absolutism
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Submitted by kourtney316 on 04/07/2008 05:55 PM Flag This Paper
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absolutism
One powerful decision can change the course of a country for centuries. During the seventeenth century, a French ruler, known as Louis XIV, decided that he would become an absolute ruler. This confused some; however, it angered many of the French. King Louis XIV’s decision fumed the flame of the French Revolution. Absolutism became a huge factor in Europe as it shifted political powers from the parliament and king, to only the king. As absolutism was introduced, many Europeans saw a bright future politically for their country, however, in the seventeenth century, absolutism was a bad idea for European rulers.
In Second Treatise on Government, John Locke states “The only way whereby anyone divests himself of his natural liberty and puts on the bonds of civil society, is by agreeing with other men…†Locke is saying that there is no way for anyone to be a fair and just leader if they cannot agree with other men. He believed that before society was organized, humans lived in a state of equality and freedom rather than a state of war, which is very true. If asked, many people would say they would rather have equal rights and freedoms, then have their country at war. That question is almost rhetorical. However, in an absolute monarchy, the monarch decides the rights of the people. Because of this, people found it difficult to protect their natural rights. Natural rights, which include life, liberty, and property, should not be taken away from the people of a country, just so that one person can have all the power.