was developed for Paris in1667 by creation of the position lieutenant general of police. Jean Baptiste Colbert was one of the most famous and powerful ministers as head of internal affairs. "Colbert sharply reduced the annual treasury deficit by economies and more equitable, efficient taxation, although tax exemptions for the nobility, clergy, and some members of the bourgeoisie continued."(Grolier Electronic).In conjunction with his elaborate tastes and high opinion of himself, Louis XIV was an enthusiastic ruler who made his internal changes lasting. He embodied the theory represented by the Divine Right of kings in all that he set out to accomplish. "The exact import of his legacy has been debated by historians ever since his death, but there is no denying that it was enormously consequential and determined the course of much French history during the eighteenth century."Other Absolute Monarchs?There are many other rulers that exhibit the same characteristics of absolute monarchism. Included in these are Frederick William, "http://www.chemie.fu-berlin.de/diverse/bib/preussen-k.html" the Great, Maria Theresa, and her son Joseph II. Each of these had their own absolutist qualities. For example, Frederick William, the "great elector" of Brandenburg-Prussia, had two main goals. He wanted to unite a block of territory across North Germany, then wanted to impose his royal will upon that country. Frederick II the Great was a war maker, and brilliant military commander. He, acting as an "enlightened despot" encouraged religious freedom, but still ruled very similarly to an absolute. However, "http://www.mti.hu/mti_demo/hungary/hun_aus&.htm" and her son "http://www.mti.hu/mti_demo/hungary/hun_aus&.htm" were known as some of the worlds "most enlightened innovators." Maria drastically reformed both central and provincial administration. James sought legal reform, religious toleration, and comparative freedom of the press. These two rulers sough...
