Absolute Monarchs

An absolute monarch is a ruler whose power is unlimited, this is known as absolutism. This essay will discuss the characteristics of absolutism and how they affected 17th century absolute monarchs. The characteristics of absolutism can be defined as follows. The monarch rules by divine right and decides what is best for the state, this is the basic principle of absolutism. The ruler holds unlimited power and individuals are subjects owing loyalty and obedience to …

…capital, St. Petersburg, on its shores, ensuring a continual contact with the West. The rulers of 17th century absolute monarchies ruled brilliantly, but too much power brought about the end of their reigns. Louis XIV and Peter I both were highly respected rulers because of the amount of power they had and the enormous prosperity induced by their social, economical, and militaristic genius. Absolutism was the determining factor in the success of these two rulers.