Turbulence in Politics and Government: Absolute Monarchy

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Human ambitions contrast the notion of social harmony, as evident in historical examples of absolute monarchy. Tyrants led onslaughts on denizens, fueled simply by their will to power. Entire demographics have suffered for the sake of elite luxuries. In order to maintain such privileges, the elite must silence sceptics. Such abuse of absolute power led to new concepts of power structures, which ultimately led to the development of modern democracy. Such examples include the power struggle of the English and French monarchy, and the independence of the United States.
During the rule of Charles I, his decision to outright ignore the Parliament turned him into a controversial figure. Moreover, his marriage to a Roman Catholic princess during a time of turbulence between the Protestants and Catholics (with England being predominantly Protestant) further contributed to his controversies1. The Parliament, albeit limited in power, acquired de facto power in previous centuries, making them a significant group in the kingdoms. Due to their power, the king could only adjust taxations with their approval. During the Thirty Years War, Charles I desired to intervene, which would require heavy taxation in order to make up for foreign expenditure. His decision to appoint an unpopular Duke as a commander of the English army led to further hostility and criticism from the Parliament, that were deemed as the voice of a society1. In backlash, Charles I dissolved the Parliament and assembled another, which unfortunately for him, created the Petition of Rights that he was forced to sign2. The Petition of Rights “sets out specific liberties of the subject that the king is prohibited from infringing”3, which includes restrictions on taxation without P...

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... American Revolution. Ultimately, the United States Bill of Rights along with the American Declaration of Independence, among the leading examples of modern democracy, were heavily influenced by the Age of Enlightenment as reformers like Jefferson understood that cyclic destruction of social oppression.
In conclusion, misuse of absolute monarchy leads to vicious cycles. Even though monarchs have argued for social benefits, they fail to meet with expectations of commoners. Indeed, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Turbulence in politics and the government led to the development of new philosophies, which ultimately replaced broken ones that favored monarchy. The English Civil War that directly influenced the American Revolution, as well as the French Revolution along with other examples, proves that absolute monarchy inexorably led to the rise of modern democracy.

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