The MA thesis shows the process of early modern state-building from 1650 to 1700 by analyzing the relationship between the king and the nobility and questioning the stereotypes often associated with the absolutist way of ruling. Absolutism in practice, shown in the examples of France and the Habsburg Monarchy, shows that we cannot define this form of government as successful or unsuccessful and, based on that, decide whether absolutism exists or not. It should be understood as a complex process of restoring the ruler's authority after decades of wars and crises. This process manifested itself in similar ways and with similar obstacles in all European monarchies and it was impossible to implement it without the cooperation of the political elite. The permanent state army, the establishment of the state administration, and the centralization of power at court are important aspects of the early modern state and thus most convincingly show the reality of absolutist rule. A case study focused on the Kingdom of Croatia indicates the Croatian nobility's high level of influence and independence. However, this relationship is also accompanied by certain stereotypes, mainly due to the unfavorable political situation in Hungary, the small territory of the Kingdom of Croatia, and the longterm war with the Ottoman Empire.