Absolutism

Absolutism was a period of time where monarchs began to collect power into themselves
centralizing the government under the direct control of said monarchs. During this
time, the nobility lost power and government policies became more focused on what
the monarch wanted, leading to increased wars as monarchs looked to expand their power.

Prelude

The Renaissance promoted individualism, which promoted the idea that people only
had to look to themselves to improve. Machiavelli's book "The Prince" advised
monarchs to rule by all means possible. These two ideas from the Renaissance led
monarchs in the 17th and 18th centuries to attempt to rule more directly.

Enlightened Absolutists

Many of the absolute monarchs of the time were known as enlightened absolutists.
this was due to their embracing of Enlightenment ideals, intiating reforms in
their countries. These include Catherine the Great, Joseph 11, and Frederick the
Great.
Catherine the Great ruled Russia from 1762 to 1796. She spread schools, orphanages,
and hospitals throughout her nation, in line with the Enlightenment ideals of
education and reason. She also improved the legal standing of serfs in Russia,
allowing them to legally challenge nobles who mistreated them.
Joseph 11 was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1765 to 1790. He is most known for
aboliting serfdom and granting freedom of the press. Joseph 11 also established
religious equality before the law, removing discrimination in the courts.
Frederick the Great ruled Prussia from 1772 to 1786. He modernized the Prussian
army and won significant military successes throughout his reign. He was also
well known for his patronage of the arts and Enlightenment.

Louis X1V

Possibly the most famous monarch from the period of absolutism was Louis X1V of
France. He took complete control of the government, pacifying the nobility and
gaining power. Louis X1V expanded France through multiple wars, including the
Nine Years' War and War of Spanish Succession. He also worked to increase trade
and reorganized the economy. Louis X1V ruled for the longest period of any absolute
monarch, 72 years.