English absolutism begins with King Henry VII of the Tudor dynasty in 1485 and ends with King Charles II of the Stuart family in 1685.
With the support of the bourgeoisie, Henry Tudor, crowned as Henry VII, founded the dynasty that remained in power between 1485 and 1603.
Abstract English Absolutism
Absolutism in England was marked by an important difference when compared to other European monarchies. Since 1215, the king's power was limited by the Magna Carta. Thus, in addition to the nobility and the Church, English kings had to take Parliament into account when governing.
In the 15th century, a civil war known as the War of the Two Roses (1455-1485) took place. Two families, Lancaster and York, vie for the throne and the Lancasters emerge victorious. Thus begins the reign of Henry VII.
Naturally, the absolutist power of each English monarch varied from time to time, as England underwent profound political and economic transformations.
One of Henry VII's first measures, for example, was to limit the power of the nobility, taking away their prerogative to do justice. He also sponsored John Cabot's 1497 maritime expeditions along the Canadian coast, within the economic principles of mercantilism.
Another difference that we can highlight is the religious issue. During the reign of Henry VIII there was a rupture between the king and the Catholic Church. The new church, called Anglican, was born already subordinate to the monarch.
The reign of Queen Elizabeth I can be considered the height of English absolutism. The sovereign consolidates religious reform, encourages piracy in order to increase her gold reserves and even founds the first English colony in North America, Virginia, in 1607.
However, as she was childless, English absolutism went into crisis with her death.
To succeed her, the Stuart dynasty rises to power. The monarchs of this family will face two revolutions that will end the absolute power of the English kings.
Puritan Revolution
The Puritan Revolution took place in the period of the English Civil War, between 1642 and 1648, and was marked by the confrontation between the king and parliament. Weakened, the parliament demanded participation in decisions such as raising taxes, decreeing arrests and summoning the army.
The revolt also had a religious background, as groups opposed to Anglicanism, such as the Presbyterians and Puritans, were dissatisfied with the Anglican Church. During this period, England went into financial crisis, forcing the king to submit to parliament.
The political embarrassment culminated with the English civil war, which broke out in 1642. On one side was King Charles I and, on the other, the leader of Parliament Oliver Cromwell, who came out victorious.
At the end of the war, King Charles I is arrested and killed. Oliver Cromwell assumes power, but not as king, but proclaiming a Republic, in 1649. The monarchy would only be re-established in 1658, starting the period called restoration.
See also :Puritan Revolution
Absolutism in France
In France, absolutism occurred as a consequence of the victory of the Hundred Years' War, fought between 1337 and 1453.
France expelled the English from its territory and thereby strengthened nationalism and royal authority. The height of the regime occurs during the Bourbon dynasty, mainly during the reign of Louis XIV.
Also called the Sun King, Louis XIV reduced the powers of the nobility, stimulated the bourgeoisie's influence on the economy, and increased France's power in Europe.
Understand the process by reading the articles :
- Modern State
- Questions about Absolutism
- Absolute State