Primary Source Packet

1. What conditions facilitated the development of monarchical absolutism in the seventeenth century? What policies were used by kings to this end?
       The conditions that facilitated the development of monarchical absolutism in the seventeenth century were that kings were constantly trying to free themselves from being controlled, This made them to try and restrict anything or anyone that could match or check their power. They did this by having Councillors whom they chose rule so they would do what they asked. They would set up an inner circle of council usually done in secret, and then their larger judicial branch which still allowed the monarch to have his say. These led to the absolute monarchs being the only ones with the say in their government.

2. Why might mercantilist doctrines be particularly appealing to seventeenth century monarchs
       Mercantilist doctrines of the time were the positive balance of trade, and economic self sufficiency. This would have been appealing to the monarchs of the seventeenth century because there was an increase of importance on trade in the states because the Atlantic World was becoming more prominent, so balancing trade would keep them in trade power, and self sufficiency would allow these countries and their colonies to survive without being in debt to others. Also a new value of this time was to be able to think for yourself (usually in the context of science) so an embodiment of that in government would be self- sustaining government so that they were not reliant on others.

3. How does family life reflect broader social, economic, and political aspects of the seventeenth century?
       The family life in the seventeenth century is urban focused, and has an emphasis on wealth. This reflects the trade focus of the time. As the world became more connected and the wealth of countries increased, families began to show their wealth. It also showed the industrialization of the time in that cities were becoming more prominent as production centers, and the family depiction shows that in its value of city life.