HIST103: World History in the Early Modern and Modern Eras (1600-Present)

2.2: Absolutist Political Systems

• 2.2.1: Europe

  • International World History Project: "European Absolutism and Power Politics"

    Read this article. This website promotes the knowledge and shared information of history, by hosting articles and other materials written by professors around the world. This website is maintained by historian and author Dr. Robert A. Guisepi.
    

  • Jean Domat's "On Social Order and Absolute Monarchy"

    Read this primary-source document.

    In this 1697 treatise, French lawyer Jean Domat justifies absolute monarchical rule as an instrument of God's will. Domat argues that kings and princes derive all their power from God and consequently deserve absolute loyalty and obedience from their subjects. He also asserts, however, that monarchs must always act justly and provide for the welfare of their subjects, even though they are accountable to no one but God alone.

  • "History Review: Absolutism"

    Review slides 1 through 41. It will be helpful to view these slides in conjunction with your other readings.
    

• 2.2.2: Middle East and Asia

  • International World History Project: Dr. Robert Guisepi's "The Ottomans: From Frontier Warriors to Empire Builders"

    Read this article.
    

  • The Tokugawa Shogunate

    Read this article about the Tokugawa Shogunate.
    

  • "History Review: Absolutism"

    Review slides 42 through 71.
    

• 2.2.3: Challenges to Absolutism

  • Dr. Steven Kreis' "The English Civil War"

    Read this article, which focuses on the causes of the English Civil War and consequences of the conflict for the English monarchy. This text was developed by Dr. Steven Kreis as an open educational resource for use in undergraduate history courses. Dr. Steven Kreis teaches history at American Public University.
    

  • International World History Project: Wallbank et al.'s "The Case against Absolutism"

    Read this article, which presents a number of historical criticisms of absolutism.