Absolutism is a term used for the political system prevalent among European states that took part in 17th and 18th century Europe. The period of absolutism is generally believed to originate with the hegemony of Louis XIV and end with the French Revolution. In these periods, the power of kings was believed to derive from the strength of God. Therefore, the kings who ruled in the period of absolute monarchy had stable power that was superior to the power of the clergy and nobility. Any restriction against kingdoms was considered a perversity against God. The unlimited power of Kings is called “Divine Right of Kings”, which was the basis of absolutism. Louis XIV, called the Sun King, was the most popular absolutist king of France who led the most powerful regime in Europe with unlimited divine power. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay There are several reasons behind the rise of absolutism, namely the decline of feudalism, religious wars, especially the Thirty Years' War, the growth of the middle class and the Tax system is the result of climate change which has affected the lives and economies of Europeans too negatively, causing suffering and deprivation. However, the religious wars, especially the Thirty Years' War, can be considered the fundamental reason for the rise of absolute monarchy. There were a series of wars that claimed the lives of many innocent people following the Protestant Reformation. Due to these religious wars in some parts of Europe 60% of the population lost their lives. Signed at the end of the Thirty Years' War, the Peace of Westphalia had changed the balance of power in Europe and steadily reduced the power of the Catholic Church and other religious groups. As a consequence of the diminishing influence of the Church, space opened up for new power and this prepared a suitable ground for absolutism. The period of absolutism is also considered by many historians to be early capitalism. Free trade first emerged in this period. The name of the new economic system was mercantilism and this new system helped absolutist rulers centralize the economy. Furthermore, the taxation levied by merchants helped provide the financial wealth that absolute monarchs were seeking. The fundamental power of a state such as the military one, the right of judgment, was gathered in the hands of absolutist monarchs. There were vast officials' courts and permanent seats of government. With the rise of courts, the political power of courtiers who are royal councils increased. For absolute monarchs, the Palace of Versailles was built as a symbol of their power. In his period there were court painters such as Diego Velazquez who drew powerful rulers. This was also a way in which absolute monarchs displayed and maintained their unlimited power. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, from the above mentioned, it could be deduced that there was an unquestionable power and authority of the absolute monarch. There was almost no division between the state and the king. Furthermore, the rulers had God-like power. There were various reasons that caused these consequences and the most important reason was the religious wars that weakened the authority of the church.