Absolutism within France was a political system associated with
kings such as Louis XIII and, more particularly, Louis XIV.
Absolutism or absolute monarchical rule was developing across
Europe during the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries. Important
politicians such as Cardinal Richilieu were staunch supporters
of absolutism. Absolute rule meant that the power of the monarch
was, in theory, unlimited except by divine law or by what was
called ‘natural law’. In an absolute society, the only person
who could change the powers of the monarch was the monarch
him/herself. As such, it is difficult to think in terms of an
absolute monarch diluting his/her own authority and power.
Quotes attributable to Louis XVI "I have no intention of sharing
my authority" Absolute rule replaced a system whereby the
monarch worked with others. Prior to absolute rule, a king of
France worked with the Estates. He was still a powerful ruler
but in one sense he shared his authority with them. When this
system broke down, a country cou