Historical Encyclopedia
The period of absolutism in France, spanning the 16th to 18th centuries, became a time of concentration of power in the hands of the monarch. Kings sought to establish full control over the country, which led to significant changes in the political, economic, and social life. Ultimately, against the backdrop of accumulated contradictions and dissatisfaction, the Great French Revolution occurred at the end of the 18th century, becoming a turning point in the history of France and the entire world. This article examines the main aspects of absolutism and the reasons that led to the revolution.
Absolutism as a form of government became dominant in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. In France, it developed under the influence of the Bourbon dynasty. Henry IV, who became king in 1589, began to strengthen centralized power, and his reign laid the foundation for future absolutism. He issued the Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted Huguenots religious rights, contributing to internal peace.
However, the true flourishing of absolutism in France occurred under Louis XIV, who ascended to the throne in 1643. He claimed that his power was given to him by God and that he was "the state within the state." Louis XIV moved the capital from Châlons to Versailles and built a magnificent palace there, which became a symbol of his power and greatness. He sought to control all aspects of the lives of his subjects and established regular armies, allowing him to pursue an active foreign policy.
Louis XIV's policies were based on the idea of mercantilism, which suggested that the economy of the country should be oriented towards ensuring maximum revenue for the state. He actively supported the development of industry and trade, which contributed to the growth of France's economic power. However, his wars, such as the War of the Spanish Succession, led to significant financial losses and depletion of the country's resources.
Louis XIV also strengthened control over the aristocracy by forcing them to live at the court in Versailles, which limited their political power and created dependence on royal authority. This contributed to the strengthening of the absolute monarchy but also generated discontent among the nobility and the common people, which later became one of the causes of the revolution.
In the 18th century, absolutism in France began to face serious difficulties. Economic problems caused by constant wars and rising expenses of court maintenance led to an increased tax burden on peasants and urban residents. Growing discontent among various strata of the population started to accumulate, and public ideas about freedom and equality began to gain popularity.
During this time, Enlightenment philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu became active, criticizing absolutism and advocating for political and social reforms. Their ideas about civil rights, freedom of speech, and the separation of church and state became the foundation for new political movements.
The Great French Revolution began in 1789 and was the result of accumulated contradictions between royal authority and society. The uprising was triggered not only by economic hardships but also by political changes demanding popular participation in the governance of the country. The start of the revolution was marked by the convening of the Estates-General, which had not met since 1614.
During the revolution, the National Assembly was formed, which proclaimed the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This event became an important step towards creating a new society based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. However, the royal authority attempted to suppress the revolution, leading to escalation of violence and conflicts.
The revolution led to the creation of new institutions of power and, ultimately, the establishment of the First French Republic in 1792. During this time, there was an escalation of violence known as the "Reign of Terror," when thousands of people were executed under the pretext of protecting the revolution. A key figure of this period was Maximilien Robespierre, who headed the Committee of Public Safety.
Tensions between various political factions within the revolutionary movement led to internal conflicts. In 1794, Robespierre was overthrown and executed, marking the end of the Terror and the beginning of a reaction against the revolution.
The Great French Revolution led to significant changes in France's political, social, and cultural life. It brought an end to absolutism and laid the foundation for democratic governance. Revolutionary ideas spread across Europe and inspired numerous movements for freedom and equality.
The revolution also led to the emergence of new classes and social mobility, contributing to the formation of modern society. At the same time, the political instability and wars triggered by the revolution continued for several decades, creating conditions for new forms of governance, such as the Napoleonic Empire.
Absolutism and the Great French Revolution were significant stages in France's history that influenced the development of European politics and society. This period not only ended absolute monarchy but also became the basis for the formation of modern democratic ideals. Studying this period helps to better understand the historical roots of contemporary social and political processes.