Unit 5 Absolutism and Enlightenment

 What is it??????????? Absolutism is when a ruler has complete authority over the government and lives of the people he or she governs. (This is also called an Absolute Monarch) Some examples of Absolute Monarchs are:  Charles V- Spain  Phillip II- Spain  Louis XIII- France  Louis XIV- France  Peter the Great- Russia  Frederick II- Prussia (Germany)  Maria Theresa- Austria

 Unlimited Power  No helpers  Greedy  Divine Right

 This was a time when people studied about human nature after the Scientific Revolution.  What is Human Nature? This is what humans will tend to do.

 Divine Right- this is the belief that the right to rule came directly from God.  Charles V- this Spanish king was very successful in the Americas and helped Spain become one of the richest nations in Europe.  Phillip II- 29 when he became king, he trusted no one, married Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary) he was hard working and serious.  Louis XIII- 4 years old when he came to power Cardinal Richelieu was his adviser.  Louis XIV- 14 when he became king, he called himself the sun god, and increased taxes to build the Palace of Versailles.

 Diderot- “Man can neither exchange himself, nor be enslaved, for all men are naturally born free.” This is discouraging slavery.  Montesquieu- “In order to have liberty, it is necessary that the powers of the government be separated.” This is discouraging Absolutism.  Voltaire- “I may not agree with a word you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” This is Freedom of Speech.  Adam Smith- “There should be no government regulations on trade.” This is saying government should not interfere with trade.

 First Encyclopedia  Supported deism  Attacked church authority  Religious tolerance  Believed Materialism is unhealthy

 Believed in the separation and balance of powers in the government  This is what the United States has today with the idea of Checks and Balances.  Not used by Absolute monarchs

 Believed human rights exist for all  This played a major role in the U.S. constitution because it denoted Freedom of Speech

 Believed the government should not interfere with business.