Absolutism in Europe Western Civilization

What is it? An Absolute monarch is one in which the king or queen heads a highly centralized system of government. There are few checks on royal power.

Divine Right Belief that a ruler derived absolute or complete authority to govern directly from God. This meant that they were responsible to God.

Think about it… As we go through the characteristics and examples of Absolute monarchs, consider the advantages and disadvantages of such a political system. Think of how Canada might benefit or suffer under an Absolute monarch.

Features Centralized power Middle Class Common people

Centralized power Centralized power Restrained the nobles. Nobility was symbolic. Medieval kings had to share power with the church & nobility. Bureaucracies Absolute monarchs developed the bureaucracies to serve the king/queen. Career officials appointed by and solely accountable to the monarch. Replaced nobility. Public offices!

Economics Mercantilism: More exports, limit imports! Absolute monarchs created bureaucracies that directed the economic life of the country to the interests of the monarch Taxes for example. Compared to medieval monarchs who had to bargain with nobles for access to money.

Expansion New territories acquired added to national wealth and prestige.

Role of the Middle Class Wanted the stability of a monarch. Stability is good for business. Liked expansion and trade. Monarchs used the middle class to consolidate their own power against the nobles.

Role of the Common People Rise of nationalism. Symbolic nature of the monarch.

Review The monarch commanded all the powers of the state: Judicial, Military, Political, & Economic Developed a centralized bureaucracy, a professional army, and a state-directed economy. All of this was supervised by the monarch.

Is this not Totalitarianism? Rule of absolute monarchs was not all-embracing because they lacked: Financial resources Military resources Technology Totalitarianism is a 20th century phenomenon.

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Textbook Case Studies SPAIN: Expansion Decline Treasure and Expansion Passionate and serious in his role Decline Religious differences Economics Dependent on Gold & Silver Inflation & the cost of war (where have we heard this story before?)

Textbook Case Studies Spanish Decline: Lack of a strong middle class (Expulsion of Moorish and Jewish communities) Failed to invest in new enterprises Agricultural crises Population decline International competition for trade (Dutch & English) Colonies were developing localized economies Inflation because of the flood of gold

France: Henry IV Restored order in a war-torn land. Was a “caring” king Rebuilt bureaucracy Collected taxes (reduced taxes among overburdened peasants) Strong Army Encouraged new businesses

France: Cardinal Richelieu Limited power of the Huguenots Destroyed fortified castles belonging to nobles (was a symbol of feudal independence) Encouraged overseas trade Nationalized culture (French language)

Cardinal Richelieu Divided France into 32 districts, each with an Intendents to oversee. Intendents transferred information between local communities and the king Intendents had two jobs: Enforce royal orders Weaken the power of the nobility

France: Louis XIV (1643-1715): Continued policy of centralizing government Had a lot of talent Sun King: “L’etat, c’est moi.” Reorganized & increased standing army Closely directed government administration Intendants Versailles: we will look at in more detail! Reformed the tax system

Louis XIV : French became the language of polite society and diplomacy. Entertained nobility through state culture, while undermining their power. Separated power from status! Had a secret police force (foreshadows the 20th century)

Germany/Prussia I: Hundreds of small, independent states: The Holy Roman Emperor had no real power Reformation deepened differences between the various rulers (Peace of Augsburg) Thirty Years’ War: devastated German states Peace of Westphalia

Germany/Prussia The Great Elector: Frederick William Built a strong army Used the army to be a police force and they acted as tax collectors. Increased revenues allowed the Great Elector to barter with the nobility.

Germany/Prussia Frederick William I: Built up the army (included noble (became officers) and peasant classes) Universities Encouraged settlement to increase population Huguenots from France

Germany/Prussia Frederick William I: Protestant work ethic Cheap (unlike Louis XIV), lived off his own land’s earnings. Profoundly militaristic! Obsessed with his military. 38000 => 83000

Germany/Prussia Frederick the Great Military expansion, continued in his father’s footsteps and wanted to expand Prussia’s territory. Fought with Maria Theresa of Austria

Russia: Peter the Great Traveled and learned about the West and western technologies and developments Hired western Europeans to teach Russians Abolished certain traditional customs (no beards gentlemen) Modeled his government on Louis XIV Created St. Petersburg (access to trade) Wanted a strong military

Russia: Catherine the Great Gave nobles a charter of rights Expanded Russia Won a warm-water port on the Black Sea

Setting the stage… Eastern absolutism created an authoritarian tradition (can still be seen today) Increase in serfdom Opposite in west. Nobles took more land from servants and more and more servants were forced into serfdom.