They possessed control over ALL PARTS of society Absolutism A King with total power. They possessed control over ALL PARTS of society Absolutist Policies policies made WITHOUT the approval of the “people”, and are designed to maintain or centralize their power and strengthen the power of the king Rule by this idea of Divine Right- the idea that God created the monarchy and the monarch is God’s representative on Earth.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ABSOLUTE MONARCH Centralized GOVERNMENT: power is concentrated around one individual, not shared by many REDUCED POWER of the NOBLES Built EXPENSIVE PALACES to display power (like Versailles) Gaining TERRITORY and POWER became more important than religion Expansionist policies (mercantilism); goal was to GAIN COLONIES Kings fund the arts Large professional ARMIES Very HIGH TAXES for the people “DIVINE RIGHT”: they answer only to God

Louis XIV of France Background Info 22 years old when he became King Video Background Info 22 years old when he became King short- 5’5” wore high heeled shoes to increase height to seem more powerful

absolutist policies: weakens authority of nobles by excluding them from council (meetings) gives jobs to poor people who depend on his money—they will be loyal Ended religious freedom –Protestants had to flee to other countries Heavy taxes w/o approval Wars to expand empire and increase wealth- goal was to make France self-sufficient large army to symbolize strength and put down internal and external opponents Encouraged people to migrate to Canada. Why? propoganda – patron of arts to glorify himself - preaches divine right - right to rule from God

“L’etat, c’est moi” “I am the state.” King Louis XIV – the “Sun King” Source of all political authority in France

Louis’ death and legacy Louis’ last years were more sad than glorious. Realizing that his wars had ruined France, he regretted the suffering he had brought to his people He died in 1715 News of his death prompted rejoicing throughout France, they had had enough of their “Sun King” Unfortunately absolutism will not die with Louis

Peter the Great of Russia

Background Info tall 6’5” imposing stature Video tall 6’5” imposing stature Dressed very European (like France) He had the mind of a genius, The body of a giant, and the Ferocious temper of a bear.

Grand embassy One year after becoming sole ruler of Russia, Peter embarked on a long visit to Western Europe He was fascinated by the modern tools and machines in the foreigners shops One of his goals on this trip was to learn about European manufacturing techniques Never before had a Russian ruler experienced Western Europe like this

Forced Westernization Forced Russian nobility to adopt western customs Western European clothing (short coats)— no caftan no beards – or taxed women ordered to attend parties

Does this look familiar??? Absolutist policies Does this look familiar??? Peter took control of Orthodox Church (doesn’t want to compete with church) Lessened power of nobles by giving government jobs to poor that would be loyal to him b/c depend on him for money Built large army to symbolize his power Heavy taxes w/o consent of anyone

Russia & Sweden After the Great Northern War Peter wanted a warm water seaport to open up trade with the West Russia went to war with Sweden to gain a piece of the Baltic coast After 21 years, Russia finally won

What is strategic about this location?? St. Petersburg