They thought that God had given them the right to rule as they chose.
stuip
inherited there positions and power
they didnt!
Usually dictators or monarchs.
Farmlands
queen elizabeth
to spread religion
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Kk
Most European nations were ruled by absolute monarchs in the eighteenth century. Some of these monarchs considered themselves enlightened despots.
European monarchs became increasingly powerful due to the centralization of authority, which allowed them to consolidate control over their realms and reduce the influence of feudal lords. The rise of nation-states, fueled by conflicts such as the Hundred Years' War and the Reformation, further strengthened their positions as they built professional armies and established bureaucracies. Additionally, the accumulation of wealth from colonial expansion and trade provided monarchs with the resources needed to maintain their power and implement policies that benefited the central government.
European monarchs gained strength through the consolidation of power, often by centralizing authority and reducing the influence of feudal lords. They utilized strategies such as forming alliances through marriage, enhancing military capabilities, and establishing bureaucratic systems to manage their realms more effectively. Additionally, many monarchs capitalized on religious authority, aligning themselves with the Church to legitimize their rule and suppress dissent. This combination of military, political, and religious strategies enabled them to strengthen their positions and expand their territories.