compare and contrast the causes and effects of the development of constitutional monarchy in England with the development of absolute monarchy in Russia.

Answer 1

The development of constitutional monarchy in England and absolute monarchy in Russia occurred in different historical contexts and was influenced by a variety of causes and effects. Here’s a comparison highlighting the key aspects of both systems:

Causes

Constitutional Monarchy in England:

1. Magna Carta (1215): The early seeds of limited monarchy were sown with the Magna Carta, which established the principle that the monarch's powers were not absolute and laid the groundwork for parliamentary governance.
2. Civil War (1642-1651): Tensions between Parliament and King Charles I over issues such as taxation and military authority prompted a civil war, culminating in a challenge to the divine right of kings.
3. Glorious Revolution (1688): The overthrow of James II and the subsequent establishment of William and Mary on the throne marked a definitive shift toward constitutional monarchy, as they accepted the Bill of Rights (1689) that limited royal power and affirmed parliamentary authority.
4. Enlightenment Ideas: Philosophical shifts during the Enlightenment emphasized individual rights and the social contract, further supporting the need for a governing framework that curbed monarchical power.

Absolute Monarchy in Russia:

1. Ivan IV’s Reign (1547-1584): The consolidation of power began under Ivan IV (the Terrible), who established a more centralized form of rule that diminished the power of the nobility (boyars).
2. Peter the Great’s Reforms (1682-1725): Peter sought to modernize Russia by adopting western practices and centralizing authority, fundamentally strengthening the monarchy’s control over the nobility and the military.
3. Petrine Reforms: These reforms helped to build a bureaucratic state and a standing army that relied on the tsar's authority, reinforcing the concept of divine right and absolute rule.
4. Cultural Isolation and Serfdom: Russia’s relative cultural and technological isolation allowed for a slower evolution toward democratic governance. The entrenched system of serfdom also reinforced absolute rule, as the state relied on a labor force controlled tightly by the nobility.

Effects

Effects of Constitutional Monarchy in England:

1. Parliamentary Sovereignty: The establishment of constitutional monarchy meant that Parliament gained increasing authority, leading to the development of modern democratic governance structures.
2. Rule of Law: The emphasis on legal frameworks paved the way for individual rights and liberties, which became foundational to British democracy.
3. Political Stability: Over time, constitutional monarchy contributed to relative political stability, allowing for the evolution of political parties and democratic processes.
4. Civil Society: Encouraged the growth of civil society organizations and participation in governance, paving the way for broader civic engagement.

Effects of Absolute Monarchy in Russia:

1. Centralization of Power: The tsar ruled with autocratic authority, leading to a lack of political plurality and resistance to change. This created a strong centralized state but also resulted in growing discontent among various social classes.
2. Suppression of Freedoms: The nature of absolute rule suppressed political and individual freedoms, leading to periods of unrest among serfs and the emerging middle class.
3. Resistance and Reforms: The absolutist state faced increasing resistance, culminating in revolutionary movements in the 20th century, particularly the Russian Revolution of 1917, which eventually dismantled the monarchy entirely.
4. Delayed Modernization: The rigid structure of absolute monarchy, combined with reliance on serfdom, hindered Russia’s economic and social development compared to Western Europe.

Conclusion

In summary, the development of constitutional monarchy in England prioritized the establishment of checks and balances and increased parliamentary power, leading to a stable and democratic state. In contrast, Russia's absolute monarchy centralized power in the hands of the tsar, leading to autocratic rule, social stratification, and eventual revolution. The results of these differing trajectories available today can be seen in the political systems and governance structures of their respective countries.