1. Chapter 21: Absolute Monarchs in Europe 1500-1800

2. Absolutism
Absolutism was the political belief that one ruler should hold all the power within the boundaries of the country.

3. The Theory of Absolutism
Who?: Kings and Queens
Wanted?: Absolute monarchy: to hold all the power
Believed in? Divine right: the idea that God created the monarchy and the monarch acted as God's representation on earth.

4. Why do monarchs gain more influence & control in Europe after the
Renaissance ?

5. “L'etat c'est moi” Louis XIV: France At the age 22, in 1661
'The most powerful monarch of all time'
At the age 22, in 1661
“L'etat c'est moi”
I am the state.

6. Louis XIV French monarchy
Weakens power of nobility
Increase power of government agents
Communicate daily with local officials
Controls trading
Mercantilism in France:
-self sufficient
-high tariffs on goods
-fur trade with Canada

7. Patronge of the Arts Opera Ballet
Images glorified the king and absolute monarchy
Does humanism and secularism still exist?

9. Under King Louis XIV France was the most powerful country in Europe
Tried to expand France's borders
Invaded both Spanish and Dutch Netherlands

10. End of his reign End of the 1680s their was an alliance to stop France
(Netherlands, England, Austria, Sweden, Spain)
France became weaker due to
- poor harvests
- constant warfare
- higher taxes to pay for wars(debt)
Louis XIV's abuse of powers will plague his heirs

11. Wealth of Louis XIV
The Palace of Versailles (video clip)