The political belief that one ruler should hold all of the power Within the boundaries of the country Absolutism 1500 - 1800 Chapter 5

Absolutism Absolutism – is a form of government in which one ruler has supreme authority and where that authority is not restricted by any written laws, legislature, or customs. Divine Right – kings and queens have a God-given right to rule and that rebellion against them is a sin.  What is the job of a king? How does a king display or show his power? How does a king hold on to his power? Should the king fear anyone?

Democracy Democracy -  a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people  What are the characteristics of a democracy?

#1 Absolutism or Democracy? These ideas were expressed by King Louis XIV of France in 1660. The head alone has the right to deliberate and decide, and the functions of all the other members consist only in carrying out the commands given to them . . . . The more you grant . . . [to the assembled people], the more it claims . . . The interest of the state must come first. Which type of government does King Louis XIV describe? Why is this the best type of government?

#2 Absolutism or Democracy? The following is an excerpt from Voltaire’s writings. . . . I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it . . . The best government seems to be that in which all ranks of men are equally protected by the laws . . . Which type of government does Voltaire recommend? Which freedom is essential to this type of government? Why?

Monarchs Write 1 paragraph for each question. (5 sentences minimum) What are the positives of living under an absolute monarch? What are the negatives of living under an absolute monarch?

Absolute Monarchs Peter the Great Of Russia Louis XIV of France “Sun King” Philip II of Spain The pictures above show some examples of absolute monarchs. What do you think are the positives of living under absolute rule? What do you think are the negatives of living under absolute rule?

The World in 1750. Most empires were ruled by one leader Leader was usually a male who came from a family of rulers (dynasty) Most rulers claimed that their power came from _______________. This belief is called _______________. Besides the ruler, their existed groups with privileges. They were often the political, military and religious leaders. This privilege was usually based on ______________.

The World in 1750 The majority of the population (90%) had little to no rights and struggled to survive. The rulers would defend their power and wealth thru tradition, force, and propaganda. suleiman the magnificent

Gunpowder Empires

Gunpowder Empires Made use of new firearms, especially cannons and guns Military strength Absolute monarchies  Had strong centralized governments Based on Islam extended the faith to new lands

Suleyman was the ruler of the ______________. Fill in the Blank The Gunpowder Empires share ________ characteristics. For example, _____________________________________ Suleyman was the ruler of the ______________. Suleyman should not be considered ‘Magnificent” because ___________________ Suleyman should be considered “Magnificent” because _______________

Suleyman Key terms: imperial, sultans, janissaries, Puppet state, corruption Answer in notes: Provide examples of Suleyman as an absolute ruler. What positive contributions did Suleyman make to his empire? Overall, was Suleyman worthy of the nickname Magnificent? Explain

Akbar (Mughal Empire) Greatest achievement was tolerance of other religions and cultures Held discussions with Hindu and Muslim scholars Created a fair and affordable tax system Allowed non-Muslims to worship freely Encouraged the study of art, astronomy, mathematics, philosophy Always kept an army prepared for battle Used diplomacy to control empire

Safavid Empire (Persia) Borrowed ideas from foreign lands Used Christian slaves as soldiers Government jobs based on merit Tolerated other religions Established trade with Europeans (especially hand woven rugs) Promoted art Shah Abbas

Growing Power of Monarchs Why did the monarchs of Europe grow so powerful? Decline of feudalism Rise of cities Growth of national kingdoms Growing middle class Wealth of colonies Breakdown of church authority

Crises Lead to Absolutism Why was the 17th century a time of “upheaval?” Religious conflict Territorial conflict How did the monarchs respond? Impose order Regulate religious worship Control social gatherings Control the economy Free themselves from the nobility and legislative bodies

What did the absolute monarchs have in common? Palaces (p.166) Wars Persecution of ethnic or religious minorities Control nobility Philip II’s El Escorial Palace

Philip II of Spain Defender of Catholicism Spanish Armada Dutch Revolt

Spanish Armada 1588 To punish Queen Elizabeth Loser!

The Dutch Revolt 1566-1579

Review Why did the Dutch revolt against Spain? Why might an absolute monarch view a republic, such as the Netherlands, as a political threat? Why did absolute monarchs believe that they were justified in exercising absolute power?

Louis XIV of France “The Sun King” Palace of Versailles (p. 166) Intendants Edict of Nantes Control the Nobility Party time Disastrous Wars

Peter the Great- Russia Differences with Europe “Grand Embassy” Westernization Reforms

Peter’s Reforms Orthodox Church Modernize Army Introduce potatoes 1st newspaper Western clothing Education St. Petersburg

20th century

Contemporary