The Age of Absolute Monarchies

The Age of Absolute Monarchies, spanning roughly from the 16th to the 18th centuries in Europe, was a period when kings and queens held absolute power over their states. Rulers like Louis XIV of France and Peter the Great of Russia centralized authority, often believing they were divinely ordained to govern. This era saw the establishment of strong, centralized governments, often at the expense of nobility and local autonomy. While it brought stability and expansion, it also sparked conflicts and revolutions as ideas of democracy and individual rights began to emerge, challenging the authority of absolute rulers.