Composite Monarchy - Background and Significance

Background and Significance

Composite monarchies were common during the early 15th century to the early to mid 18th century in Europe. A composite monarchy involved the unification of several diverse local territories under one ruler. There are two types of composite monarchy proposed by Elliot, “accessory” union or “aeque principali”. The first type of composite monarchy involved a unification where the united territories share the same laws and are regarded as the same jurisdiction. The second arrangement was a more significant central role, negotiated the rules for each territory separately in respect and in consideration of local traditions and customs. In the second approach each territory was governed as though “…the king who were king only of each one of them”. This method of rule meant intervention of the central government or ruler was infrequent or allowed diverse customs and legal arrangements to coexist. This allowed classes, ethnicities and traditions to exist peaceably in a larger political unit without significant conflict. The monarch attempted in each case, Issue 1, January 2001, pages 22–39

Most of Europe during the early modern period was governed under arrangements that can be described as composite monarchies. Diversity in arrangements was essential to ensure the unity of composite kingdoms, as they were often very diverse. Composite monarchies in the early modern period united diverse territories, and while in some cases the unification of territories led to the establishment of nation-states in the modern world, in other cases composite territories did not become a unified nation state. . Even in the most unified composite kingdom at the time, France; a majority of subjects did not even speak the French language. This demonstrates the extent of diversity even in places considered homogeneous. The Ottoman Empire is the best example of a composite monarchy; however The Holy Roman Empire, Crown of Castile and Crown of Aragon (Spain), France, and the Kingdom of England and Wales are also prominent examples of composite rule. Some examples of Composite Monarchies are provided in this article however the "See also" section contains links which will provide more information.