1. Establishment of Standing Armies: Late medieval monarchs began to establish standing armies, which were professional, full-time military forces that were not dependent on feudal levies or mercenaries. This allowed them to have greater control over military affairs and reduce the influence of powerful feudal lords.
2. Increased Use of Bureaucracy: Monarchs expanded their bureaucracies and administrative systems to improve governance and collect taxes more efficiently. They appointed royal officials and established centralized institutions that reduced the power of regional lords and increased the authority of the central government.
3. Development of Legal Systems: Monarchs strengthened the legal systems in their territories, establishing courts and legal codes that were applied uniformly across the realm. This helped to reduce the influence of local laws and customs and ensured that the monarch's authority was supreme.
4. Diplomacy and Alliances: Late medieval monarchs engaged in diplomatic negotiations and formed alliances with other rulers and states to increase their power and influence. They used marriage alliances, treaties, and military alliances to gain strategic advantages and expand their territories.
5. Patronage and Cultural Control: Monarchs used patronage to reward loyal supporters and control cultural and intellectual activities. They supported artists, writers, and scholars, and fostered a culture that celebrated the monarch's power and authority.
6. Religious Control: Many late medieval monarchs sought to control religious institutions within their territories. They influenced the appointment of bishops and clergy, and sometimes even claimed the right to control church property and revenues.
7. Use of Propaganda and Symbolism: Monarchs employed propaganda and symbolism to reinforce their authority and legitimacy. They used rituals, ceremonies, and symbols to create an aura of majesty and power, which helped to instill loyalty and obedience among their subjects.
By combining these strategies, late medieval monarchs were able to consolidate their power, centralize authority, and establish stronger, more effective states. This paved the way for the development of modern nation-states and the rise of absolute monarchies in the early modern period.