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Absolutism. CH. 15: State Building and the Search for order in the Seventeenth Century. The Practice of Absolutism. Crown = State– Law and Order- stability Absolutism Govern absolutely- sovereign power in hands of king- ultimate authority-
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Absolutism CH. 15: State Building and the Search for order in the Seventeenth Century
The Practice of Absolutism • Crown = State– Law and Order- stability • Absolutism • Govern absolutely- sovereign power in hands of king- ultimate authority- • rule by divine right- God chose so they are responsible to God only • Interest of the State must come first- economically, politically, and socially • need for an organized society- laws, taxes, courts to carry out those laws and foreign policy do the best for their state • Keep nobles from fighting and away from politics • Support a lavish and complicated court life • Manipulate their role in politics
Absolute Government • Design and implement an efficient bureaucracy • Officials loyal to the crown who could/would carry out the tasks of the state as determined by the ruler • Western Europe – middle-class citizens build these ranks • Eastern Europe – lesser nobility chosen • BUT how absolute is absolutism? • ruler is not legally bound to any other persons or institutions but he • was dependent on advisors & bureaucrats • could be resisted by lawyers, nobles, ecclesiastics, hereditary officeholders, etc. • slow transportation & communication = not very efficient
Absolute Economics • Mercantilism - State-initiated economic policy • encouraging exports • discouraging imports • based on bullion (hard currency - gold and silver) and international trade (build monopolies and joint-stock companies) • encouraging growth of colonies • Primarily in North and South America Stimulate domestic industry – tax breaks or government subsidies
Military that supports Absolutism 17th Century Military Outdated Military Tactics • Standing army professional and independent mercenaries • Conscripts- drafted paid by looting you victories- landownership • Country depended on it only as needed • Infantry- squadrons mounted knights- with swords- bows • battalions • Firearms and canons • Salvo- firing at once firing row by row in large groups then charge • Offensive defensive • More mobile and flexible • Required training, fighting on your own with little rules • Organization, discipline • Large bureaucracies to manage and maintain- growth in state’s government– more levied taxes to pay for state’s military= power