Constitutionalism And Resistance In The 16th Century Summary

The subject of discussion that the primary source document, “Constitutionalism and Resistance in the Sixteenth Century”, focuses on relates to the inalienable political rights and responsibilities of French society under the proto-absolutist monarchy of sixteenth century France. The topic that the treatises focus on, that being French society’s relationship with the increasingly absolutist French crown, is one of immense significance to historians since it helps provide context concerning later historical developments, particularly the French Revolution two centuries later. By stressing the struggles of the French people, this document helps to illuminate the period in which the authors lived; a time when the French king engaged in oppressive …show more content…

Throughout the document, the authors frequently allude to France’s historical political traditions, often invoking instances where the French people deposed their leaders whenever they acted arbitrarily and without the consent of the governed. However, it is important to note that the Estates only exercised these rights when France enjoyed a preponderance of power in Europe and was not threatened by enemies more powerful than itself, as was the case when the Estates-General transferred the crown to the Capetian dynasty . The sixteenth century saw France’s very existence endangered due to internal religious violence, and foreign enemies seeking to exploit France’s misfortunes for their benefit . These conditions paved the way for the rise of an absolute monarchy that could not be challenged by those who were unable to exercise their traditional liberties because of unobstructed threats . Understanding the conditions of French society in the sixteenth century, and the ideals perpetuated in “Constitutionalism and Resistance in the Sixteenth Century” are essential since they allow for a contextualized comprehension of later historical progresses, particularly the French