I'm playing as Austria, with an Absolute Monarchy, and the provinces of Austria and Hungary (2 and 6 million people, respectively) are clamoring for reform. This was because I researched some of the philosophy techs, and both settlements have schools in them. I know I can increase the garrison, destroy the schools, and exempt from taxes to improve public order. My question is, are there any others ways to peacefully deal with the problem, while remaining an absolute monarchy?
I tried changing my ministers, but that didn't do anything. I've had several victories in war--I conquered Prussia and Venice, and I'm about to take Istanbul--but that hasn't seemed to improve the King's popularity any. The tips woman said I could solve the problem by accepting their demands for reform--but I don't know what those demands are! And if I did, would it even be possible for me to do anything about it? For example, most Americans didn't rebel because they wanted England to be a republic, they rebelled because they were repeatedly not granted representation in Parliament--would it be possible in this game to simply grant them representation in Parliament, and be done with it?
It seems like this game is a bit biased against monarchies...it doesn't seem possible to be a progressive King.
PS: Does it make any sense to clamour for reform, but simultaneously dislike the rise of industrialization? Change is change--deal with it!