Account Absolutism As A Form Of Essay Example

This political alienation made it possible for the King to accept a constitution-altering motion proposed by clergy and burghers.

Frederik III employed his experience from a past war with Sweden between 1657-1660 to establish Absolutism with the help of his trusted adviser Peder Schumacher. Schumacher is recognized for the Act of Autocratic Hereditary Government, which introduced the move towards Absolutism through a 'contract' rather than by divine right. Historians credit Schumacher with creating a more stable and less ruthless control than that of French Absolutism by initially seeking the co-operation of the council rather than imposing it openly. However, it must be noted that the acceptance of hereditary rule was not achieved entirely without coercion. The King granted certain concessions to the burghers in Copenhagen in 1658, which included tax-exempt status on lands previously available only to nobles- greatly displeasing the city's nobility.

The already delicate relationship between the King and the Nobles had begun to deteriorate prior to the events that followed. Despite the influence of the burghers, the nobility rejected the notion of hereditary succession as opposed to elective succession. In response, the gates of Copenhagen were shut, prompting the nobility to reconsider their position. This led to their ultimate acceptance of hereditary monarchy in Denmark, a decision which paved the way for the surrender of the accession charter of 1648 and increased Frederik III's power. The most significant outcome, however, was the enactment of Kongeloven, or 'Royal Law', in 1665. This law establishes that the King acts as God's representative on earth and is solely accountable to the Lord himself.

The King was given responsibility for foreign policy, taxation, and appointment and dismissal of

officials. The development of State bureaucracies played a significant role in the introduction of Absolutism in Denmark's government. The Rigsrad was blamed for the financial crisis, defeat in war, and subsequent collapse of government finances. This led to a weakened state and the cession of provinces to Sweden, further damaging aristocratic rule. These factors illustrate that the introduction of hereditary monarchy was not a radical change.

Denmark witnessed a significant political shift that resulted in a new hierarchy wherein Crown officials replaced hereditary nobles at the top of different divisions. Frederik's absolutism demonstrated a greater degree of ruthlessness than that of Charles XI of Sweden, as he employed all possible means to gain more power, including seizing control of his brothers-in-law's powerful positions, offices, and estates. Despite this, the changes implemented by Frederik in Norway generated an improvement from the previous governance by Danish Nobility.

Despite being considered inferior, Norwegian peasants faced less suffering under the new 'alien-government' compared to Danish nobility landlords. Another crucial aspect to explore for a comprehensive understanding of Absolutism's establishment is the King's advisers' impact on Frederik's decision to rule absolutely. Although Schumacher's influence has been previously examined, other individuals played an equally significant role in the implementation of Absolutism. Christopher Gabel, the King's secretary, demonstrated a passive attitude towards the Absolutism movement during that period.

Moreover, in 1664, Hans Nansen was elected as the burgomaster of Copenhagen, only after three years of proposing hereditary monarchy to the King. The arrival of Hereditary Monarchy saw another associate of Christopher Gabel, Bishop Hans Svane, become particularly influential in implementing absolutism. Together with Hans Nansen, they advocated the forfeiture of privileges, which would necessitate the

nobility to relinquish their powers, thereby further curtailing their influence. The contributions of Gabel, Nansen, and Svane played a crucial role in shaping the events that led to the Royal Act of 1665 and consequently became the most significant representation of Absolutism in early modern Europe.

Examining the introduction of Absolutism in Sweden in the latter part of the Seventeenth Century is significant due to its establishment of a highly successful and organized state in Europe, fostering effectiveness in bureaucracy and military affairs. To assess Absolutism in Sweden, one must consider the structure of representation at its inception. Within the "Diet," there were four estates, each having distinct functions and benefits. Starting from the highest to lowest, the "first estate of the nobility" consisted of titled counts and barons within the nobility who were immune to taxation and had an abundance of crown lands. The "estate of the clergy," mostly comprised of university professors, bishops, and priests, ranked just below them.

The Clergy held the responsibility of educating and preaching to Society while maintaining secularism and loyalty to the King. The 'Estate of Burghers' consisted of specialized traders and manufacturers residing in urban areas, who had some self-governance. Lastly, the 'Estate of Peasants' was Swedish peasants who lived as tenants on land owned by the other three estates. They were essential to Society, producing basic necessities, paying taxes and being the country's workforce. While they may not have had a significant impact on the Diet, they played an important role in Society as a whole.

