequences of the want of it, which is perpetuall warre of every man against his neighbour, are much worse.” In this excerpt, Hobbes underlines the importance of some form of government. In fact, he believes that even if a government is performing poorly one should still abstain from revolt: “... he that complaineth of injury from his Soveraigne, complaineth of that whereof he himselfe is Author; and therefore ought not to accuse any man but himselfe….” In order to solve the issue posed by the crisis of authority of Europe, Hobbes presents what is now known as Social Contract Theory, which is that in order for society to exist kings must rule by the consent of the people. The government that he though most apt to this task were absolute monarchies: “So it appeareth plainly, to my understanding, both from Reason, and Scripture, that the Soveraign Power, whether placed in One Man, as in Monarchy, or in one Assembly of men… is as great, as possibly men can be imagined to make it.” These social theories are reflected by the rule of Cardinal Richelieu and Louis XIV in that France was a stable nation under the rule of these powerful monarchs rather during the time of the Frondeur