Essay n. 2Absolutism was the most widespread political system used in Europe and parts of Asia from 1550 to 1750. The term absolutism refers to a form of government by which the leader assumes power believing that he has a divine God who gave the right to rule with unlimited control. Several events probably contributed to this political system, the feudal wars of the 14th century, the weakening and decline of the Catholic Church, and the terms of the Treaty of Westphalia, which established that each European state would be given supreme authority over its own territories. Although the style of absolute ruler was similar in some parts of Europe and Asia, the best example of an absolute ruler was King Louis XIV (1638-1715). King Louis XIV was crowned king in 1643, took complete control of France, and quickly declared his divine right to rule. He declared himself the "Sun King", assumed authority over all fiancés, the French economy and military, placed the church under his control and took power away from the feudal nobility. King Louis XIV allowed the nobility to join his court and gave them prominent positions to gain their support. He did this to prevent the nobility from posing a potential threat; be his supporters. He even exempted them from paying taxes. This nobility dictated the aristocratic taste that King Louis XIV so conspicuously demonstrated during his rule. It was the baroque style, the aristocratic style, in all its grandeur, grandeur and taste for extravagance. (Proud) The film Vatel brought back to life what it must have been like under the rule of King Louis XIV, the rule of the absolute ruler, the hierarchy of social classes, the grandeur of the rule of King Louis XVI and the aristocratic style.. . ... middle of the card ...... lute rule of King Louis XIV. (Proud)Across Europe and Asia the collapse of absolute monarchies was taking place. Times were changing, the lower classes were rebelling. The time had come for a new form of government other than absolute monarchy. The lower class became fed up with the complete power of King Louis XVI and the uselessness of his aristocratic court and style. Unfortunately for Vatel this didn't happen soon enough. The rule of absolute monarchy, while making its mark on the world with all its grandeur and aristocratic style, also demonstrated how harmful it was to society and placed one class of people above another. The world was changing, with the enlightenment of the new growing middle class, the structure of government and society changed with it. Absolute domination with its aristocratic style has become a thing of the past.