How did the decline of feudalism contribute to the rise of absolutism?

The decline of feudalism significantly contributed to the rise of absolutism by enabling monarchs to consolidate power and authority. As feudalism weakened, the power of nobles diminished and the traditional feudal relationships that dictated land ownership and loyalty began to dissolve. This shift allowed monarchs to assert greater control over their territories without the competing influence of powerful lords, who had previously maintained their own armies and had significant local power.

Additionally, as centralized royal authority grew, monarchs could levy taxes more effectively and establish a more professional administration, which further solidified their power. In the absence of feudal lords challenging their authority, kings and queens could claim dominion over both their subjects and the land, leading to the development of strong, centralized states characterized by absolutist rule. This transformation laid the groundwork for government systems based entirely on the authority of the monarch, where the king or queen had ultimate sovereignty.