Age of Absolutism How do these films/stories fit into Absolutism?

Absolutism’s Causes 1562-1598- Many religious wars were fought between Catholics and Protestants 1572 - St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre - slaughter of French Protestants (Huguenots) – Nobles included Absolutism- Belief by kings and queens that it was their DIVINE RIGHT to control every aspect of society. Religious wars, exploration – needed centralized control

Henry IV (Bourbon) Was, in effect the ruler of France Increased power of the Monarchy weakened the rights of Huguenots tried to weaken the power of the nobles by ordering their castles torn down Increased the power of government agents - who were from the middle class Involved France in the 30 years war to try to defeat the Hapsburgs and make France the most powerful nation in Europe

The Thirty Years War · Fought in the Holy Roman Empire (Germany: 1618-1648) · Divided by religion North was Protestant South was Catholic 1/4th to1/3rd of the population died. War ends with the Peace of Westphalia France gains territory in Spain and Germany Hapsburgs lost most of their power Germany divided into 360 separate states

Louis XIII & Richelieu After Henry’s death, his son Louis XIII becomes king Louis XIII 1610-1643 Gained the throne at the age of 9. He was a weak and sickly king who appointed a strong minister - Cardinal Richelieu

Cardinal Richelieu Believed in the Divine Right of Kings. Kings had no one to answer to but God Put the kings at the highest spot of social ladder, even above the Pope. Under Richelieu: 1. Monarchy (King/Queen) gained absolute control. 2. The nobility was brought under the control of the king. 3. France became a world power.

The Three Musketeers The novel/movie The Three Musketeers revolves around the musketeers trying to stop the plans of the over powering …Cardinal Richelieu In the 1993 Disney movie, the Cardinal tends to be a bit more ruthless and self-serving

Louis XIV After Louis XIII and Richelieu, comes the most powerful ruler in French history - Louis XIV His philosophy-“I am the State” Claimed Divine Right of Kings Louis believed the destiny of France revolved around him the way the earth revolves around the Sun. “Sun King”

The Reign of Louis XIV 1638-1715 Becomes King at the age of 5 (1643) Actually begins to rule in 1661 Louis XIV symbolized the true absolute monarch. “I am the State” Absolutism blueprint: Believed in mercantilism; Colbert Used middle class intendants, instead of nobles to run gov’t constantly used wars to promote France’s power Required nobles to reside in palace When Louis XIV died in 1715 he left a legacy of absolute rule, social unrest, and economic debt that would lead to revolution

The Palace of Versailles Took 47 years to build The cost may have exceeded 100 million dollars. Versailles had enough rooms to house 10,000 people. Was built during a time when many French people did not have shelter or enough to eat

Wars of Louis XIV and Death War of Spanish Succession - Louis’ grandson, Philip, becomes King of Spain The people believed this gave the Bourbon Dynasty too much power, and war erupted Other European join together to try to limit the power of France 1713 -Treaty of Utrecht -Philip was allowed to remain King of Spain as long as the thrones of France and Spain were not united Louis died in 1715 - prompting great celebration throughout France

Louis & The Man in the Iron Mask Leonardo DiCaprio plays Louis in movie version of The Man and the Iron Mask The book/movie address the legend that Louis kept someone hidden away in a dungeon for years The book/movie indicates that the man in the dungeon is Louis’ twin brother and the Louis put him there so he could have sole power

While viewing clips from Iron Mask... Take out a piece of paper and put your name on it. Write and Describe instances in the film which show Louis XIV (Dicaprio) as a Absolute Ruler. What types of things does he do that show he feels he is the supreme authority?