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European Absolutism

What characteristics do you associate with an absolute ruler?

Read the provided document Read the provided document. What characteristics does the author associate with an absolute ruler?

What are the benefits and drawbacks of having an absolute ruler? What might people gain from having a ruler whose power is total, or absolute?

What rulers from history would fit these characteristics?

Definitions 1. Absolutism: Belief that 1 ruler should hold power within a country 2. Divine Right: The idea that God created the monarchy and monarchs act as representatives on Earth.

Characteristics 4 Major Features: 1. Centralized political power 2. Pacified nobility 3. Increased revenue 4. New army

Causes of Absolutism Decline of Feudalism Growth of cities Breakdown of Church authority People wanted strong leadership

Causes and Effects of Absolutism Read Analyzing Key Concepts on Page 594. Answer Skillbuilder: Interpreting Charts questions 1 and 2 in your notes.

Absolute Monarchies in Europe 1550-1800 Spain France England Austria Prussia Russia

Absolute Monarchies in Europe 1550-1800 From World History: Connections to Today Prentice Hall, 2003

The Philosopher Behind the Age Thomas Hobbes 1660 – Wrote the Leviathan (Giant) Discussed the perfect government People first lived in anarchy Needed a “social contract” Required an absolute monarch to maintain order People retained the right only to maintain their lives.

What factors might weaken the power of an absolute monarch?

Constitutionalism Characteristics: Examples: England, Netherlands A written constitutional may or may not be present. Laws limit a ruler or government’s power. A Social Contract is the foundation for society The State creates a set of Laws that all must follow and the penalties are set by the state as well Examples: England, Netherlands

Louis XIV (1643-1715)

The Sun King Louis XIV becomes king in 1643 Cardinal Mazarin in charge during his minority Mazarin continues policy of Richelieu Ends the Thirty Years’ War The Fronde (1648-53) Civil War in France Louis XIV takes over after Mazarin’s death in 1661  vows to become so strong, nobles will never threaten him  “L’etat,c’est moi,” meaning “I am the state”

The Sun King Louis XIV weakens the power of the nobility Increases the power of govt. agents called intendants His goal was to attain economic, political, and culture balance Jean Baptiste Colbert: Minister of Finance  follows policy of mercantilism  placed high tariffs on goods coming in  encouraged migration to Canada Louis XIV revokes the Edict of Nantes in 1685  loses many skilled workers

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Versailles Expanded from a hunting lodge in 1669 Became a symbol of wealth and power of France under Louis XIV Seat of French government for nearly 100 years Consumed as much as 25% of the income of France

Louis XIV’s Grand Style

Louis XIV’s Grand Style

Louis XIV’s Grand Style

Louis XIV’s Grand Style

Louis XIV’s Grand Style

Louis XIV’s Grand Style The King’s Bed The Queen’s Bed

Louis Fights Disastrous Wars Louis XIV brings France into wars to advance its position in Europe Wars of the Devolution (1667-1668) France vs. Holland, England, and Sweden Invasion of the Netherlands 1672-1678 War of the League of Augsburg (1688-1697) France vs. League of Augsburg (England, Spain, Sweden, Holland, German states)

Louis Fights Disastrous Wars The War of the Spanish Succession The King of Spain dies in 1700 Louis XIV’s grandson to inherit Spain and its colonies England, Holland, and the Holy Roman Empire form Grand Alliance against Louis XIV War ends in stalemate in 1713  Treaty of Utrecht  Louis’ grandson remained King of Spain, was not allowed to unite Spain & France Louis XIV dies in 1715, his great-grandson, Louis XV succeeds