…or as Mel Brooks said, “It’s good to be the King.” The Age of Absolutism

Major Ideas… Absolute monarch – has total control over all aspects of life within their kingdom Divine right – belief that their power comes from God, because God “chose” them to be the king through birth What allows “absolute monarchs” to gain power? decline of feudalism – no more nobles to fight with for power growth of cities – lots of people in one place are easier to control growth of middle class – merchant class liked kings because they kept the peace and wouldn’t disrupt trade Wars over religion – people want someone to bring peace Vid

King vs. Oliver Charles I Cromwell

King Charles I of England King of a Protestant nation, but has a Catholic wife and alliances with Catholic countries Country is losing money as a result of numerous wars Parliament refuses to give Charles more money unless he gives up some of his power ENGLISH CIVIL WAR (1642)

King Charles II of England Chased out of the country by Cromwell After Cromwell’s death, Charles II is asked to return and be king (after they just fought a war to get rid of a king!!!) The “Restoration” Forced to support Anglicanism (doesn’t really care) Known as the “merry monarch”  lots of parties and no “legitimate” children

King James II of England Charles II was secretly Catholic…James II is OPENLY Catholic…how’s that work in England? The English people and Parliament are distrustful of a Catholic monarch in England demand that he resign as king. James has a daughter named Mary Mary has a husband named William, who is King of the Netherlands (the Dutch) Parliament asks William and Mary to invade England and take the throne.

William & Mary Lead the “Glorious Revolution” to overthrow James II (her dad!!!) Ensure that England remains Protestant (Anglican) Sign the English Bill of Rights Founded the College of William and Mary in 1693!!

FRANCE

France & the 30 Years War France is divided between Catholics and Huguenots (French Protestants) France makes the decision to attack Huguenots in order to “protect” the Catholic monarchy France gets involved in 30 Years War to weaken the Hapsburgs’ (Spain/Austria) power and make France stronger

France & the 30 Years War Spain starts the 30 Years War against Protestants in Germany Close Protestant churches and send in the army 1st half of war (12 years) goes well for Spain Hapsburgs win victory after victory Allow army to pillage conquered towns instead of paying them 2nd half of war (18 years) goes really badly for Spain German Protestants form alliance with France (Catholic) and defeat Hapsburgs

“Defenestration of Prague”

The 30 Years War Peace of Westphalia Ends 30 years war Vid Peace of Westphalia Ends 30 years war Weakens all parts of Hapsburg empire (Spain & Austria) Weakens Germany because of severe loss of life (about 4 million people died) France becomes most powerful country in Europe Is the last major religious conflict in Europe

France… Louis XIV (1643 – 1715) King at age of 5, officially takes power at 23 victory in 30 Years War makes France the most powerful country,  Louis is most powerful king builds Palace of Versailles to emphasize his importance Weakens power of nobles famously says “L’état c’est moi!”  “I am the state!”

PALACE OF VERSAILLES

PALACE OF VERSAILLES

PALACE OF VERSAILLES

PALACE OF VERSAILLES

PALACE OF VERSAILLES

PALACE OF VERSAILLES

AUSTRIA

Austria… Maria Theresa (1740 – 1780) Mother of 16 children (including the future queen of France  Marie Antoinette) Began ruling with the belief that a monarch should take care of her people…changed that belief later in life No religious tolerance in Austria Fights 2 wars with Prussia to protect her kingdom

PRUSSIA

Prussia… Frederick II – “Frederick the Great” (1712 – 1786) said that “a ruler should be like a father to his people” His own father tried to “toughen him up” by making him watch the execution of his best friend Was very interested in military conquest Builds the strongest army in Europe encouraged religious toleration (between Catholics and Protestants)

Prussia…and Austria…and England…and France Seven Years War (1756 – 1763) Maria Theresa makes an alliance with France in an attempt to weaken Prussia Frederic forms an alliance with Britain Frederic invades a small ally of Austria A “world war” begins between these powerful countries which is fought in Europe, India and North America Started by the “French and Indian War” in the USA Outcome: British get control of French colonies in India and N. America Outcome: 1.4 million dead across Europe

Seven Years War (blue vs. green)

Seven Years War

RUSSIA

Russia… How was Russia different from Western Europe?: serfdom lasts much longer  until the 1800’s Little contact with outside world because of conquest and climate religious differences  Russians were Eastern Orthodox Christians and viewed European Catholics and Protestants as heretics who didn’t follow the true word of God

Russia… Peter the Great (1672 – 1725) “the Grand Embassy” – a long visit to Western European nations to see how they did things differently “westernization” – goal to modernize Russia using Western Europe as a model reduces power of nobles (Boyars) hires Europeans to train the army introduces potatoes  increases population starts a newspaper  increases literacy rate gives women rights  takes away the whip by the time of his death, Russia had become a major power in the Eastern Hemisphere