Absolutism was a period of prosperity during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Absolutism is a form of government, a monarchy, in which a monarch has full governmental control. This is different from that of a limited monarch whose power is kept in check by a constitution or other government officials. Absolute monarchs gain their power in one of two ways: being born into a royal family and being in line for the throne or seizing control. Absolutism meant prosperity because monarchs were considered gods (or God 's power on earth), they changed countries for the better, and could be liked by the people for not doing everything in a harsh way.

To many, monarchs were God 's form on earth. King James I of England said that "The state of monarchy is the supreme thing upon earth; for kings are not only God’s lieutenants on earth, and sit upon God’s throne, but even by God Himself they are called gods..." (Document 2). Like King James I, people believed monarchs were needed because they had power like God. Kings and Queens were essential and brought goodness to the land. "We behold kings seated upon the throne of the Lord, bearing in their hand the sword which God himself has given them" (Document 5). If God himself sent these rulers to lead, why wouldn 't they be prosperous? This is the question many from this time period asked. Absolutism was good for them because their God put the monarchs in charge and gave them his power.

Absolute monarchs came into