Absolutism in France and Russia

Do you think that in times of crisis, an absolute ruler is necessary to restore order? A. Yes B. No A B

Foundations were laid by Cardinal Richelieu (minister to Louis XIII) who broke the power of the nobles and the Huguenots

Richelieu took political and military rights from the Huguenots, a perceived threat to the throne, and thwarted a number of plots by nobles through a system of spies, executing the conspirators.

Louis XIV the Sun King Just as the earth depends on the sun, so France depends on its sun king created a standing national army responsible to him only created bureaucracy to run the government

moved palace to Versailles large and ornate nobles were required to spend some time at reducing the power of the nobility France was put on a crash course for revolution

Versailles Palace

“L’etat c’est moi!”- “I am the state!”

Absolutism in Russia Ivan IV took the title cazar (or casear) Expanded Russia’s territory making Russia a great empire Michael Romanov took the throne next, establishing Romanov dynasty in 1613

Inside Story How did a ruler earn such a bad reputation? The young Russian emperor, Ivan IV, seemed reasonable at first and made several positive reforms. He also went to war to expand Russia’s territory. When he seized the city of Kazan, the Russian people gave him the nickname groznyi, which means “fearsome” or “stern.” However, the word has also been translated as “terrible.” Ivan’s actions did indeed become terrible, as he slipped into periods of uncontrollable rage, suspicion, and violence. Whole towns were burned and their people sent away. Ivan killed some enemies while they were in church. He had leading citizens publicly executed in grisly ways designed to horrify the many witnesses. Ivan even mortally wounded his own son in an argument. This incident probably sealed his reputation for all time as “Ivan the Terrible.” 

Peter the Great took the throne in 1689 Claimed divine right to rule Visited Western Europe and brought back ideas and customs Wanted a “window to the west”

Peter the Great

Conquered the Baltic Sea area for Russia Built St. Petersburg as a forward capital to the West Brought in Western scientists, architects, designers, and businessmen to Russia

Exit Ticket NAME DATE BLOCK What makes Louis XIV an absolute monarch? How did Peter the Great transform Russia?