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Period: Jan 26, 1547 to
Tsarist Russia
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Period: to
Bourbon Monarchy of France
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Restoration Charles II of England (Stuart Monarchy)
"King Charles II" by John Michael Wright, 1661. In honour of Charles II's coronation April 23, 1661. The return of the monarchy is significant, having disappeared during the Civil War and the Commonwealth (led by Oliver Cromwell). On that note, 1660 to 1688 represent the last years of absolute monarchy within Britain (end of an era). The Glorious Revolution (1688), as well as the Bill of Rights (1689) sought to establish proper constitution and a strong Parliament to Britain. -
Period: to
Absolute Monarchy in Britain
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The Execution of Marie-Antoinette
The moment was immortalized by painter: William Hamilton (1751-1801) in 1794.
The public executions of both Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette are critical in Europe's history of authoritarianism. Following the French Revolution, the monarchy was deposed and arrested, as the Third Estate had its eyes on a Republic. This moment represents the triumph of democracy over autocracy, a rare occurrence in the 18th century. -
Coronation of Nicholas I of Russia
Dec 1, 1825.
The relevance of Nicholas I's coronation has to do with the Decembrists Revolt a few weeks later (December 26, 1825). The Decembrists demanded liberal reform from the new Tsar, who harshly put down the revolt. This marked the beginning of Nicholas I's reign, a very conservative one, full of censorship and restrictions. It also set the tone for Russia's growing discontent with the Tsarist system, which would come to an end nearly 100 years later. -
Period: to
Nazi Germany
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Hitler Youth Reichssieger Competition 1936
This photo is meant to depict the grasp of Nazi authority on all aspects of society, including this youth group. There appears to be no sense of leisure or freedom within society. This contrasts greatly to older forms of autocracy, for instance the Stuart Monarchy of Britain. Prior to mass politics and mass propaganda, such precise control of a population's activities were not achievable (without relying on the church).