Absolutism is a form of government ruled by one person whose authority is not restricted by law or governing bodies. Arising in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, absolutism gained popularity quickly. Many countries and territories in Western Europe adopted the form of government because it “was very practical [and] developed state bureaucracies and standing armies to make its claims work.” Under an absolute rule, the voices of people go unheard and are disregarded. Although absolutism is inhumane, it clearly was an effective and efficient way to rule a territory or country.
In Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan extract, he attempts to justify absolute rule. He believed it was crucial to establish an absolute monarch in order to preserve peace. Hobbes validates an absolute monarchy stating, “...if there be no Power erected...every man will and may lawfully rely on his own strength and art, for caution against all other men…” This quotation specifies that without a governing ruler, men would ensue feuds among themselves to battle for power. He believes that in order to keep peace and have protection, absolute rulers,
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Uniting Castile and Aragon, while keeping them as different entities, and also taking complete control over all aspects of the government and religion in Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella displayed all features of an absolute monarch. They converted their kingdoms to Catholicism and exiled those who would not conform to their orders with “the Inquisition [that] had the task of enforcing uniformity of religious practice.” Through capturing Granada and expelling those who did not wish to cooperate and convert to Catholicism the monarchs exemplified their absolute rule. Ferdinand and Isabella excelled at maintaining their absolute rule, which was passed down to descendants. These rulers excelled as absolute monarchs throughout their