In the seventeenth century, the political power of the 
Parliament in England, and the Monarchy in France increased greatly.
These conditions were inspired by three major changes: the aftermath 
of the reformation, the need for an increased governmental financing, 
and the reorganizing of central governments. These three points were 
each resolved in a different way in both England and in France.

      The first major point which eventually increased political power 
was the aftermath of the Protestant reformation. In England, after the 
establishment of the separate Anglican church of England there were 
many protestant groups left in England still in conflict. These groups 
all tried to push and pull parliament in their favor -- which 
ultimately made it so that nothing could be done. These conflicts even 
came to the point of bloody civil wars and suffering on both sides of 
the fighting. Parliament ultimately decided to stop these wars by 
creating religious Act of Toleration (1689) for the non-conformist 
protestants. For many people, this caused more unity in England and 
increased power. In France, the decision was made to unify the country
through the establishment of a single religious authority, the 
Catholic Church. The king of France became the heart of this policy, 
which gave him control of religion when this went into effect.

      The next major point was the increase in need for governmental 
financing. In England, taxing had become under the control of
Parliament. In addition to this, the cost of running a government in 
general had gone up and the country needed more money. Because the 
king didn't have as much power to tax as he pleases, the government 
could make a firm and accurate taxation of the people. In France, the 
price of government had also gone up. However, here the was a monarchy 
and a king with great control over the government. Using his control 
of the economy, a strong "Mercantilism" system was used aimed at 
maximizing foreign exports and reserves. The king became the center of 
this new power.

      The last major point which increased political power was the 
reorganizing of the central governments in both England and in France. 
The economic changes in this century required new relationships 
between the King and his subjects. In England, the parliament because 
of this need, grew to have power over the king and cause great 
toleration of people's beliefs, in addition to keeping a strong 
central government. In France, the Parliaments of Henry IV were 
totally changed by the next active king, Louis XIV. Louis XIV created 
a powerful monarchy the gave him absolute power. He used the slogans 
"One king, one law, one faith" and "I am the state" to demonstrate his 
attitudes toward what a leader should be in the setting of seventeenth 
century France.

      These three points of show how France and England adapted to the 
needs of the seventeenth century. While similar pressures existed in 
each county, such as finances and religious differences, each 
responded in a manner based on the philosophies and cultures of their 
land. This increase in political power has vastly effected the 
destinies of both these countries forever.