The Lineages of the Absolutist State

The lineages of the absolutist state refer to the historical development of governments where monarchs held centralized, unchecked power. These states often evolved from medieval feudal systems, where kings gradually consolidated authority over nobles and regions. Key examples include 17th-century France under Louis XIV, who claimed divine right to rule without significant opposition, and Spain under the Habsburgs, where monarchs strengthened royal authority. These lineages showcase how rulers justified their authority through religion, tradition, or legal codes, establishing a system where the monarch's power was virtually absolute, shaping modern conceptions of national sovereignty.