absolutism in europe

Prompt: As Europe emerged from the Middle Ages and nation-states began to move away from feudalism, many rulers saw themselves as absolute monarchs … touched by the hand of God … the divine right of kings, queens, etc., answering only to the Almighty and not his/her subjects.

How were they able to consolidate power like this?

Who supported them and why?

A couple of links that might be useful:

http://www.historydoctor.net/Advanced%20Placement%20World%20History/Assignments%20for%20CP%20World%20History/era_of_absolutism_notes.htm

http://www.historydoctor.net/Advanced%20Placement%20European%20History/Notes/absolutism_in_france.htm

http://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/modsbook05.asp