Although the Swedish Peasant did not have self-governance, they still had relative freedom and rights as both a societal member and

a participant in the Diet. This suggests that there was a clear political hierarchy in Sweden. However, Peasants in Sweden enjoyed certain liberties that were not as readily available in other regions. The structured society of Sweden played a role in the formation of Absolutism during the latter part of the 17th century. The division of the four estates resulted in a transfer of power from the Council to the King. The conflict over the resumption of nobility lands caused a rift within the Diet, with lower estates supporting the King. In 1680, the King took advantage of this support to increase his power.

After being posed with three questions by the King, the estates provided their response. According to them, the King was not bound by the 1634 Form of Government and the 1660 Addition and was obligated to abide by Sweden's laws and customs. The council's legitimacy in decision-making was ensured by the Form of Government, which also restricted the King's powers. The estates declared that the council was not a distinct estate of the realm, and thus, the King had no obligation to seek their advice.

The loss of power by the nobles and estates due to the absence of a government has led to the rise of absolutism in Sweden. This underlines the significance of the four estates. The King assumed absolute control after the 'Declaration of Estates.' He implemented changes in the Armed forces, including direct supervision of military administration with Regimental Colonels accountable to Charles XI.

Charles XI was heavily involved in decisions related to appointment, promotion, and dismissal which ultimately diminished the War College's influence. He initiated an investigation into

financial misconduct within the Council of State and the matter of Regency. The motives behind this investigation were suspected to be focused on boosting revenue rather than stemming from any moral agenda. Within two years of the Declaration of Estates, Charles XI changed the name of the Council of State to the King's Council, indicating his desire for absolutism. It is essential to examine Charles XI's intentions for absolutism in Sweden.

During the latter half of the Seventeenth Century, Sweden's formation was not repressive, evidenced by numerous Diets. Economic stability was the focus of reforms, rather than exerting more influence. Charles XI's goal was to free Sweden from dependency on foreign powers, and ensure that subsidies were unnecessary. The Standing Army mainly served defensive purposes, and his reign brought about a peaceful period in Swedish history. Benefits such as housing were given to those in the Standing Army. Charles ruled for the nation's betterment, prosecuting fiscal corruption within the Regency and Council of State, and funding reforms through his 'reduktion' policies that also aided the lower estates.

Swedish absolutism is distinguished by its natural development for the benefit of the country, and is much less extreme than the absolutism experienced by France during Louis XIV's reign. According to the Danish viewpoint, absolutism was introduced after the effects of the wars prior to the Peace of Copenhagen. The King's negotiations with the burghers and Clergy undermined the noble hierarchy in Parliament, causing the collapse of the Rigsrad and allowing for hereditary monarchy to establish itself.

The Accession charter was withdrawn, and subsequently Frederik and Peder Schumacher devised a significant formal statement of absolutism that allowed Frederik to rule

in this manner. One of the tactics used by Frederik to diminish the powers of high-ranking nobles was to discredit and heavily criticize them. Despite his efforts, Frederik's reign as an absolute monarch did not bring the same level of stability achieved in Sweden. Moreover, it did not completely resolve the financial crisis that had motivated the adoption of hereditary monarchy. Frederik managed to stabilize absolutism through careful planning and by alienating potential challengers to his authority. By contrast, Charles XI in Sweden addressed the problems facing the country while ruling as an absolute monarch. Unlike in Denmark, the introduction of hereditary monarchy in Sweden seemed a more natural progression, and the Diets continued to exist.

The repeal of the Form of Government, which had previously limited the King's power, demonstrates how the King's involvement in bureaucracy and military affairs led to economic improvement in Sweden. Charles also showed that he would be ruthless, if necessary, in punishing the regency and elite nobles for the benefit of his country. While some historians contend that Sweden's natural progression toward absolutism was inevitable given the King's self-perceived absolute authority, Scandinavian Absolutism in the Seventeenth Century was ultimately driven by critiquing the effects of wars between both countries and seizing opportunities presented by burghers and clergy.