1. Absolutism
Louis XIV

2. L’etat c’est moi!
Louis XIV
King of France
I AM THE STATE!
Absolutism

3. Absolute Monarchs
In the 1700s, most countries in Europe were ruled by Monarchs
A Monarch is the King or Queen of a country.
Some countries had a monarch who was also supported by a governing body.
In England, the King was the monarch, but he was supported by Parliament.
Absolute Monarchies
Absolute Monarchies are when a king has absolute power - no parliament, or other lords, have much power.

4. Where was there Absolutism?
In Russia:
Peter the Great
Was elected Tsar (King), and ultimately became an Absolute Monarch.
Started the Romanov Dynasty (last dynasty in Russia)
Had a violent temper, and would kill anyone he suspected of disloyalty
Westernized Russia - made it more European and less “foreign”.
Catherine the Great
A few generations after Peter the Great.
Was a foreign princess who married a Russian prince.
Expanded Russia westward into Europe.
Made Russia into an European power.

5. French Absolutism In France Louis XIV Called the Sun King.
Ruled France for 72 years (one of the longest reigns in history)
Is considered the epitome of the Absolute ruler.
When he died, he was succeeded by his great-grandson, Louis XV.
Louis XIV outlived ALL of this sons and all of his grandsons.

6. Why was it important to keep up an image of strength and health?
Louis XIV
Louis’ Propaganda
The French court was all about power, and about image.
Louis had many paintings made of himself.
Some he gave as gifts to other monarchs.
Louis wanted to show himself as young, strong, and healthy.
Why was it important to keep up an image of strength and health?

7. Louis XIV

8. Louis XIV

9. Louis XIV - Fashion Icon
Louis was famous for his fashion sense
The French court was considered to be the height of fashion.
Louis also made the high heel popular.
It was sexy for men to have well-defined calves - high heels made the calves look more defined.
It also gave Louis height, so he could seem more powerful.
- Show Clip -

10. Versailles Before Louis XIV, the French court was always in Paris.
Louis moved it to Versailles.
Originally a hunting lodge, Louis turned it into an opulent palace.

11. Versailles

12. Louis XIV the King
Louis XIV was the absolute monarch. He didn’t want to share power with anyone.
He made the nobles and aristocrats live at Versailles with him.
He would randomly change the rules of the palace.
He wanted to make sure no one felt safe in their position, and that they were always trying to please him.

13. Louis XIV the King Do Now… Writing:
At this point, the Enlightenment is also spreading through France.
How would Enlightenment thinkers react to Louis XIV?
How might things change now that Louis XIV is dead?

14. Louis XVI