AGE OF ABSOLUTISM AND ENLIGHTENMENT

 The most outstanding feature of the 17^th and 18^th century was the flowering of Absolutism all over Europe. Absolute monarch was founded on the theory of Divine Right of Monarchs. Hence the monarchs enjoyed absolute powers.

Splendor: Some of these monarchs were not only absolute but ‘grand’ as well. Splendor and magnificence were almost a craze with them. Their royal courts were glittering with the lavish display of wealth, salons, parks, beautiful fountains, and other luxuries. Louis XIV of France, in fact, became a shining model of ‘Grand Monarchy’ in Europe.

Enlightenment: Most of the absolute and grand monarchs were ‘enlightened’ or ‘benevolent’. They wer progressive thinkers and introduced numerous reforms for the welfare of their subjects. They acted, in many respects, in a ‘fatherly’ way towards their subjects. Yet they were called despots for they tried to strengthen their autocratic power over their subjects. Frederick the Great of Prussia, Peter the Great of Russia, Jospeh II of Austria are illustrations of the enlightened despots in Europe. During their reign, art, architecture, learning and literature were whole heartedly patronized and trade, business, industry and commerce were fully encouraged. This was also known as the Age of Enlightenment i.e. in the political field we have enlightened and absolute despots, and in the cultural field we have the continuation of the Renaissance which we call Enlightenment.