Absolute Monarchies: Absolute monarchies emerged in many parts of Europe, where rulers held unlimited authority and sought to consolidate their power. They established standing armies, centralized bureaucracies, and controlled the administration of justice and taxation.
Divine Right of Kings: The doctrine of divine right of kings gained prominence. This idea stated that monarchs derived their authority directly from God and were accountable only to Him. It served to legitimize the absolute power of rulers and discouraged challenges to their authority.
Rise of Mercantile Economies: The late Middle Ages witnessed the growth of mercantile economies, characterized by trade and commerce. The merchant class gained influence, and merchant guilds and towns gained power.
Emergence of Parliament: In some European countries, such as England, the monarchy shared power with representative bodies known as parliaments. These assemblies included members from various social groups, such as nobles, clergy, and burgesses. Parliaments played a crucial role in lawmaking and financial matters, checking the absolute authority of monarchs.
Religious Wars and Reformation: The 16th century saw the outbreak of religious wars and the Protestant Reformation, dividing Europe along religious lines. Religious struggles influenced the political landscape and the balance of power among nations.
Exploration and Colonialism: The Age of Exploration and the subsequent wave of European colonialism brought vast wealth and resources to Europe. Colonial expansion led to the emergence of global empires and the rise of commercial capitalism.
Overall, the post-medieval period in Europe was marked by significant political, economic, and social transformations, leading to the emergence of modern nation-states, centralized bureaucracies, and a shift in power dynamics.