Some people thought that absolutism was not effective because of the discontent and rebellion. However, people did not realize how evil humans are. As Machiavelli suggested, unless humans are compelled to be good they will inevitably turn out bad. Because of this Machiavelli thought people should fear the ruler rather than love him. This governing could be achieved though “The Prince”. This is where the ruler is considered the head and the people are the body under him. Together they work but without the head the body can’t exist. This type of reasoning supports absolutism.
The effectiveness of absolutism is also shown though Peter the Great. Without him Russia would have never become as large and powerful as it is today. Though Peter the Great, Russia was able to become more modern. They were able to establishing hospitals, schools and printing presses. Though absolutism he defeated Charles XII of Sweden. He was also able to open a major port to the west on the Baltic Sea. Absolutism did work.
Some people though that absolutism was not accepted by the people. However this was not true. It was accepted by the people because no one was to question the ruler. They were afraid of the ruler and would not dare to question the ruler. Thomas Hobbes said; Reason shows people that the only solution is the establishment of a society with a sable government. He also stated that people are nasty, brutish and short. Ambitions and greed must be controlled by fear of some coercive power.
An example of absolutism working because of accepting it was Queen Elizabeth I. She was challenge by Mary Stewart. However, Queen Elizabeth I simply had her executed. After that she became powerful and was able to make England stronger among the nations of Europe. Another example of where fear was able to make a country stronger was Richelieu during the reign of Louis XIII. He all hated him. Even the King; but he made France regain its importance.
People believed that Absolutism was a bad system of government because they were not allowed to question the ruler. If truth were told, not questioning the ruler was a good thing. This allowed the ruler to be able to protect his people. Large armies can be built when people are loyal to the ruler. This provides order and security. Thomas Hobbes best articulates this by saying, the people must promise complete obedience in return for order and security. The only choice is between absolute power or complete lawlessness.
The security and large armies provided by absolutism was bested shown in Russia under the ruling of Catherine the Great. She spent most of her time expanding Russia’s boarders to make it bigger and gain ports on the Black Sea. She was able to build an army, which allowed her to accomplish this. Her reign was important for Russia. It shows that the absolutism works.
Absolutism is a good system of government. It made many nations stronger. Though great Kings and Queens, absolutism was effective. It gained land. People are nasty and must be controlled by one ruler. For order and security Obedience to one person must be maintained. For these reasons absolutism is a good system of government.
