Pyramid Societies in China and France in the 17 th -18 th Centuries Absolutism- a European idea that one person, given divine right by God, should hold all power. Absolutism became the global basis for pyramid societies that increasingly became nations rather than divided states during the 17th C in much of the world – never fully realizedAbsolutism- a European idea that one person, given divine right by God, should hold all power. Absolutism became the global basis for pyramid societies that increasingly became nations rather than divided states during the 17th C in much of the world – never fully realized In France: “One King, one law, one faith”In France: “One King, one law, one faith”

Origins of Absolutism (France and Qing China)  Worldwide depression in the 17th c caused by global cooling

 Decline in central control leads to peasant rebellions, banditry, religious wars and wars with invaders China- rebels take over Beijing- Ming ruler invites Mongols to help him regain control, instead they assume power in all of ChinaChina- rebels take over Beijing- Ming ruler invites Mongols to help him regain control, instead they assume power in all of China France- Religious wars- Catholics vs. Protestants ( ). Thirty Years War- ( ), Fronde (civil war)France- Religious wars- Catholics vs. Protestants ( ). Thirty Years War- ( ), Fronde (civil war)

Aspects of Absolutism – Sovereignty in France and China A. Semi-divine monarch- the “sun gods” Louis XIV Qianlong Louis XIV Qianlong

Kangxi Emperor

Qianlong

 Centralization of formal state government China -Civil service bureaucrats was expanded and Confucianized during the Ming period. ( ). Competitive jinshi exam largest - education system in the world. -Court eunuchs and censorate (surveillance) France -Henry IV (Navarro)- Edict of Nantes- gave Protestants (Huguenots) rights in a gave Protestants (Huguenots) rights in a Catholic nation – taken back by Louis XIV - Venal Offices -Cardinal Richelieu- crushes nobles, consolidates power and creates intendants (32 district system)

Enforcing Absolutism A.Large standing army B. Intellectual Theory -French Philosophs Bodin and Bousset write about divine right of kings and the need for one ruler -In China, Confucianism and “Mandate of Heaven” divine, absolutist emperor

Display of Power – Art, Architecture, Imperial Cities