1. Age of Absolutism: Spain, England, and France World History 9/16/15

3. Objectives What are the characteristics on absolutism and absolute monarchies? Who were the key monarchs in France, Spain, and England, and what were their accomplishments?

4. What is Absolutism??! Age of Absolutism: Period, roughly 1500-1700, in which European monarchs were creating hugely powerful Kingdoms Absolute Monarchy: King/Queen (monarch) has TOTAL CONTROL of ALL aspects

5. Absolutism, 2 Why was an absolute monarchy successful? Divine Right – monarchs receive right to rule directly from God ◦Decisions justified by God ◦Religion DOMINATES daily life – You don’t want to question God’s judgement, right? Goal of AM: Unify religiously diverse people and bring unity, control, effiency

6. Religion Main: Catholicism ◦Before 1600, most ALL nations were Catholic After the Protestant Reformation (1500s), the Church is challenged and many new Christian religions spring up. ◦Many we still have today – Calvinism, Lutheran, etc. Most big issues in Europe caused by fighting over Christian religions

8. The Absolute Monarch Few ways to become a Monarch: Bloodline – next in line upon death Conquest/Overthrow – military based Ways to NOT stay a Monarch: Get conquered/overthrown Die

9. Positives/Negatives StrengthsWeaknesses - Efficient decisions - National identity - Wealth - Empire building - Stability (if he/she is good) Debt (wars) Stability (if he/she stinks) Undemocratic Personal rights taken away

10. Spain Discovery of SILVER made them the richest, then also the poorest, kingdom in the world Hapsburg bloodline was the most powerful in Europe for a time Had the most colonies in the “New World” ◦King Phillip II Huge # of wars BROKE Spain and they were in massive debt

11. France