The conception of monarchy was derived through Christianity from the theocracy (q.v.) which was the earliest form of state and which was developed in Asia and northern Africa. The theocracy was ruled by a high priest or by a king or prince who represented within the limits of his dominions the monarchy of God over all things; hence religion was the bond of union and the idea culminated in the-17th cen Airy in the doctrine of divine right of kings. Therefore, when later transformed from a divinely ruled, state into one with a human king, the distinguishing mark was despotism, But this barbarous form of monarchy was re jected by the people of Aryan origin who gave some recognition to individual and class rights apart from the rights of kings and princes. Though at first the monarchies were absolute, yet the absolute monarchs were not always tyrannical but in many cases_ ruled for the good of their subjects. Among monarchs of this class were Henry IV, ,Saint Louis, Canute, Charle magne and others of the early centuries of European history and the "enlightened' or Kbenevolent" deipots of the 18th century. The
essential basis of the feudal monarchy (which followed the decline of Carolingian authority) was the bond of fealty between the king or supreme lord and his vassals, wno derived from him their rank, power and property. The mediaeval monarchy was followed by the mod ern absolute monarchy which first made its appearance in France, proclaiming the doctrine of divine right of kings and culminating in the absolntism of Louis XIV. The Stuarts of England held this doctrine but the monarchial principle was shaken to its foundation by the execution of Charles I and the English revolu tion of 1688, and was completely shattered By the French revolution of 1789. Since that time the monarchies of western Europe have been transformed into constitutional or limited monarchies, the growth of democratic ideas having infringed upon and greatly reduced the former powers of the king or emperor. 'Monarchists.* strictly speaking, have long been a small and dwindling minority.
See KING; ABSOLUTISM ; SOVEREIGN ; STATE; GOVERN M ENT ; THEOCRACY; REPUBLIC; FEUDAL