The posting should examine absolutism's causes, how it advanced, how it survived, and what legacy it left behind. Please have the word ABSOLUTISM in the subject line of your post. When you answer, here are some specific issues you might address (not all are necessary, nor is it necessary to respond to one of these questions as long as your answer deals with absolutism):
Who was the most interesting of absolutists in your opinion? Why?
How did absolutists maintain their power? For assistance, see Listening to the Past, "The Court at Versailles."
What impact did absolutism have on the development of modern western governments?
What artistic and architectural influences did absolutism have?
Why were absolutists so ready to befriend scholars? How did they do it and who were some of the prominent scholars at the courts of Europe?