Louis XIV’s Absolute Monarchy and 17th Century European Power
Absolutism in 17th Century Europe
In the 17th century, European monarchs sought to impose absolutism, also known as the divine right of kings. They believed that God had given them their power and that they were His representatives on Earth. This conviction granted them the right to exercise unlimited power. The monarch controlled all branches of the State: he passed laws, governed, and served as the supreme judge.
Louis XIV: The Sun King (1643-1715)
Louis XIV, known as the Sun King (1643-1715), was
Read MoreThe Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Society and Economy
1. Why Did Britain Become the First Industrialized Country? Because of the political system, population growth, abundance of resources and raw materials, transport, and their colonial empire.
- Hydropower
- Use of coal to produce steam power = Watt steam machine
The Industrial Revolution: Economic Shifts and Technological Advancements
The Industrial Revolution: Early Foundations
In the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, Europe experienced a recovery of agriculture and trade. The fourteenth century brought a crisis that weakened feudal lords and led to the emergence of employees and small farmers. Monarchs struggled for power with feudal lords. From the sixteenth century, silver from Peru was distributed through looting, war, and trade. Monarchs had to resort to bankers for expenses. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries,
Read MoreSpain’s Late 19th Century: Crisis, Modernization, and Social Change
The Regency of María Cristina: Political System in Crisis (1885-1902)
After Alfonso XII’s death in 1885, his widow María Cristina served as regent until their son, Alfonso XIII, came of age. During this period, several crises significantly weakened the political system:
Challenges to Political Representation
Even after universal male suffrage was introduced in 1890, electoral fraud persisted. This created a growing divide between “official Spain” (the manipulated parliamentary system) and “real
Read MoreUnderstanding Unemployment, Migration, and Economic Impacts
The Impact of the Oil Crisis on Energy Prices
The oil crisis has caused a rise in energy prices. Many employers consider how to avoid its impact by reducing costs, sometimes through measures like substituting workers with machines or, unfortunately, dismissing workers.
When facing this kind of crisis, implementing a series of measures is crucial:
Governments often carry out a policy of wage moderation.
Unemployment in the European Union
Unemployment levels are closely linked to economic growth. Automation,
Read MoreSufi Traditions, Vijayanagara, and Mughal Rural Society
Similarities and Differences Between Be-Sharia and Ba-Sharia Sufi Traditions
Meaning of Sharia: The Sharia is the law governing the Muslim community. It is based on the Qur’an and the Hadith, traditions of the Prophet including a record of his remembered words and deeds.
- Some mystics initiated movements based on a radical interpretation of Sufi ideals. Many scorned the khangah and took to mendicancy and observed celibacy. They ignored rituals.
- They observed extreme forms of asceticism. They were known