The Age of Absolutism Unit 5

Characteristics of absolute monarchies Centralization of power-growing wealth of the monarchs helped them take power from the other nobles in the kingdom Concept of rule by divine right- the idea that God had chosen the ruling family to be in charge. Anyone who went against the monarch was going against God.

Absolute Monarchs in Europe Louis XIV—France, Palace of Versailles as a symbol of royal power

Absolute Monarchs in Europe Frederick the Great—Prussia, emphasis on military power

Absolute Monarchs in Europe Peter the Great—Russia, westernization of Russia He took power away from the boyars-Russian nobles to give it to himself.

War of Spanish Succession The monarchs and nobles of Europe believed in the idea of a “balance of power” This was a practice that split up the continent equally and tried to limit one family, one monarch, or one country from gaining too much power.

War of Spanish Succession When Charles II of Spain died (1700) without an heir, he gave his throne to Phillip-Louis XIV of France’s grandson. Louis refused to remove Phillip from his line of succession. This meant that Phillip could one day unite France and Spain into one huge European Empire Charles II Phillip V

War of Spanish Succession The other powers of Europe joined to go to war with France and Spain to prevent Phillip and Louis from dominating Europe Eventually the Peace of Utrecht (1714) ended the war when Phillip V renounced his claim to the French throne and decided to stay on as the Spanish king The Balance of Power in Europe was restored