The Age of Absolutism in Europe and Beyond

From the sociopolitical and religious ferment of the sixteenth century in Europe arose Absolutism: a political theory advocating the vesting of unlimited power to autocrats. In pursuing endeavors to consolidate their authority, absolute rulers sought to maintain societal stability as a means to promote peace and economic growth within their nation-states. Moreover, many attempted to maintain their "divine" right to rule by glorifying their reigns through majestic works of art that greatly augmented the prestige of their authoritarian roles. As absolute rule was a norm during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries throughout the world, noticeably present in the Ottoman Empire, Persia, Mogul India, and Ming and Qing China, many historians have scrutinized the origins of the Age of Absolutism so as to reasonably conclude how absolutism emerged as a viable form of government.

Prior to the Age of Absolutism, much of Europe experienced incessant warfare as religious and politcal factions vied for power within newly forming nation-states. The continuous conflicts that entrenched Europe in sociopolitcal decay came to a head during the devastating Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), during which multiple nations, German principalities, and religious factions fought one another over politcal and religious differences. The war concluded with the Peace of Westphalia, which resulted in the rise of France as a regional power, the deterioration of the Holy Roman Empire's hegemony, and the assertion of the principle of national sovereignty.

In response to the widespread chaos that erupted during the Thirty Years' War, European rulers sought effective measures with which to consolidate power and to prevent the occurrence of internal upheaval. King Louis XIV of France, the epitome of absolute power in Europe at the time, created a highly centralized bureacracy, formed a standing military, subjugated the Church and nobles, and commissioned masters to commemorate his reign through audacious architectural and artisic feats. As cultural diffusion ensued, moreover, foreign entities, including the Ottoman Empire and Persia, absorbed many of the characteristics of absolute rule in Europe into their cultures that greatly strengthened the authenticity of their imperial traditions. Ideas pertaining to absolutism spread throughout the world and effected substantial change throughout Asia, whether through the support or opposition to the growing cultural influence of European nations.

Because the study of the origins of the Age of Absolutism is multifaceted and complex, many conjectures may be developed that describe the rise of absolute rulers. As such, many feasible explanations may be formed regarding this unique era in world history.

The word absolutism is laced with bad connotations. this form of government brings to mind pictures of egotistical tyrants who continuously exploit their subjects. However, these rulers were very influential; they made guided their countries in making great strides in the world of art.

Absolutist leaders ruled all over the world in the seventeenth century (France, England, Spain, India, China, Japan...). These rulers succeeded in unifying their nations. Without nobles and regional princes squabbling over boundaries and religious issues, people were able to develop their unique cultures. Absolutists became patrons of the arts, and music, theater, art, architect, and dance flourished under their reigns. 

Although some leaders did enforce the negative stereotypes about absolutism, they did wonders in cultivating the world.

Status Quo- Hobbes

I can't help but feel that the "Rise of Absolutism" during the period of time was nothing more than a continuation of trends throughout history. Having a single ruler with absolute power was far from new.

In Europe there were two major powers that had non-absolutist governments. The Greeks had a democracy and the Romans had a republic. Eventually around year 27BC the Romans became an Empire and proceeded to set the bar for corrupt egoistic wasteful tyrants. This lasted until the Attila the Hun (another absolute autocrat) came and crashed the party. The Roman Empire was thus divided into small kingdoms. Europe would then continue being ruled by autocrats until democracy got popular.
In China Emperors ruled the land with with the Mandate of Heaven from the Han Dynasty forward (~200BC). When the Manchu clans ousted the Ming dynasty and created the Qing dynasty they were replacing one Absolutist system with another. Having a single all-powerful ruler was the status Quo for China.
Persia was an ancient empire of even biblical fame, sporting a series of Xerxes themed Absolute Emperors. The ancient Persians were conquered by Alexander the Great, who was a King. His Kingdom dissolved on his death to form the Parthian Empire, who was conquered by the Sassanid Empire, who were absorbed by the Arab Caliphate (who were mostly Absolutiste rulers, but elected by their people). Once Persia liberated itself the Safavid Dynasty was set up and thus arrived Shah Abbas the Great.
Other examples throughout history of Absolute rulers
-The Egyptian Pharaohs
-The Golden Horde
-The Japanese Emperors and Shogun (during the Classical and Feudal periods respectively)
-Russian Czars
-Later Aztec rulers

In conclusion, the appearance of absolute rulers during this period of time was no more strange than their appearance at any time in history. Democracy was impossible to manage with large states and slow communication. Republics were weak and slow to act, allowing them to get conquered by strong autocrats. Theocracy was popular but the will of God tended to be interpreted by one all-powered ruler rather than by comittee. Thus absolutism became the status quo for human history, and the rulers we read about were both very powerful and a dying breed.