What was the Divine Right of Kings? How did it contribute to Absolutism?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of the 'Divine Right of Kings' and its role in the establishment of Absolutism, which refers to the concentration of power in a single ruler's hands. This includes exploring the principles behind monarchs' authority and how it justified their absolute rule, independent of any parliamentary or civil authority.
Answer
The Divine Right of Kings asserted monarchs' authority from God, justifying absolutism by making them accountable only to divine will, not earthly powers.
The Divine Right of Kings was a political doctrine asserting that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, making them accountable only to Him and not to any earthly authority. This doctrine contributed to Absolutism by justifying the absolute power of monarchs, as they were seen as God's representatives on Earth.
Answer for screen readers
The Divine Right of Kings was a political doctrine asserting that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, making them accountable only to Him and not to any earthly authority. This doctrine contributed to Absolutism by justifying the absolute power of monarchs, as they were seen as God's representatives on Earth.
More Information
The doctrine gave monarchs a supreme ruling status as it posited their mandate as bestowed by divine authority, thus making their rule unquestionable by earthly institutions such as parliaments or governing councils.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume all monarchs across history adhered to the Divine Right of Kings, which is not true as social and political contexts varied widely.
Sources
- Divine right of kings - Britannica - britannica.com
- Divine Right of Kings - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- What is absolutism? How is divine right related to the concept of... - quora.com
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