Compare and contrast political developments in France and England during the seventeenth century. What are the possible differences between the two kingdoms which led to absolutism in France and limited/constitutional monarchy in England?

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The Answer is During the seventeenth century, both France and England experienced significant political developments, but the outcomes were quite different. In France, the monarchy became increasingly absolutist, while in England, a limited or constitutional monarchy emerged.

One possible difference between the two kingdoms that led to absolutism in France and limited/constitutional monarchy in England was the structure of their respective governments. In France, the monarchy had a long history of centralized power and a strong bureaucracy, which allowed the king to exert control over the nobility and the people. This centralization of power, combined with the influence of powerful advisors like Cardinal Richelieu and Cardinal Mazarin, enabled the French monarchy to become increasingly absolutist.

In contrast, England had a tradition of a more decentralized government, with a strong Parliament that had significant power and influence. The English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution further solidified the power of Parliament and established the principle of a constitutional monarchy, where the king's power was limited by laws and the consent of the governed.

Another possible difference is the role of religion in politics. In France, the monarchy and the Catholic Church were closely intertwined, and the king was seen as the divine ruler appointed by God. This religious justification for the monarchy helped to reinforce absolutist tendencies. In England, the Protestant Reformation and the conflicts between the Anglican Church and dissenting religious groups, such as the Puritans, led to a more diverse and contentious religious landscape. This diversity of religious beliefs and the resulting conflicts contributed to the development of a more pluralistic and limited monarchy.

Additionally, the economic and social structures of the two kingdoms may have played a role in their political developments. France had a more rigid social hierarchy and a larger population, which made it easier for the monarchy to exert control over the people. In England, the rise of a wealthy merchant class and the development of a more fluid social structure may have contributed to the growth of parliamentary power and the limitations placed on the monarchy.

In conclusion, the differences in government structure, religious influence, and social and economic factors all contributed to the development of absolutism in France and limited/constitutional monarchy in England during the seventeenth century. These differences shaped the political trajectories of the two kingdoms and had lasting effects on their respective political systems.

Compare and Contrast Political Developments in France and England During