... one can argue that on the whole absolute monarchy was not entirely a limited monarchy but it did have some of the qualities inherent in a limited monarchy. Absolute government involved centralising political power in the hands of the monarch, who allied with and exercised control over the traditional landed aristocracy, gained loyalty and support from the merchant rulers of the cities and exercised power though a bureaucracy and a standing army. The degree of control cannot be compared to 20th century totalitarianism. The king's power was dependent upon the aristocracy which, though subordinate, still retained independent sources of power and wealth. Lack of technology limited the ability for government to regulate people's lives. The long reign of Louis XIV represents the pinnacle of absolute monarchy in France. Although supposedly absolute in power he succeeded by collaborating with the aristocracy. Bishop Jacques Bossuet expressed his ideas in a book entitled 'Politics ...

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