Explain the concept of “absolutism” as practiced in 17th and 18th century Europe. How was it justified, what elements were necessary for its...

Absolutism was a political doctrine which meant a ruler had an unlimited power and authority in the state in which he ruled. Absolutism was based on the principle that  monarchs or dictators deserved absolute power, so their decisions and evaluations were not supposed to be challenged or disputed by anyone.

Absolutism was based on the premise that God granted monarchs earthly power to rule, so they wanted to be seen as the those promoting God's will. This meant rulers could justify their oppressive rule by calling themselves as the promoters of God's will and punishing all those who they labeled as the traitors of God.

Monarchs' authority could not be challenged by any system, whether it was religious, social or judicial. This meant rulers could abuse their power.

The most famous ruler who practiced absolutism was King Louis XIV who proclaimed: "I am the state" (http://www.britannica.com/topic/absolutism-political-system). Absolutism was prevalent in the 17th and 18th century in countries such as Austria, Prussia and Russia.