What was a major turing point in the downfall of absolute monarchies?

Answer 1

The major turning point in the downfall of absolute monarchies was the execution of Louis XIV. This is what brought enlightenment to the people who were being ruled through absolute monarchies.

Answer 2

When absolute monarchies are mentioned, typically people think of Great Britain, France, and Russia. The truth is that absolute monarchies still exist today in places such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Swaziland, and Vatican City.

Great Britain undoubtedly led the charge in the historical decline of monarchies in Europe and Eurasia. Perhaps the first movement toward reducing the power of royalty in England was the Charter of Liberties proclaimed by King Henry I in 1100. Due in large part to conflict between King John and Pope Innocent III (and Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury), John signed the Magna Carta in 1215, which began the conversion of the English absolute monarchy into a limited monarchy.

The transition in Britain continued for over four hundred years. With the ratification of the Petition of Right on 7 June 1628, setting the accepted beginning of England's constitutional monarchy. Disagreement between Charles and Parliment continued until his execution 30 January 1649. Although the English crown continued with a high degree of power after Charles' death, it was fully transformed to a constitutional monarchy with the overthrown of John II and the instatement of William and Mary in 1688. The 1701 Act of Settlement was probably the final blow for absolute monarcy in England.

Within one hundred years, monarchies across Europe began to fall. Briefly during the French Revolution and then with the fall of Napoleon, France was transformed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional government.

Absolute monarchy in Germany, Austria, Spain, and Hungary lasted from 1618 to 1701 (Brandenburg-Prussia), 1871 to 1918 (Deutsches Kaiserreich). In Germany it ended finally with their fall after WWI. The House of Hapsburg that controlled the Holy Roman Empire lasted from 1273 to 1740. The Habsburgs reigned over Austria, Hungary, Spain, and parts of modern day Switzerland. Tsarist Russia lasted from 1547 until the reign of Peter the Great in 1721 and his establishment of the Russian Empire, which continued largely unchanged until the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the assassination of Tsar Nicholas II and his entire family.

Despite the major role played by the events involving the English monarchy, it was not part and parcel the decline of absolute monarchy in Europe. As described in part by Marx and Engles, the course of social evolution is not stagnant. Monarchies have come and gone, and without exception, with the rise of awareness of personal liberties, kings and queens fall from power. It is this growing awareness that is likely the primary element that leads to the decline. Often, one monarchy is replaced by another, each one further eroding the power of the previous.