Write a short note on Western Absolutism.

Western Absolutism refers to a form of government that emerged in Europe during the late medieval and early modern periods, characterized by a concentration of power in the hands of a monarch with virtually unlimited authority. This political system reached its zenith in the 17th and 18th centuries, with rulers claiming divine right and exercising absolute control over their realms.

Key Features of Western Absolutism:

1. Divine Right of Kings:
   Absolutist rulers often claimed that their authority was bestowed upon them by divine right. This notion held that monarchs were appointed by God, making their rule legitimate and beyond challenge. The idea of divine right provided a theological justification for absolute power.

2. Centralization of Authority:
   Absolutist monarchs sought to consolidate and centralize power within their governments. They aimed to weaken or bypass traditional intermediary institutions, such as feudal assemblies or representative bodies, that might impede their control. Administrative reforms were often implemented to create a more efficient and centralized bureaucracy.

3. Standing Armies:
   To enforce their authority and maintain control, absolutist rulers established standing armies. These professional military forces were loyal to the monarch, ensuring a means of suppressing opposition and external threats. The standing armies also served to intimidate potential rivals.

4. Royal Patronage and Mercantilism:
   Absolutist rulers often engaged in economic policies that supported the growth of the state. Mercantilist principles, emphasizing state control over economic activities, were prevalent. Monarchs granted monopolies, provided subsidies, and regulated trade to enhance the economic power of the state.

5. Censorship and Control of Information:
   Absolutist rulers exercised control over the dissemination of information. Censorship was employed to suppress dissenting voices, control the narrative, and prevent the spread of ideas deemed threatening to the authority of the monarch.

Examples of Western Absolutism:

1. Louis XIV of France (1643-1715):
   Often referred to as the epitome of an absolute monarch, Louis XIV famously declared, "L'État, c'est moi" (I am the state). His reign saw the construction of the Palace of Versailles, symbolizing the opulence and centralized power of the French monarchy.

2. Peter the Great of Russia (1682-1725):
   Peter I pursued a policy of Westernization to modernize Russia and strengthen his rule. He centralized power, created a standing army, and implemented administrative reforms, transforming Russia into a more centralized and absolutist state.

Legacy and Criticisms:
The legacy of Western Absolutism includes the establishment of powerful, centralized states with strong monarchies. However, it also sparked criticism and resistance, particularly from Enlightenment thinkers who advocated for constitutional limits on government power. The development of constitutional monarchies and the spread of democratic ideals in subsequent centuries challenged the absolutist model and contributed to the evolution of political systems in the Western world.