Question

Доказать,что в Англии,России и Франции 16-17 в. сложился абсолютизм. Помогите пожалуйста!

Answer 1

The Development of Absolutism in England, Russia, and France in the 16th-17th Centuries

Absolutism refers to a form of government where the ruler holds absolute power and authority, without any checks or balances from other branches of government or the people. In the 16th and 17th centuries, England, Russia, and France all experienced the development of absolutism to varying degrees. Let's explore each country's path towards absolutism in more detail.

Absolutism in England

In England, the development of absolutism was a complex process that took place over several centuries. The Tudor dynasty, which ruled England from 1485 to 1603, played a significant role in consolidating royal power. Henry VIII (r. 1509-1547) and his daughter Elizabeth I (r. 1558-1603) both pursued policies that strengthened the monarchy and centralized power in the hands of the crown.

However, it was during the reign of James I (r. 1603-1625) and his son Charles I (r. 1625-1649) that absolutism reached its peak in England. James I believed in the divine right of kings, which held that monarchs derived their authority directly from God and were therefore not subject to earthly laws or limitations. Charles I continued his father's absolutist policies, which eventually led to a conflict with Parliament and the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642.

The English Civil War and the subsequent execution of Charles I in 1649 marked a turning point in the development of absolutism in England. The republican government established under Oliver Cromwell during the Interregnum (1649-1660) represented a temporary departure from absolutism. However, with the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 and the ascension of Charles II (r. 1660-1685), absolutist tendencies resurfaced, albeit in a more limited form.

Absolutism in Russia

In Russia, the development of absolutism can be traced back to the reign of Ivan the Terrible (r. 1547-1584). Ivan centralized power in his own hands and implemented a series of reforms that strengthened the authority of the tsar. His reign was marked by a brutal and autocratic style of governance, which set the stage for the emergence of absolutism in Russia.

However, it was during the reign of Peter the Great (r. 1682-1725) that absolutism reached its zenith in Russia. Peter implemented a wide range of reforms aimed at modernizing and westernizing the country. These reforms included the establishment of a centralized bureaucracy, the creation of a standing army, and the introduction of Western customs and practices. Peter's autocratic rule and his efforts to transform Russia into a European power solidified the foundations of absolutism in the country.

Absolutism in France

In France, absolutism reached its peak under the rule of Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715), also known as the Sun King. Louis XIV centralized power in his own hands and pursued policies that aimed to strengthen the authority of the monarchy. He famously declared, "L'État, c'est moi" ("I am the state"), emphasizing his belief in the divine right of kings and his absolute authority over the realm.

Louis XIV's reign was characterized by a highly centralized and bureaucratic state apparatus, which he used to control and regulate all aspects of French society. He established the Palace of Versailles as the center of political power and cultural patronage, further enhancing his image as an absolute monarch. Louis XIV's reign set the standard for absolutist rule in Europe and influenced other monarchs in their pursuit of absolute power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, absolutism developed in England, Russia, and France during the 16th and 17th centuries, albeit with varying degrees of intensity and duration. In England, the Tudor and Stuart monarchs played a significant role in consolidating royal power. In Russia, Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great were instrumental in establishing absolutist rule. And in France, Louis XIV's reign epitomized the height of absolutism. The development of absolutism in these countries was influenced by factors such as the consolidation of royal power, the belief in the divine right of kings, and the centralization of state authority.