How did the monarchies of England and France differently affect their societies? (1 point)

History · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021

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The monarchies of England and France had significant impacts on their respective societies, and one key point of difference lies in the development of political and constitutional systems:


1. Development of Constitutional Monarchy in England:

  • In England, the monarchy played a crucial role in the development of constitutional principles. The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, marked an early attempt to limit the powers of the monarch and establish certain legal protections for subjects. Over time, this laid the groundwork for the evolution of constitutional monarchy.
  • The Glorious Revolution of 1688 further solidified the limitations on royal power. The Bill of Rights and the Act of Settlement established parliamentary supremacy and the principle of a constitutional monarchy, with the monarch's powers being subject to laws passed by Parliament.
  • The constitutional monarchy in England allowed for the gradual development of representative government and the protection of individual liberties. It contributed to the formation of a more stable and balanced political system.

2. Absolutist Monarchy in France:

  • In contrast, France experienced a more pronounced period of absolutism, especially under rulers like Louis XIV. Louis XIV famously stated, "L'État, c'est moi" ("I am the state"), reflecting the concentration of power in the hands of the monarch.
  • The French monarchy maintained a centralized and absolutist form of government, with limited checks on royal authority. The Estates General, a representative assembly, had limited power and was not regularly convened, contributing to the concentration of power in the monarchy.
  • The absolutist tendencies of the French monarchy, coupled with economic challenges and social inequalities, contributed to social unrest and eventually played a role in the French Revolution of 1789. The revolution led to the end of the absolute monarchy and the rise of new political ideologies.

In summary, the monarchies of England and France had different impacts on their societies due to the development of constitutional monarchy in England, with limitations on royal power and the establishment of representative government, and the prevalence of absolutism in France, leading to social and political tensions that culminated in the French Revolution.