### absolutism, absolute monarchy
A form of state, where the ruler seeks unlimited power and in his own interests he tries to limit the rights of the orders, which oppose him. The name comes from the word absolutus, which is unlimited in Latin. In more developed Western-European states rulers tried to establish their absolute power by relying on the strong bourgeoisie. The most important basic elements of this power were his own administration apparatus and a permanent army. In Central Europe it was a more difficult task, as the bourgeoisie was less developed there than in western countries. a permanent mercenary army were characteristic features of the Habsburg absolutism in 16-17th-century Hungary. Hungarian orders had a dangerous weapon in their hands against Habsburg absolutism: the possibility to change sides over to the Turks or the Transylvanian principals. PG