Chapter 21: Absolute Monarchs in Europe 1500-1800

Absolutism Absolutism was the political belief that one ruler should hold all the power within the boundaries of the country.

The Theory of Absolutism Who?: Kings and Queens Wanted?: Absolute monarchy: to hold all the power Believed in? Divine right: the idea that God created the monarchy and the monarch acted as God's representation on earth.

Why do monarchs gain more influence & control in Europe after the Renaissance ?

“L'etat c'est moi” Louis XIV: France At the age 22, in 1661 'The most powerful monarch of all time' At the age 22, in 1661 “L'etat c'est moi” I am the state.

Louis XIV French monarchy Weakens power of nobility Increase power of government agents Communicate daily with local officials Controls trading Mercantilism in France: -self sufficient -high tariffs on goods -fur trade with Canada

Patronge of the Arts Opera Ballet Images glorified the king and absolute monarchy Does humanism and secularism still exist?

Under King Louis XIV France was the most powerful country in Europe Tried to expand France's borders Invaded both Spanish and Dutch Netherlands

End of his reign End of the 1680s their was an alliance to stop France (Netherlands, England, Austria, Sweden, Spain) France became weaker due to - poor harvests - constant warfare - higher taxes to pay for wars(debt) Louis XIV's abuse of powers will plague his heirs

Wealth of Louis XIV The Palace of Versailles (video clip)