Late 1500s to the late 1700s Chapter 16 The Age of Absolutism Late 1500s to the late 1700s Chapter 16

Things to think about… how did this time period significantly contribute to the development of the modern concept of a NATION STATE Think…Why isn’t most of the world ruled by Kings and Queens anymore?

What is Absolutism? During the late 1500s to late 1700s the kingdoms of Britain, France, Spain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia were ruled by monarchs who had absolute authority Monarchs are referred to as Absolute Monarchs Characterized by professional standing armies to ensure their rule Efficient tax structures to fund their rule Large bureaucracy (departments of government to carry out rule) Weakened nobility and church

Divine Right Justification for this form of Monarchy, where a king or queen has uncontested authority, is derived from the idea of Divine Right Right to rule comes directly from God This is also hereditary, which means the right is passed down to children

Benefits of Absolutism Though absolute rule today as seen as an offense to democracy, there were some benefits Policy is made by one person – efficient; no debates Stable government – same ruler for long periods of time The map shows monarchies today –   Red = Absolute Monarchy    Green = Constitutional Monarchy Purple = Sub-state Monarchy

Disadvantages of Absolutism No Democracy – only one person has a true voice in final decisions Limited Rights – people, particularly those not of nobility, has few or no guaranteed rights Poor leadership – not all Absolute Monarchs were good leaders; destructive to the country

How did it evolve? Decline in feudalism sees the power of the Monarch rise Protestant Reformation weakened the power of the Catholic church – no more excommunications of kings Growth of the middle class – merchants wanted economic stability and the king could seek their support instead of the nobles

Absolutism in Spain Phillip II was classic example Used the profit from the new world colonies to grow his wealth and consolidate his power Grew the Spanish empire Tried to spread Catholicism – allied with pope Attacked England to get rid of protestant Queen Elizabeth – lost (Spanish Armada) Spanish power declined after his rule – too much spent on wars

Absolutism in Spain VS. Spanish Armada - 1588 I want to use this slide to discuss the Armada and begin to tell the story of it to help the students understand the movie we’ll be watching later on in the week. VS.

Absolutism in France Louis XIV claimed power by divine right Motto was: “L’etat, c’est moi” (I am the state) Centralized government and ruled from the Palace of Versailles

Absolutism in France Ignored the Estates General (French parliament) and the commoners Spent lavishly on his palaces and the arts – cultural model for Europe Wars with other European powers left France drained at the end of his rule Use this information as a prelude to how the French people will challenge absolutism during the French Revolution

Absolutism in England England had resisted absolutism and worked with Parliament for centuries until Queen Elizabeth dies without an heir. Rule in England then passes from Elizabeth’s family – the Tudors – to the Stuart family. Charles I - Stuart Family TUDORS

Absolutism in England VS. The Stuarts see themselves as absolute rulers and begin to try to dissolve Parliament Eventually it leads to the English Civil War (1642-1651) Cavaliers – supporters of absolutism Roundheads – supporters of Parliament Charles I – Absolute Monarch of England Oliver Cromwell- leader of the Roundheads VS.

Absolutism in England Roundheads win and Parliament forces new king and queen to sign the English Bill of Rights Guarantees that Parliament has power and England will be a limited monarchy

Effects of Absolutism Modern day “nation states” begin to take shape Basic European “map” is created with defined territories “Balance of Power” theory take hold All European states should be relatively equal in strength

Effects of Absolutism An increased desire for more democracy as the wealthy elites, and commoners alike, begin to reject the notion of Absolute Rule Leads to the Age of Enlightenment in Europe where people will challenge Absolute Rule intellectually (debates, essays, written works critiquing monarchy)

Effect of Absolutism Intellectual challenges set the state for uprisings, revolts, wars and revolutions in Europe and its colonies

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