Aim: How did the “nation-state” help give rise to absolute and constitutional monarchies in early modern Western Europe? Nation-State: A civilization where people share a common culture, language and history. ABSOLUTE MONARCH: A leader who has ALL of the power within the boundaries of their nation-state. (17th and 18th centuries) Examples: Louis XIV (France), Habsburg Kings (Austria-Hungary), Frederick the Great (Prussia), Philip II (Spain), Peter and Catherine the Great (Russia) PARLIAMENTARY (CONSTITUTIONAL) MONARCH: Kings must share power with representatives selected by the nobility and upper urban classes. Examples: England (after the Glorious Revolution of 1688 – English Bill of Rights), the Netherlands (Dutch). BOTH TYPES CENTRALIZED THEIR GOVERNMENTS AND PRACTICED MERCANTALISM

Pair Share: How does this quote exemplify political Authority in Western Europe in the 17th /18th century? 1665 Kongeloven ("King's Law") of Denmark-Norway, stipulated that the monarch shall from this day forth be revered and considered the most perfect and supreme person on the Earth by all his subjects, standing above all human laws and having no judge above his person, neither in spiritual nor temporal matters, except God alone.

Mercantalism – Preferred economic system of monarchs!

Empire of Charles V

The Empire of Philip II

The Holy Roman Empire: Late 1512

Excerpts from The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527): A book on state craft – How to seize and maintain power. …Whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, is much safer to be feared than loved. Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property, life and children, as said above, when need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you…

“L’etat, c’est moi” The Sun King – Louis XIV

Louis XIV

Virtual Tour of Versailles http://www.chateauversailles.fr/en/

Palace of Versailles

Grounds at the Palace of Versailles

Inside view – Palace of Versailles

Activity: While working in pairs discuss the following developments and explain how each of these contribute to the rise of ABSOLUTE MONARCHIES? Be analytical in your approach. 1) decline of feudalism 2) rise of cities and middle class 3) growth of national kingdoms 4) wealth of colonies 5) breakdown of Church authorities 6) economic and religious crises and revolts

Peter the Great

St. Petersburg