What was a common characteristic of strong monarchies that emerged in the later Middle Ages?

A common characteristic of strong monarchies that emerged in the later Middle Ages was their establishment of a growing bureaucracy and control over armies. This development reflects a significant shift in governance, where monarchs sought to consolidate power by creating administrative systems that could effectively manage their territories.

As these monarchies increased their authority, they built bureaucratic structures to implement their policies and maintain order. A reliable bureaucracy enabled them to collect taxes, enforce laws, and conduct diplomacy, thus strengthening their rule. Additionally, control over standing armies became essential for defending the realm and projecting power, ultimately allowing monarchs to safeguard their interests and assert their dominance over rival factions and feudal lords.

The growth of these two elements—bureaucracy and military control—helped transition European governance from fragmented feudal systems to centralized states, paving the way for the modern nation-state. This centralization contrasted with the decentralized power structures of earlier medieval Europe, where local lords wielded significant influence.