New Monarchs were the rulers of European nations during the 15th century who unified their nations, creating a stable and centralized government. It was the centralized governments created under the New Monarchs in the 15th century that allowed for an era of colonization and conquest in the 16th century, and paved the way for rapid economic growth in Europe.

The best examples of New Monarchs are:

Achievements of the New Monarchs:

  • Limiting the power of the feudal aristocracy
  • Creating efficient, centralized systems of taxation
  • Maintaining a standing army loyal to the monarch
  • Encouraging some sense of national identity (but by no means nationalism)
  • Fostering trade, both internally and externally
  • Enforcing religious unity within their countries

While Peter I of Russia ruled two centuries after the New Monarchs, he is sometimes considered the New Monarch of Russia, accomplishing much for his country similar to what the New Monarchs did for theirs.

After the New Monarchs, the Absolutist Monarchs gained sway, to be followed by the Enlightened despots.