During the Age of Exploration the wealth in the countries went to the nobles and created a gap between the rich and the poor. The wealth came from mercantilism and the colonies. In the 16 and 1700's the Age of Absolutism started. This was a time that the king had complete control over his government and kingdom. Absolutism is having no restriction to your government. This means the king does not have to listen to anyone or do anything that he doesn't want to do. However, at this time some kingdoms started to create a balance of power, which means there was power spread throughout the government. During the Age of Absolutism England and France were different politically, but the same religiously and economically. During the Age of Absolutism France kept a strong monarchy, but England established a strong parliament. France's king knew how to keep complete control over his empire and keep his people happy. This was unlike England's king, who was not able to handle his empire, so they started to have a balance of power. In England the people established the Bill of Rights, which was a document showing how parliament had more power than the monarchy (page 521). In France, Louis XIV gained power by attending government affairs and appointing intendants(page 512). Intendants are royal officials that collect taxes for the king. This made the people think they were important in the government. Also in England constitutional government, government limited by laws, came to power (page 522). This power was spread out between three groups: prime minister, political parties and the cabinet. These examples show that the English government had formed into a parliament, while France's king still has absolute power. In the Age of Absolutism, England and France both had unsteady religions and strived for divine right. England and France's rulers wanted their kingdom to believe that their decisions came directly from God; however, this did not wor