Zhu Sultan Selim's Theory Of The Theory And Practice Of Monarchy

History 422 Midterm

Leading up to the 18th century various countries were ruled by monarchies. The question arises how does the theory and practice of monarchy differ between culture zone’s various monarchs during this time period? The theory and practice of monarchy greatly varies from one cultural zone to another. Monarchies were ruled socially, politically, religiously, and economically. Monarchs used their power in markedly different manners. While some monarchs found success in their manner of their ruling, others struggled due to a lack of emphasis on centralizing the focus on the monarchy or misuse of their power.

The Ming dynasty exemplifies a monarchy emphasizing a practice and theory on social aspects of ruling. Yongle or Zhu

By centering the strength of his rule with a religious focus, Selim finds strength in his monarchy. Selim writes in his Letter to Shah Ismail Persia “If to your misfortune, you persist in your conduct, puffed up with the idea of your power and your foolish bravado, you wish to pursue the course of your iniquities, you will see in a few days your plains covered with our tents and inundated with our battalions. Then prodigies of valor will be done, and we shall see the decrees of the Almighty, Who is the God of Armies, and sovereign judge of the actions of men, accomplished. For the rest, victory to him who follows the path of salvation!” (P.102) The most significant statement is evident in the last sentence. Selim brings attention to the theory of following the path of salvation. Evidently, Selim’s practice of following the path of salvation is extremely effective. Selim is able to conquer an extensive portion of the Middle East most notably the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Selim holds the “Almighty” credible in his accomplishments and triumphs. By Selim centralizing religion to the focus of the monarchy and staying clear of individualistic desires, the monarchy is

As the king of central West African state of Kongo, Mbemba ran into a few problems. The power of Mbemba’s monarchy is viewable in the complications that occurred when the Portuguese abused the Kongolese slave markets. In Letters to the King of Portugal Mbemba writes “merchants are taking every day our natives, sons of the land and the sons of our noblemen and vassals and our relatives, because the thieves and men of bad conscience grab them wishing to have the things and wares of this Kingdom which they are ambitious of.” (P.80) Mbemba loses a big portion of his slave trade market due to the involvement with the Portuguese. Mbemba was baptized and converted into a Christian by Portuguese explorers. Having ties with another country proved only to be detrimental to Mbemba’s slave trade. As a result Mbemba was unable to flourish economically. The Portuguese didn 't have much regard for how their tactics were affecting Mbemba. Much like an older brother having priority over a little brothers toy and then telling on him to their proverbial parent (King of Portugal), Mzemba lost the trade market and sent a letter of redress to the King of Portugal. Mbemba’s cry for help exemplifies the lack of economic strength in his slave