Monarchie - 01 La monarchie absolue

Summary

This script explores the rise of absolute monarchy in 17th-century Europe, where states became more distinct and independent. It discusses the shift from empires like the Roman and Charlemagne to individual states asserting their power, particularly through absolute monarchies. The script highlights the French monarchy under Louis XIII, Richelieu, Louis XIV, and Mazarin, where the king's power was absolute but still bound by fundamental laws and privileges. It also touches on the state's growing authority over society, including social welfare and justice, and the concept of the king as a divine representative, expected to uphold certain beliefs and laws.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The concept of monarchy, where power is held by a single person such as a king or queen, became more defined and absolute around the 17th century in Europe.
• 🌐 Europe saw a shift from a unified empire to independent states, each with its own form of government, during the 1600s.
• 👑 Absolutism emerged as a political regime where the state leader, typically a king, held all powers, notably in France under Louis XIII, Richelieu, and Louis XIV with Mazarin.
• 🔗 The rise of the state as an independent entity with centralized power began to take shape in the 16th and 17th centuries, distinct from external powers like the Pope or the Holy Roman Emperor.
• 💼 The state's authority grew as it took over societal responsibilities such as welfare, previously managed by the church, and introduced state-controlled assistance for the poor.
• 🏛️ The state's sovereignty was asserted through control over fundamental rights like minting currency, taxation, and justice, replacing private vengeance practices like dueling.
• 🏆 The power and prosperity of states varied; France and Britain saw the rise of strong monarchies, while Spain declined and Venice lost its commercial dominance.
• 🤴 In the era of absolute monarchy, the king was seen as God's representative on earth, a belief that justified his absolute authority and the obedience of his subjects.
• 📜 Despite their absolute power, monarchs were bound by fundamental laws and had to respect privileges held by certain regions, cities, or professional groups.
• ⚖️ The French Revolution in 1789 challenged the absolute monarchy model, leading to a reevaluation of state and monarchical power across Europe.

Q & A

What was the political landscape of Europe around 1600?

Around 1600, Europe was increasingly divided into independent states, each adopting different forms of government, moving away from the model of a single empire dominating vast territories.

What is the definition of monarchy as described in the script?

Monarchy is defined as a political regime where power is generally exercised by a single person, either a king or sometimes a queen.

How did the power of kings in the Middle Ages compare to that of the absolute monarchs of the 17th century?

In the Middle Ages, the power of kings was often limited, sometimes even overshadowed by more powerful vassals, and they were subject to the authority of the Pope or the Holy Roman Emperor. In contrast, by the 17th century, absolute monarchs like those in France had much more consolidated power.

What is absolutism and how did it manifest in 17th century France?

Absolutism is a political regime where the head of state has all the powers. In 17th century France, it manifested as the king's power becoming total, especially under the reigns of Louis XIII and his first minister Richelieu, and later Louis XIV and Mazarin, where the absolute monarchy was firmly established.

Why did the concept of the state become more prominent in the 16th and 17th centuries?

The concept of the state became more prominent as it represented a new way of thinking about political organization. It became an independent authority that functioned without external intervention, such as from the Pope or the Emperor, and its power over society increased, becoming more centralized.

How did the state assert its authority in the 17th century?

In the 17th century, the state asserted its authority by controlling fundamental rights such as minting money, levying taxes, and administering justice. It also became a source of unity in the face of religious divisions.

What were some of the social responsibilities that states began to take on during the 16th and 17th centuries?

States began to take on social responsibilities such as providing assistance to the poor, which was previously the role of the church. However, this aid could come with conditions like imprisonment or forced labor.

Why were people expected to obey the king in an absolute monarchy?

People were expected to obey the king in an absolute monarchy because the king was seen as the representative of God on earth. Challenging the king's authority was akin to challenging the authority of God, which was inconceivable in a deeply religious society.

What were the fundamental laws that even an absolute monarch had to respect in France?

Even an absolute monarch in France had to respect certain fundamental laws, such as not being able to choose their heir (the heir was always the eldest son), a queen could only govern if her son was too young to rule, the king had to be Catholic, and the king could not sell parts of the country.

How did the privileges of certain provinces, cities, or guilds affect the absolute monarchy?

The privileges of certain provinces, cities, or guilds were specific rights they held, and any challenge to these could provoke revolts. The absolute monarch had to take these privileges into account when governing.

What event in 1789 challenged the model of absolute monarchy in France and Europe?

The ideas of the French Revolution in 1789 challenged the model of absolute monarchy in France and subsequently across Europe, leading to significant political changes.