Why all-powerful, amazingly rich dudes (and ladies) have more fun. Absolutist Monarchs Why all-powerful, amazingly rich dudes (and ladies) have more fun.

Once upon a time, there lived absolutist rulers, who had unlimited power over their subjects and lands. They competed with each other, married each other, and spent lots of money on themselves. They claimed that God had given them the right to rule – the divine right. No matter what they did, God was on their side, and opposition was heresy. Here are a few of these lucky rulers…

Spain Phillip II, devout Catholic Extremely powerful Built his palace, El Escorial Supported Catholic Inquisition Tried to overthrow Protestant ruler of England, Elizabeth I Built Armada to defeat England – failed

Home sweet home – El Escorial

England Common belief was that only men could rule Refused to marry Worked with Parliament, instead Ended Protestant/Catholic persecution in England by compromising Cooperated with Spain to keep France from gaining too much power = balance of power

Tudor Buildings

Westminster Abbey

France Louis XIV, the Sun King: “L’etat, c’est moi” Wore some sweet clothes Had some lovely ladies Stole some land through lots of wars Built the Palace at Versailles Centralized the French gov’t Maintained Versailles at a total cost of 25% of France’s total national income

Land Gains

Versailles

Now Louis’ ladies…

Until death do us part but… Wife #1 Until death do us part but…

Gave birth to four children- Louis lost interest- She became a nun. Mistress #1 Gave birth to four children- Louis lost interest- She became a nun.

Had several of Louis’ children- Louis lost interest- She became a nun. Mistress #2 Had several of Louis’ children- Louis lost interest- She became a nun.

Manages to hold on until the end. No convent for her. Wife #2 Manages to hold on until the end. No convent for her.

To Remember Divine right – absolute rulers believed they were designated by God to rule. To resist them was to resist God. Intense competition between rulers led to conflict and wars The development of national feeling – being a “citizen” rose as governments centralized Balance of power – no one nation could get too much power, or the other nations would band together against it Living it up – all the while keeping tabs on their nobles and having the peasants pay the bills

Other Issues of the same period Protestants v. Catholics = 30 Years War Fought Capitalism developing – average citizens wanted a share of exploration’s riches. Formed joint stock companies to combine wealth and take voyages to make $$. Capitalism = idea that wealth can be created. Prices and quality regulated by the “invisible hand” of the market. (if everyone follows their own self-interest, things will be okay.)