1. Absolute Monarchs
Rise of Absolute Kings
Preview:
How might having a king with total power be a good thing? Explain your answer

2. The Age of Absolutism
A period from 1450 to 1715 when European monarchs began to create powerful nations that placed unlimited power in the hands of the king and his/her advisors

3. The Rise of Absolute Monarchs

4. What is an Absolute Monarch?
European kings had very little power during the Middle Ages but slowly gained power during the Renaissance
Eventually, the kings in Spain, France, Russia, Austria, & Prussia had complete control over the lords & commoners in their nation

5. Peter & Catherine the Great of Russia
Frederick the Great of Prussia
How did kings go from having no power in the Middle Ages to becoming absolute monarchs after the Renaissance?
Louis XIV of France
Maria Theresa of Austria
Phillip II of Spain

6. Middle Ages ( )
During the Middle Ages, Feudalism was very important:
Feudalism divided society into clear classes (You’re either a poor peasant, a noble, or a monarch & there was little chance to move up)
Feudalism provided order & protection for the common peasants

7. Middle Ages ( )
In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church had unquestioned power
Almost everyone was Catholic in Europe so the pope served almost like a king
The church controlled peoples’ actions because church leaders controlled access into heaven & could excommunicate people

8. Renaissance ( )
But the Crusades, Black Death, & 100 Years War weakened the power of feudal lords
In the Renaissance, kings gained power & began to form strong nations as trade increased, people moved to cities, a new middle class was formed, & mercantilism gave wealthy kings lots of power
Wealth = Power

9. Protestant Reformation (1517-1550)
During the Reformation, critics like Martin Luther, John Calvin, & Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church
This weakened the power of the church & the Pope

10. Age of Absolutism ( )
When feudal lords & the pope lost power, someone had to step up & lead the people
People looked to their new wealthy kings to create a sense of order & act as figures of authority
As a result of this need, monarchs were able gain almost absolute (unlimited) power

11. Age of Absolutism ( )
Monarchs justified their right to have absolute power by using the idea of divine right—kings get their powers from God, not the people or a parliament

12. Age of Absolutism ( )
European kings were afraid one nation would become too strong & conquer the others; So they tried to keep a balance of power
As a result, lots of wars were fought during this time period
Spain
France