A decline in absolutism and a rejection of the divine right of kings (such as during the American and French Revolutions).
Do you think this change were positive, negative, or both? Did these changes apply equally to
everyone? Why or why not? Support your answer with historical and contemporary
examples.
The decline in absolutism and rejection of the divine right of kings during the American and French Revolutions can be seen as both positive and negative.
On one hand, the rejection of absolutism allowed for greater political participation and representation of the people in government. The idea of popular sovereignty, where the legitimacy of the government comes from the consent of the governed, became a foundational principle in modern democracies. This shift towards more democratic systems helped to empower individuals and protect their rights from oppressive rulers.
However, these changes were not always applied equally to everyone. In both the American and French Revolutions, certain groups, such as women, enslaved individuals, and Indigenous peoples, were often excluded from the benefits of these new systems of government. For example, in the United States, women did not gain the right to vote until the early 20th century, and enslaved individuals were not granted full citizenship rights until after the Civil War.
Furthermore, in some cases, the rejection of absolutism led to periods of instability and violence. The French Revolution, in particular, descended into chaos with the Reign of Terror, where thousands of people were executed. The lack of a strong central authority also led to the rise of Napoleonic rule and the restoration of monarchy in France.
Overall, while the decline in absolutism and rejection of the divine right of kings had positive implications for democracy and individual rights, it also had negative consequences in terms of exclusion and instability. It is important for societies to continually strive for more inclusive and just systems of government that protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or status.