Anti-regalist

An anti-regalist is a person who opposes or is against the system of governance by a monarch; an opponent of royalism. They advocate for alternative forms of government, such as republics, democracies, or other systems that limit or abolish the power of a monarch. Anti-regalists may express their views through political activism, philosophical writings, or revolutionary actions, often driven by a belief in the inherent rights of the people and a rejection of hereditary rule and aristocratic privilege. They typically favor concepts like popular sovereignty, equality, and individual liberty, which they see as incompatible with monarchical authority.

Anti-regalist meaning with examples

• Following the oppressive actions of the King, the populace grew increasingly anti-regalist, fueled by pamphlets and public gatherings promoting republican ideals. The intellectuals, once loyal to the crown, began to openly criticize the monarchy, citing its inefficiency and its disregard for the citizens' basic needs. The spread of Enlightenment thought further solidified the anti-regalist sentiment.
• The French Revolution was, in many ways, a culmination of long-standing anti-regalist sentiments. The revolutionaries, initially seeking reforms, quickly moved towards the dismantling of the monarchy, driven by a desire for freedom and self-determination. The execution of Louis XVI and his family, marked a turning point.
• In the context of colonial rebellions, many independence movements were inherently anti-regalist. The colonists, chafing under the rule of a distant monarch and facing unjust laws, declared their independence. They embraced republicanism, a political system that promised greater self-governance and a more direct voice for the governed.
• The historical figure, Thomas Paine, a fiery anti-regalist, profoundly influenced revolutionary movements through his widely distributed writings, which advocated for democracy and challenged the legitimacy of hereditary power. His ideas resonated with those seeking a society based on principles of reason, equality, and natural rights, opposing monarchical authority at every turn.
• While initially sympathetic to reform, many became resolute anti-regalists after the monarch's crackdown on dissenting voices and the suppression of freedoms. This shift was largely prompted by the king's obstinate refusal to address popular grievances and grant greater autonomy. His authoritarian response solidified opposition.