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Nov 24, 1534
Henry VIII and the Act of Supremacy
Parliament recognizes Henry VIII as the supreme ruler of the Church of England with the Act of Supremacy. This is the first instance of absolutism taken place. -
James I of England
After the death of Elizabeth I, James I rose to power, enforcing ideas based off of his book The True Law of Monarchies. Suspicions of his son Charles I will take absolute power of England led to their Civil War and is eventual execution. -
Cardinal de Richelieu Appointed as Chief Minister
As an influential power in politics, de Richelieu leaned Frace toward an absolutist monarchy. His agenda included the limiting of Huguenots and nobility, as well as repressing Hapsburg. -
(1651) Thomas Hobbes Publishes Leviathan
English political theorist Hobbes oublishes his book Leviathan. His ideas paint the idea of a society living under a social contract. To prevent too much freedom, this society designates an absolute nonarch. -
Louis XIV to Power
Following Cardinal Manzarin's death, Louis XIV rose to a supreme power. He took control of taxation, church, and politics, converting France into a Catholic nation. -
Louis XIV and the Edict of Nantes
Louis XIV does away with the Edict of Nantes, which acknowledged Huguenots. He desired only one king, one rule, and one faith for his nation. -
Peter the Great as Russia's Czar
Upon being appointed as czar of Russia, Peter the Great's endeavors of westernizing Russia led to the modernization of military technology and inventions, leading to Russia's prosperity. Under Peter the Great's iron fist sprouted a strong standing army and a thriving economy. -
The English Bill of Rights
Following the Glorious Revolution, Parliament appointed William of Orange the position of king. However, a Bill of Rights was issued to limit his royal authority, thus increasing power of Parliament. -
The Rulings of Louis XV and Louis XVI
Years following the end of the Sun King's reign in France, a counterculture arose under the rule of Louis XV (1715-1774) and Louis XVI (1774-1793). Such countercultured believed that the Sun King's rule as oppressive to the individual spirit. Unleashed Enlightenment tore down the principles set down by Richelieu and Louis XIV. -
Alexander III - Emperor of Russia
To avenge his father's assassination, Alexander III brought back the absolutist rule of Nicholas I. He forced the learning of Russian, persecuted Jews, and repressed revolution.
