Similarities between forms of absolutism

During the time of the 17th Century, Absolutism was a desirable form of government to monarchs due to the conditions their nations were under. For instance, under Absolutism, Louis XIV made France a centralized state and centralized all authority where the Church, the nobility, and his subjects were unable to limit his power. Absolute control allowed monarchs to shape their nations regardless of the methods taken. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that it was more than a coincidence in the fact that absolute rulers arose in many parts of the world at roughly the same time.

One of the similarities between Persian, Indian, Japanese, China, and European absolute rulers is that these rulers used much of their wealth to exhibit luxury and grandeur and to glorify their nations as well as themselves. Since it was important for a nation to be perceived as more powerful than other nations, absolute rulers arose in different places to compete for power. As mentioned before, Absolutism allowed rulers to be in charge of all aspects, including arts, money, music, and literature. This enabled absolute rulers to create some of the most magnificent hallmarks of history. For example, Louis XIV's palace of Versailles, Shah Jahan's Taj Mahal, and the Forbidden City of the Ming and Qing eras. These arts enhanced the greatness of the ruler and symbolized wealth and authority of the nation.

Many of the wealthiest states of the world were influenced by each other during the 17th century. For example, China's tea became something that the wealthy had drink in Europe. The Greek had influenced the arts of the French. These contacts with each other allowed both Europe and Asia to flourish and fight for greater power.