The Age of Absolutism in Europe 1600-1715

Europe in 1700

Absolutism in France Louis XIV (1643-1715) believed the monarch personified the state Absolutism was created under Cardinal Mazarin who secularized France and fostered loyalty to the French state Absolutism was the claim to rule by divine right. The greatest challenge to the throne came from the nobility. Monarchs created standing armies.

Reign of Louis XIV Used intendants to limit the power of the nobility Mercantilism was used to increase the wealth of France Jean Baptiste Colbert Colonization Canada Built the Palace of Versailles to demonstrate his power and limit the power of the nobility

Palace of Versailles

Palace of Versailles

Versailles Grande Gallerie Daily routines at Versailles were exploited by Louis XIV The nobility competed against each other to perform menial tasks for the king

Versailles—Some Statistics Modern cost: over $2,000,000,000 Annual upkeep took 25% of France’s income Main building 500 yards long Two wings: 150 yards long 2,000 rooms 15,000 acres of gardens with 1,400 fountains

Peter the Great Ruled 1696-1725 Modernized Russia through Westernization Expanded Russia to Pacific Taxed his subjects heavily to pay for his projects

Russian Empire after PtG

Winter Palace in St. Petersburg

Philip II of Spain Ruled Spain (1556-1598) when the empire was at its height Devout Catholic Centralized royal power Married Mary I of England Invaded England with Spanish Armada in 1588

Frederick II of Prussia Absolute ruler of Prussia (1740-1786) Unified Prussia, part of the Holy Roman Empire, into one nation Built on of Europe’s most powerful militaries Supported the Enlightenment

Maria Theresa of Austria Absolute monarch of Austria (1740-1780) Enlightened Despot Eased taxes and gave more rights to her subjects Gave birth to 16 children while in power

17th Century England James I (1603-1625) supported absolute rule Charles I (1625-1649) fought with Parliament over money for his wars with Spain Dissolved Parliament in 1629 starting the English Civil War between supporters of Charles and supporters of Parliament led by Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell Oliver Cromwell: Lord Protector – England Ruled through the army instead of Parliament Exiled Catholics to Ireland Strict Puritan laws passed – theaters closed, Sunday set aside for worship, no lewd dancing, taverns or gambling When Cromwell died, Restoration began.

The Restoration Charles II (1660-1685) learned the lessons of his predecessors – don’t mess with Parliament James II (1685-1688) was an unpopular king Returned to Absolutism Antagonized Parliament Ran up a huge debt Openly Catholic Forced from throne in what came to be called the Glorious Revolution.

The Glorious Revolution (1688) William of Orange, the Dutch monarch was asked by the English people to depose their king, James II Parliament now reigned supreme The Bill of Rights (1689) outlined the powers and rights of Parliament

English Bill of Rights of 1689 Guaranteed supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy Monarchy could neither make nor suspend laws Trial by jury reinstated Affirmed “writ of habeas corpus” – no person can be held in prison without first being charged with a specific crime. Due process of laws Laid groundwork for American system of laws

Thomas Hobbes (1588 –1679) Man is inherently selfish and aggressive Left on own, chaos and conflict would rule Citizens need law and to follow a sovereign to avoid chaos

John Locke (1632 – 1704) Believed that over time people would join together to benefit from cooperation Through a Social Contract, sovereignty would remain with the people Natural Rights—life, liberty, and property