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Absolutism vs. Constitutionalism

Absolutism vs. Constitutionalism. Pre-conditions. Since mid-17th century new tendencies in political thinking and philosophy Connected with Enlightenment („Enlightened Absolutism“) Absolutism as system of modern statehood Absolutism as period: notion of despotism, unchecked monarchic power

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Absolutism vs. Constitutionalism

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  1. Absolutism vs. Constitutionalism

  2. Pre-conditions • Since mid-17th century new tendencies in political thinking and philosophy • Connected with Enlightenment („Enlightened Absolutism“) • Absolutism as system of modern statehood • Absolutism as period: notion of despotism, unchecked monarchic power • Why different from earlier periods, forms of statehood?

  3. The Specificity of Absolutism • Enlightenment as background • Increasing claim by monarchs for full authority over territorial state • No princely responsibility to higher authority (e.g. law) • „L‘état, c‘est moi.“ • Legitimacy derived exclusively from God

  4. Modern Elements in Absolutism • Centralised administration • New developments in warfare • Outer appearance of rule: e.g. royal palaces (Versailles) • Rationality as main principle, esp. in social and economic policy (mercantilism) • Religious tolerance • Goal: public wealth • Increasing importance of national principle

  5. Versailles

  6. Pre-requisites • Increasing readiness of local nobility to cooperate • Reasons: desire for stability • Pre-history: ongoing warfare (30 Years War, French civil war „Fronde“ 1648-53, British civil wars, Oliver Cromwell)

  7. Characteristics • Royal power not really „absolute“ • Ideological foundations (e.g. Louis XIV. as „Sun King“), „Gloire“ as motivation • Militant: expansionist wars in Europe (French-Spanish war 1668-72, Spanish succession war 1701-14, Silesian wars)

  8. Constitutionalist Developments • Enlightened political thinking: Voltaire, Locke, Robbespierre, Kant • Constitutional statehood: Poland (Szlachta, constitution 1791, USA 1776, French Revolution 1789) • Enlightened „restricted“ Absolutism survives in large parts of Europe until 20th century

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