THE AGE OF ABSOLUTISM (1550-1800)

Opener Opener: Answer the following questions in your guided notes: Define a monarchy. When you think of a king or queen, how would you describe them? Why do you think a king or queen would want total control of their government?

Setting the Stage Europe was in a period after Reformation. Still divided religiously. Catholic territory: Spain, France, Italy, Southern Germany. Protestant territory: England, Netherlands, Northern Germany Spain, France, and England had colonies in Asia, the Americas, and Africa.

The Age of Absolutism 16th & 17th Centuries System of government King or Queen has complete control over government & its people Autocracy Centralized Government Nation states Two types of Absolute monarchs: Ruler Ruler + Chief Minister Countries with Absolutism: Spain, France, Prussia, Russia, Austria

Map of states under Absolutism

Absolutism Monarchs based their claim on Divine Right Authority comes from God Monarchs are “Above the Law” Common features- Strong armies limited representative bodies high taxes

Causes of Absolutism Breakdown of Feudalism/ Rise of Nation states Feudalism is where the nobility had land that was given to them by the King because the nobility would fight in wars to protect the King. The nobility would then have the peasants work the land. Nation states is essentially a country. Continuous Warfare Need for money Exploration Declining influence of the church

Regulation of Religion & society Effects of Absolutism Regulation of Religion & society Loss of power by nobility & legislatures New government Bureaucracies Huge building projects

France: The First Example Absolutism In Europe France: The First Example

Ballet in the Court of Louis XIV La Roi Danse While watching the following clip, answer the question on your learning guide. How did Louis XIV use ballet to assert his wealth and power? Provide a summary of the scene AND give 3 specific references where the dance asserts his wealth and power. (3 sentence minimum!)

"The Ultimate Absolutist" Louis XIV "The Ultimate Absolutist" Known as “The Sun King” Ruled for 72 years Mercantilist policies It was believed that national strength could be maximized by limiting imports via tariffs and maximizing exports Built the strongest army in Europe Expanded bureaucracy Never called the Estates General Persecuted the Huguenots French Protestants

France (Louis XIV) Estates General - council that was established to check royal power. Intendants collected taxes recruited soldiers enforced his policies throughout France Jean Baptiste Colbert - finance minister, mercantilist made France the wealthiest state in Europe.

Palace of Versailles Started as his father’s hunting lodge most magnificent building in Europe symbol of wealth and power housed 10,000 people lavish lifestyle, constant parties and gather’s to distract and bankrupt nobles Housed the Royal Academy for the Arts – made the arts professional

Baroque Reading Application Versailles Palace Versailles, France https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxIzMr2Ekpo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vozzXRIEDhw

Hall of Mirrors- Versailles The 17 mirrored arches reflect windows overlooking the gardens, creating a feeling of light, drama and extravagance.

What does 50,000 look like? Rupp x2!

Louis XIV Legacy Reigned for 72 yrs, longer than any other monarch. French culture, manners, and customs replaced those of Renaissance Italy as the standard for European taste. Revoked Edict of Nantes. The Edict was originally issued in 1598 by Henry IV. It protected Protestants in Catholic France. So, it promoted religious tolerance. When Louis XIV revoked it, over 100,000 Huguenots (they were Protestant) had to flee France. Caused serious blow to the French economy. Also drained economy with warfare. Refused Philip V of Spain’s attempt to unite the two crowns. By the time Louis XV inherited throne, France was in a state of chaos.

Exit Slip How did Louis show his power and wealth through architecture? Name two common features of any absolute monarchy. What event gave Louis the nickname, “Sun King?” There were five causes of Absolutism, NAME AND EXPLAIN two. What did intendants do for Louis XIV?