Absolutism Post

          Absolute rulers are rules that have complete power over everything in their territory. These rulers believed that God chose them to rule over everyone, that even meant the church. King James I thought it was wrong to question a king. According to him kings will "... refuse them." Also, he tells Parliament not to meddle with his god given power. There isn't just a definition for an Absolute Ruler; there are guide lines for them as well. First, one must be given the God-given right to rule over people. second, they must have and use their powerful army to gain land for their territory. Also, they should limit the power of nobles and church officials, since they want and have all the power they can have. They also should be able to make laws and dispense justice, any great selfish person should be able to do this so they feel like a winner. They need to ignore representative assembles because their word is the only thing that matters. Most of all what is a king(or queen) without their riches.
         The absolute Ruler, Oliver Cromwell, dethroned Charles I and beat him in two civil wars. Cromwell used his magnificent army to not only win those civil wars, but to also defeated the Scottish and the Irish just because they seemed a little on the shady side or "potential traitors," as the reading on him said. He was a big Puritan believer and so with that said he banned Christmas, had everyone wear the same old boring clothing, and banned playing sports on Sunday(if you were caught playing sports you were whipped). Also, this guy banned swearing; which was punishable by a fine. Even though he seemed paranoid he wasn't thought as strict. He loved music and entertainment. What he did to the Irish was the most cruel. He slaughtered them and sent their children off to the West Indies to work as slaves on sugar plantations knowing that many would die out there.
          My opinion on Oliver Cromwell is that he was a cruel, unkind man, but he was overall an okay ruler. He kept people under control by splitting England up into 11 areas in which picked trusted officials will take care of their area. He also, like before, loved entertainment like music I am guessing that it was religious music, but it would have given the children something to do on Sunday. Also, when he ruled the religious freedom was greater than ever. Not only were people allowed to be involved in private studies, they didn't even have to be part of The Church of England. Many different religions were able to communicate with others.