| Basic Concept: Divine Right
The concept of "divine right" refers to the belief that monarchs rule by the "divine" designation of God. The concept is ancient with examples found in Asia, Africa, as well as Europe. It was best formulated, perhaps by the French apologist for King Louis XIV, Jacques-Benigne Bossuet (1627-1704). In his extreme argument for "divine right rule," Bossuet justifies the rule of even one person. . Online Connection A number of websites help illuminate the concept of "divine right rule." See "The European Enlightenment Glossary" and "Divine Right of Kings." . Our Course Connection The English King James I, under whom Plymouth Plantation was instituted, accepted the theory of "divine right rule." Philip Freneau rails against monarchy in championing the "Rights of Man" during the American Revolutionary War against England. .  |