What was the 17th century political views like?

The 17th century was marked by significant political upheaval and the emergence of modern statehood. Absolutism gained prominence, particularly in France under Louis XIV, where monarchs centralized power and often claimed divine right. Meanwhile, England experienced civil strife, leading to the English Civil War and the rise of parliamentary power, highlighting tensions between monarchy and emerging democratic ideals. Political philosophy flourished, with thinkers like Hobbes and Locke exploring concepts of social contract and governance, laying the groundwork for modern political thought.