Understanding Absolutism

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Absolutism

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Political system with unlimited power in the hands of a monarch

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Divine Right of Kings

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Belief that monarchs derive authority from God

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Louis XIV

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Known as the "Sun King," epitome of absolute monarchy in France

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Centralization of Power

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Concentration of political power in a single authority

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Palace of Versailles

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Symbol of royal absolutism and Louis XIV's power

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Thomas Hobbes

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Philosopher who supported absolutism in "Leviathan"

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Bureaucracy

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System of government with non-elected officials

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Mercantilism

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Economic policy to increase state power through wealth

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Censorship

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Control of information and ideas by the state

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Standing Army

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Permanent, professional army maintained by the state