Absolutismo e Mercantilismo | DEIXA QUE EU DESENHO

Summary

This video explains the concepts of absolutism and mercantilism in early modern Europe. Absolutism refers to the concentration of power in the hands of monarchs, who ruled with little to no accountability, supported by the nobility, the bourgeoisie, and the church. Mercantilism, the prevailing economic system, focused on accumulating wealth through precious metals, protectionism, and a favorable balance of trade. The video also highlights the role of key philosophers like Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Bossuet, who either supported or critiqued these systems, and presents historical examples such as Louis XIV and Elizabeth I, illustrating the impact of these ideas on European governance and economics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Absolutism refers to a system of governance where the monarch holds supreme power over the state, with no legal or political limitations.
• 😀 The monarch is the central authority in an absolutist regime, controlling all aspects of the government, including the military, laws, and finances.
• 😀 Absolutism was supported by the nobility, who relied on the monarchy to protect them from peasant uprisings, and by the bourgeoisie, who benefitted from a unified market.
• 😀 Mercantilism, an economic theory that arose after feudalism, was adopted by absolutist states to increase national wealth by controlling trade and accumulating precious metals.
• 😀 Key features of mercantilism include protectionism, maintaining a favorable balance of trade, and extensive state intervention in the economy.
• 😀 The monarch’s power was often legitimized through the **Divine Right of Kings**, the belief that monarchs were chosen by God, making their authority unquestionable.
• 😀 Philosophers like Niccolò Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, and Jacques Bossuet supported absolutism, each offering different justifications for absolute rule.
• 😀 Machiavelli’s *The Prince* suggested that rulers should use any means necessary to achieve their political goals, famously saying, ‘the ends justify the means.’
• 😀 Hobbes, in *Leviathan*, argued that humans, driven by selfishness, needed a powerful sovereign to maintain peace and order in society.
• 😀 Louis XIV of France, known as the Sun King, epitomized absolutism by centralizing power and building the extravagant Palace of Versailles as a symbol of his wealth and authority.

Q & A

What is absolutism, and how did it shape European governance during the Early Modern period?

Absolutism is a political system where the monarch holds absolute power over the state, without being bound by laws or institutions. During the Early Modern period in Europe, monarchs centralized their authority, effectively controlling all aspects of governance, including the economy, military, and legal systems.

How did the relationship between the king, nobility, and bourgeoisie support the rise of absolutism?

The king relied on support from both the nobility and the bourgeoisie to maintain his absolute power. The nobility benefited from royal protection against peasant uprisings, while the bourgeoisie supported the king's policies, as centralized power facilitated trade and commerce across unified territories.

What role did the church play in supporting absolutism?

The church, especially the clergy, supported absolutism because it helped maintain their privileges and influence. Many high-ranking clergy members saw absolutist monarchs as a means to solidify their power over the population, especially through the concept of the divine right of kings.

What are the key characteristics of mercantilism as an economic system?

Mercantilism focuses on accumulating wealth, particularly in the form of precious metals like gold and silver. It advocates for protectionism, emphasizing the importance of exports over imports to maintain a favorable balance of trade. It also involves heavy state intervention in the economy, regulating trade and industry.

How did mercantilism benefit the bourgeoisie during the period of absolutism?

Mercantilism benefited the bourgeoisie by creating a stable and unified market for their goods. The centralization of power under the king ensured uniformity in currency, weights, measures, and taxes, which made trade easier and more profitable for the emerging merchant class.

What was the 'divine right of kings' and how did it justify absolutist rule?

The 'divine right of kings' was the belief that monarchs were chosen by God and, therefore, had absolute authority to rule without question. This idea made it sacrilegious to challenge a monarch’s power, as doing so would be akin to defying God's will.

Who were the key philosophers supporting absolutism, and what were their main ideas?

Key philosophers supporting absolutism included Niccolò Machiavelli, who argued that rulers should prioritize results over ethical considerations; Thomas Hobbes, who believed in a powerful sovereign to maintain order in society through a social contract; and Jacques Bossuet, who defended the divine right of kings, arguing that monarchs’ authority came directly from God.

How did Louis XIV of France embody the principles of absolutism?

Louis XIV, known as the 'Sun King,' centralized all political power in his own hands. He sought to control both the economy and the state, famously saying, 'L'État, c'est moi' (I am the State). His reign was marked by grand symbolism, including the construction of the opulent Palace of Versailles to demonstrate his wealth and power.

What impact did Elizabeth I have on the development of absolutism in England?

Elizabeth I played a crucial role in consolidating absolutism in England by managing her image and asserting her authority over both Parliament and her subjects. She used symbolism, such as extravagant attire and jewels, to project an image of grandeur and reinforce her sovereignty.

What is the significance of the phrase 'L'État, c'est moi' in relation to absolutism?

'L'État, c'est moi' (I am the State) encapsulates the essence of absolutism, where the monarch's power is so absolute that it becomes inseparable from the state itself. This phrase, attributed to Louis XIV, symbolizes the total control and authority of the king over every aspect of governance.