Absolutismo: Aula de História

Summary

This video script explores the rise of the bourgeoisie and its role in the decline of feudalism, leading to the emergence of absolutism and the creation of modern nation-states. It highlights how monarchs, recognizing the wealth and power of the bourgeoisie, consolidated their power, establishing policies such as the tax on services (ISS). Key political theorists like Machiavelli and Hobbes are referenced, emphasizing the need for absolute authority. The script also ties these developments to the Age of Exploration, mercantilism, and the growth of colonialism, shaping the political landscape of the time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The rise of the bourgeoisie was a result of the decline of feudal nobility, leading to the emergence of new political and economic structures.
• 😀 Monarchs started to recognize the power of the bourgeoisie, seeking to leverage their wealth for economic and political gain.
• 😀 The period of absolutism marked the centralization of power under monarchs, who controlled every aspect of governance.
• 😀 Monarchs used their control over resources to forge alliances with the bourgeoisie, expanding trade and colonial territories.
• 😀 Key historical figures like Niccolò Machiavelli advocated for ruthless leadership, suggesting that the ends justify the means to achieve unity.
• 😀 Thomas Hobbes critiqued republican systems and argued that absolute power was necessary to maintain order and prevent chaos.
• 😀 The creation of modern nation-states involved the adoption of unified currencies, languages, and laws, shaping the political landscape of Europe.
• 😀 The formation of nation-states allowed monarchs to impose taxes, like the 'Imposto sobre Serviços', which funded their centralized power.
• 😀 Portugal played a pioneering role in establishing absolutism, using alliances with the bourgeoisie to expand its influence and colonial empire.
• 😀 France, under King Louis XIV, exemplified absolutism, with a focus on centralizing power and exerting control over all aspects of governance.
• 😀 The era of absolutism contributed to the rise of mercantilism, colonial expansion, and the development of trade systems benefiting European monarchies.

Q & A

What triggered the rise of the bourgeoisie and the decline of feudal nobility?

The rise of the bourgeoisie was driven by the increasing wealth from commerce, trade, and new business ventures. Meanwhile, feudal nobility was weakened by economic changes and political crises, leading to a shift in power towards the bourgeois class.

How did monarchs react to the rise of the bourgeoisie?

Monarchs began to centralize power, recognizing the economic power of the bourgeoisie. They formed alliances with them, providing protection and securing access to resources, while also imposing taxes on their wealth.

What is the significance of the term 'absolutism' in the context of this period?

Absolutism refers to a political system where monarchs held absolute power, consolidating control over the state and its resources, often with the support of the bourgeoisie, and diminishing the power of feudal lords.

How did taxation play a role in the development of modern states?

Monarchs introduced taxes, such as the ISS (tax on services), as a way to generate revenue from the growing wealth of the bourgeoisie. This system contributed to the creation of modern nation-states, where common laws, currencies, and language helped unify people under centralized authority.

Why was Portugal considered a pioneer in the rise of absolutism?

Portugal was one of the first countries to adopt absolutism, driven by a revolution in Avis that led to the establishment of a centralized monarchy. The Portuguese monarchy allied with the bourgeoisie to expand its influence through overseas colonies, securing new markets and resources.

What was King Louis XIV's contribution to the idea of absolutism?

King Louis XIV of France famously declared 'L'État, c'est moi' ('I am the state'), emphasizing the absolute power of the monarch. His reign became the epitome of absolutism, where the king's authority was unquestioned, and he controlled both political and economic life.

What was Machiavelli's stance on the use of absolute power?

Machiavelli, in his work 'The Prince,' argued that rulers who wield absolute power must sometimes use ruthless tactics, including deception and violence, to achieve their goals and unify fragmented territories, believing that 'the ends justify the means.'

How did Thomas Hobbes view the role of absolute monarchy?

Thomas Hobbes, in his book 'Leviathan,' argued that absolute monarchy was necessary to maintain order and prevent chaos. He believed that a strong, centralized authority was needed to curb the natural selfishness of humans and ensure peace and stability in society.

What was the impact of absolutism on global exploration and mercantilism?

Absolutism played a crucial role in the Age of Exploration, as monarchs, with the support of the bourgeoisie, financed overseas voyages to expand their empires. This led to the establishment of colonies, the growth of mercantilism, and the global exchange of goods, which benefited both the monarchy and the bourgeoisie.

What role did the church play in the development of absolutism?

The church supported the idea of absolutism through the theory of the divine right of kings, which held that monarchs ruled by God's will. This reinforced the monarchs' authority, as disobedience to the king was seen as disobedience to God.