Absolute Monarchs Chap 16 Phillip II Louis XIV Peter the Great

What is absolutism? Textbook definition: –“When a ruler has complete authority over the government and the lives of the people” What’s so new about this? –Degree of power –Depth & scope of powers claimed

Hallmarks of absolutism Divine right claims –“The king is king because God made him king” –“I answer to God alone” Attempts to control all in realm –Religious groups, nobles, local govts. –Through favors or suppression –A heavy-handed approach to creating unity Yes, I know - this guy gets annoying after a while.

Hallmarks of absolutism Control over financial machinery –King controls the money –No longer has to ask nobles for money –Raise $ through Taxes, customs duties (tariffs), & other financial schemes –System of tax collectors whose job is to go around and collect money

Hallmarks of absolutism Massive bureaucracies –True civil servants –Paid by state, represented the king –Men owed their wealth & position to employment Thus usually loyal & grateful to king

Hallmarks of absolutism Standing armies –The medieval system abandoned Feudal obligation of 40 days’ service thrown out –Why standing (full time) armies were needed? –The benefits of standing armies? –The burden of standing armies? Do the math: How much does it cost to feed an army of 200,000 men every day, 3 times a day. –(Use the Denny’s Menu as a guide for prices)

L’etat, c’est moi!! Louis “the Sun King” XIV That’s “I AM the state” to you silly Americans

Kill those darn Huguenots Increase the Army!! Invade Germany!!! I want to be king of Spain too! Louis “the Sun King” XIV Build me a palace!!! Fight the English!! Fight the Dutch!! Fight the Swedes!!! What do you mean we’re out of money!!??

The Story of the Revolt of the Titans Giants revolt Zeus crushes the revolt King of the giants is buried under pile of rocks Don’t mess with the big boys

What dear? Honey, let’s make this the kid’s wing Umm, I think I’m lost The back yard This can all be yours for a measly $4,000,000,000

France Under Louis XIV King is glorified as all powerful –“Divine Right” –Nobles stripped of power –Versailles built Many wars –War of Spanish Succession. Everyone gangs up on France Treaty of Utrecht - Spain and France can never be unified Promotes economy through mercantilism and heavy taxes –Note: Nobles do not pay taxes

Why? Louis XIV palace Ruled where when why What went On there symbols Believed in Meaning? economics who what religion military Change to army campaigns

Louis XIV’s Wars Why? result Why? result results

Peter the Great Czar of Russia Romanov Family Knock off the Tall jokes.

“Civilized,” “Highly Cultured” “Gentlemanly” Europe “Backwards” “Peasant” Europe (2 nd Class) HA HA HA! Look at the Backwoods Hillbillies Who live Here!!! HA HA HA! How Europeans Viewed Things

Russia: Poor Geographically Isolated Dominated by nobles Medieval / Feudal Many serfs Church has great influence

What does it take to get a little respect around here? I’ve got to get Westernized Maybe a new capital would help And a big army! - and navy. Hey you! Shave off that beard!! Better get hold of these rotten nobles Peter the Grrrrreeeaaaatttt

Hey Ottomans, I want access to the ocean. Keep Dreaming! You will never get a warm water port!

Peter’s “Window On The West” Saint Petersburg: The Most “European” of all Russian cities

Russia’s Geographical Problems? Misc. Notes Peter the Man Days as a sailor Traveling Europe Read between the lines. What kind of a man was he? How he died

Peter the Great Ruled where when problems geog built why desires How he fulfilled them? Granted nobles large estates w/ many serfs results