Absolutism

Origin & Theory What led to the development of absolutism? Wars of Religion – Peace of Augsburg – France: War of the three Henrys – The Thirty Years War Rise of the nation-state and evolution of ‘new monarchs’ – Centralization of authority – Standing army – Monarch as state Political Theory – Jean Bodin – Thomas Hobbes – Jacques Boussuet

Absolutism vs. Despotism Absolutism Needs of the People Preserve the State Ruler limited by laws and traditions Need good relations with existing groups in power – Ex. Religious groups, nobles. Etc. Ex. Louis XIV Despotism Ruler wants power for himself Willing to sacrifice the well being of the state for power Wants to remake the state in his own image Ex. Stalin

17 th Century Ruling Families England- Tudors- Stewarts France- Bourbon Austria-Hungary- Hapsburgs Prussia- Hohenzollern Russia- Romanovs

What conditions existed in France that made it emerge as the classic example of absolutism?

Characteristics of Absolutism France Trigger Events Relationship with Nobility Expanding State Structure Warfare Religion Architecture/Art: Monumentalism

Characteristics of Absolutism France Trigger Events 100 Years War (Long term) War of the 3 Henrys, Edict of Nantes Richelieu, Mazarin The Fronde – – Fronde of Parlement, Fronde of the Princes Relationship with Nobility Nobility as ‘junior partner’ – give up some power in exchange for guaranteed recognition of noble privileges Nobility doesn’t pay taxes Intendants essentially do all of the work of the state Bring the nobles to the seat of power (Versailles) to keep an eye on them Expanding State Structure System of intendants Versailles- “Big Brother” Revocation of the Edict of Nantes Mercantilism

Warfare War of Spanish Succession Balance of Power Issues Louis XIV’s Wars Religion Concordat of Bologna Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (mistake) Architecture/Art: Monumentalism French Classicism Versailles (An amusement park for the nobles) Moliere Characteristics of Absolutism

Why can it be said that the palace of Versailles was used as a device to ruin the nobility of France? Was Versailles a palace or a prison?

What was the price France paid for the wars of Louis XIV? Was it too high a price?

... absolute monarchy, which originated in early modern Europe and was based on the strong individual leaders of the new nation-states that were created at the breakup of the medieval order. The power of these states was closely associated with the power of their rulers; to strengthen both, it was necessary to curtail the restraints on centralized government that had been exercised by the church, feudal lords, and medieval customary law. By claiming the absolute authority of the state against such former restraints, the monarch as head of state claimed his own absolute authority. (Encyclopedia Britannica) FRQ Timed Write Based on the statement above: Assess the extent to which France under Louis XIV was truly an absolute monarchy. Examine political, economic, social and religious policies in your assessment.

Characteristics of Absolutism PrussiaAustria-Hungary Trigger Events Relationship with Nobility Expanding State Structure Warfare Religion Architecture/Art: Monumentalism

The Fredericks Frederick William ( ) – The Great Elector (ruler) – Established a permanent army Frederick I ( ) – Increased the army – Canton system, “militarism” King Frederick William I (r ) – Soldier King – “Tall soldiers” – Further increases the army Frederick II (r ) – “The Great” – Expanded Prussian territory – Increased Hohenzollern monarchy

Russia m/watch?v=ZfWaHCWO 42M m/watch?v=ZfWaHCWO 42M – *Note- 1745, not 1945

Characteristics of Absolutism Russia Trigger Events Relationship with Nobility Expanding State Structure Warfare Religion Architecture/Art: Monumentalism