1. Enlightenment Ideas:
- The spread of Enlightenment ideas, emphasizing reason, individual rights, and the separation of powers, challenged the divine right of kings and the absolute authority of monarchs.
2. Constitutionalism:
- Many absolute monarchies transitioned into constitutional monarchies, where the power of the monarch was limited by a constitution that defined the rights of citizens and the powers of the government.
3. Representative Assemblies:
- Representative assemblies, such as parliaments, were established to give citizens a voice in decision-making processes, restricting the absolute rule of monarchs.
4. Revolutions:
- Revolutions, such as the French Revolution of 1789, led to the overthrow of absolute monarchies and the establishment of more democratic forms of government.
5. Colonial Independence:
- The independence movements in the Americas and other colonies challenged the absolute rule of European monarchs, leading to the establishment of independent nations.
6. Wars:
- Wars, such as the Napoleonic Wars, weakened absolute monarchies and accelerated political changes that limited their power.
7. Spread of Democracy:
- The success of democratic revolutions and the increasing influence of public opinion contributed to the decline of absolute monarchies and the rise of more representative governments.
8. Industrialization:
- Industrialization and the growth of the middle class led to demands for political participation and the limitation of monarchical authority.
9. Expansion of Suffrage:
- The expansion of suffrage, allowing more people to vote, led to increased accountability of governments to their citizens.
In summary, absolute monarchies underwent significant changes during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries as a result of Enlightenment ideas, revolutions, the rise of constitutionalism, and the spread of democracy. These changes led to the erosion of absolute power and the establishment of more representative forms of government.