Staging Absolutism - the Model for Absolute Royal Authority

Staging Absolutism

The Model for Absolute Royal Authority began with absolute monarchy during the fifteenth century in Europe. The ultimate goal of maintaining power and wealth was the primary focus for the rulers of Spain, France, Italy and Germany. The strategies developed by kings and nobility during this period were successful and as a result, yielded complete authority over the government and the lives of people. It was well noted, upon the succession of kings in France, the country served as a model for absolutist government for other countries to follow. From King Henry IV through King Louis XIV absolute monarchy was challenged by nobility. The intention for King Louis XIV was to rule with sovereignty. Absolutism reached its peak during Louis XIV reign. The king was viewed as a God ordained through his possession of absolute blood right. This view caused for the unconditional acceptance of the King Louis XIV and the successors that he represented (Marc Bloch, 1924-1946). The king further elaborated intentions through the integration of policies, military and provinces. The reign of King Louis XIV completed the process of consolidating royal authority. As it emerged it was strengthened and reinforced by public displays of royal power to the masses, including the people of France and the rest of the world.

Traditional privileges continued to create appearances regionally and within social groups. Nobles were still prevalent with political power and very highly visible as the French Estates General and provincial assemblies. While many nobles still held positions of judges they had the power of a congress to counteract royal edicts from becoming a decree. The Sun King, Louis XIV ruled Europe as Spain had in the 1500's and his motto was "none his equal" (Weisner) The primary focus was to rule France with a skill and power unmatched by any other ruler in Europe and this tenacity helped to destroy the feudal monarchy. This newly designed governmental development was revived by building a intrinsic hierarchy for the bureaucracy. While new organs of administration were required there were limits that were inevitable for this idea of royal power.

During these periods France also experienced significant population growth and the provinces created caused regional differences. The culture of the French people was vastly different. These issues were no easy tasks for the kings to address and overcome. "The antiquity of the monarchic institution is reflected in the developed terminology for kingship" to be precise the kings, created a "Cult of Kingship" to overcome these obstacles. (Chaney) This strong presence of nobility began to cease due to the inspirational writings and the creation of Versailles. According to the writings of Jean Bodin and Jacques Benigne Bossuet the origins of sovereignty were biblical. Bodin suggests laws were put in to place by godly rule. "The first and principal function of sovereignty is to give laws to the citizens generally and individually, and, it must be added, not necessarily