How did absolutism affect the development of the state?

Absolutism significantly shaped the development of the state by centralising power and authority in the hands of a single ruler.

Absolutism, as a political doctrine, advocates for the absolute power or authority in the hands of a single ruler or monarch. This had profound implications on the development of the state, particularly in Europe during the 16th to 18th centuries. The centralisation of power in the hands of a single ruler led to the creation of strong, unified states, often at the expense of local and regional autonomy.

In France, for example, Louis XIV, known as the 'Sun King', epitomised absolutism. He famously declared, "L'etat, c'est moi" or "I am the state", underscoring the extent to which power was concentrated in his hands. Louis XIV expanded the bureaucracy, maintained a large standing army, and used his control over the Church to reinforce his authority. This centralisation of power allowed him to maintain control over a large and diverse kingdom, shaping France into a strong, centralised state.

In Russia, Peter the Great and Catherine the Great also pursued policies of absolutism, centralising power and modernising the state along Western lines. They expanded the bureaucracy, reformed the military, and pursued aggressive foreign policies, all of which contributed to the development of a strong, centralised Russian state.

However, absolutism also had its drawbacks. The concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler often led to abuses of power and the suppression of individual liberties. Moreover, the lack of checks and balances could lead to poor decision-making and instability, particularly if the ruler was incompetent or corrupt.

In the long run, the centralisation of power under absolutism laid the groundwork for the development of the modern state. It helped to create strong, unified states with centralised bureaucracies, standing armies, and the ability to pursue independent foreign policies. However, it also set the stage for the eventual emergence of constitutionalism and democracy, as people sought to limit the power of the monarch and establish more representative forms of government.