In 17th and 18th century Europe, absolute rulers based their claim to the throne on
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To find the answer to your question, we can start by understanding the political landscape and context of 17th and 18th century Europe. During this period, many absolute rulers emerged who claimed their right to the throne based on various factors.
First, one significant factor was the concept of divine right of kings. This belief held that monarchs were chosen by God and thus had the right to rule with absolute authority. Absolute rulers justified their claim to the throne by stating that they were appointed by divine will and were responsible only to God, not to their subjects.
Second, in some cases, rulers inherited the throne through hereditary succession. They claimed their right to rule based on their family lineage and the established tradition of passing the crown from one generation to the next. The legitimacy of their claim was often reinforced by the support of powerful noble families and existing legal structures.
Third, military power and conquest also played a role in establishing rulers' claims. Some absolute monarchs came to power by overthrowing previous rulers or through successful military campaigns. They argued that their right to rule was based on their military strength and the necessity to secure and stabilize the kingdom through their centralized authority.
Lastly, in the context of Enlightenment ideas, some rulers justified their absolute rule by promoting the concept of enlightened despotism. They argued that their authority was essential for implementing progressive reforms and ensuring stability and prosperity for their subjects. These rulers claimed that they ruled for the benefit of their people, despite their absolute power.
To summarize, absolute rulers in 17th and 18th century Europe based their claims to the throne on factors such as divine right, hereditary succession, military power, and the philosophy of enlightened despotism. Their justifications were often a combination of these factors, tailored to fit the specific circumstances and beliefs of the time.