The Absolute Monarchs of Europe

Absolutism Absolutism = belief that 1 ruler should hold power within a country Causes: –War / Religious Conflict creates fear –People wanted strong leaders / protection Effects: –Limited spread of ideas / religious beliefs –Taxes $$$

Louis the 14 th of France Actions –Weakened powers of his nobles –Expanded / protected French Economy –Supported the Arts (Opera, Painting, Ballet) –Modernized France’s Army –France constantly at war –Lavish Lifestyle Palace of Versailles ($2.5 billion)

Louis the 14 th of France Impact –France most powerful country in Europe –Expanded France’s Borders Colonies in Europe and North America –France in debt ($250 million in 1715)

Peter the Great of Russia Actions –Well educated –Modernized Russia’s Economy, Military, and Education system –Reduced power of nobles –Built St. Petersburg (110,000 people died in construction) –Had a violent temper –Heavily taxed Russian people

Peter the Great of Russia Impact –Russia became a powerful European country –Advanced the role of women in Russia –Fought in expensive and costly wars –Destroyed many Russian traditions in order to modernize