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Compare And Contrast 16th And 17th Century Absolutism

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Absolutism
Absolutism can be linked to many terms, but the most prominent and influential examples of absolutism of the 16th and 17th centuries, were absolute monarchies. An absolute monarchy is when a ruler has complete control and power over their land, with no system or agency, in opposition, to keep them in check. During the 16th and 17th century, absolutism and absolute rulers had a strong hold over Europe. Many kings governing their lands across the continent; all claimed to be wielding the power of god. Also a habit formed where monarchs felt as though they, and they alone ,knew what is best for their subjects. While at the same time when that power is held by just and reasonable men, they become some of the greatest leaders in their …show more content…

Absolute monarch felt that they were the only men qualified to rule over their subjects and guide them in the right and lawful direction. Niccolo Machiavelli is famous for openly believing himself to be a genius and better than everyone else, and it is easy to see his point of view his standpoint on popularity and the quality of life of his subjects when he said, ”Men have less hesitation in offending a man who is loved than one who is feared, for love is held by a bond of obligation which, as men are wicked, is broken whenever personal advantage suggests it, but fear is accompanied by …show more content…

One of the best known absolute monarchs was Peter the Great. Peter earned his title through years of patience and also through proving himself more than worthy in the eyes of the public. His reign is one of the most important of Russian history, one of his greatest achievements was removing the untrust worthy Streltsy who were in place as the military, and creating a new standing army. That army would, by the end of Peters rule be accompanied by Russias first navy. “He created a navy out of nothing, leaving behind him a fleet of forty-eight ships-of-the-line and many smaller vessels.”(Document 8) .Another case was the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. He was in complete control of the men in place around him, and through that kept his empire running as smoothly as he could. Unlike the Russian rule (pre-Peter the Great) the sultan was blind to the heritage of his counselors; as we can see in the excerpt of ‘The Turkish Letters’ written by the Holy Roman Ambassador. ” It is by merit that men rise in the service, a system which ensures that posts should only be assigned to the competent. “(Document

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