Prompt: Though absolute monarchy was established over much of Europe over the course of the 17th and 18th centuries, there were exceptions. Describe and explain the successes of at least two alternative political systems which emerged during this period.
During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries of Europe, many countries were ruled by burgeoning monarchies. France was reigned over by the opulent sun king, Louis XIV, (whom had the longest reign of any European monarch) whilst Russia emerged under the powers of Peter and Catherine the Great. Due to constant warfare, religious turmoil, and economic upheaval, monarchs and monarchies across all of Europe had to persistently reinsert their absolutism in order to protect and ensure the longevity of their reigns, (many times of which
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England's pathway to a constitutional monarchy was long and bloody, beginning with the death of Queen Elizabeth I, in 1603. With her death, (and no son or daughter born), the heir apparent for the English throne, was King James VI of Scotland, thus on the same day as her death, the scottish thistle and the tudor rose became one under the crown. Though a befitting monarch for Scotland, King James I “was ill-suited for the role of English King” (Princeton Review). A strong devotee of the theory of divine rights, James implied total jurisdiction over the liberties, persons, and properties of all, therefore antagonizing the English parliament, in particular the House of Commons (whom had previously intended to employ their newfound financial strength to garner more control in the government.) In a speech given to the English Parliament, James I illustrated his belief in divine rights, stating that he will not be content if his power is disputed. “The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon Earth: for Kings are not only God’s lieutenants upon Earth and