Intro to Absolutism

*** Listen to the reading. Note the answers to the following questions: What kind of ruler does the country have? (President, King, Queen, Council…) What powers do they have? Where do they believe their powers come from? Are there any checks and balances? (Is there any limit to their power)

What is Absolutism? Absolutism- a system of government in which one ruler holds total power Divine Right- the idea that rulers get their authority to rule from God, and are accountable only to God and not the people they rule

Characteristics of Absolutism Usually ruled by a king or queen No checks and balances No separation of Church and State (divine right) Everything controlled by gov’t Economy War Foreign affairs Domestic affairs

*** Brainstorm on the board: How could a ruler maintain their power and control over a country? Folder Activity!

Absolutism in France

Absolutism in France King Louis XIV Ideal absolute ruler Ruled for 72 years! France stabilized after years of religious war France becomes a great European power French culture becomes more refined Called himself the “Sun King” after Apollo (Greek sun god) because he was “the source of light for all his people”

Palace at Versailles Louis XIV built the palace at Versailles as an example of his power and splendor Louis demanded that his nobles and princes live at Versailles, where he distracted them with court life so they would stay out of politics

What do these pictures tell you about Louis XIV?

With a little help from my friends… On the back of your paper, explain who each of these people (and term) are and how they helped contribute to absolute power in France: Henry of Navarre Cardinal Richelieu Jean Baptiste Colbert Mercantilism Jean Baptiste Colbert