1. Late 1500s to the late 1700s Chapter 16
The Age of Absolutism
Late 1500s to the late 1700s
Chapter 16

2. Things to think about…
how did this time period significantly contribute to the development of the modern concept of a NATION STATE
Think…Why isn’t most of the world ruled by Kings and Queens anymore?

3. What is Absolutism?
During the late 1500s to late 1700s the kingdoms of Britain, France, Spain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia were ruled by monarchs who had absolute authority
Monarchs are referred to as Absolute Monarchs
Characterized by professional standing armies to ensure their rule
Efficient tax structures to fund their rule
Large bureaucracy (departments of government to carry out rule)
Weakened nobility and church

4. Divine Right
Justification for this form of Monarchy, where a king or queen has uncontested authority, is derived from the idea of Divine Right
Right to rule comes directly from God
This is also hereditary, which means the right is passed down to children

5. Benefits of Absolutism
Though absolute rule today as seen as an offense to democracy, there were some benefits
Policy is made by one person – efficient; no debates
Stable government – same ruler for long periods of time
The map shows monarchies today –
  Red = Absolute Monarchy
   Green = Constitutional Monarchy
Purple = Sub-state Monarchy

6. Disadvantages of Absolutism
No Democracy – only one person has a true voice in final decisions
Limited Rights – people, particularly those not of nobility, has few or no guaranteed rights
Poor leadership – not all Absolute Monarchs were good leaders; destructive to the country

7. How did it evolve?
Decline in feudalism sees the power of the Monarch rise
Protestant Reformation weakened the power of the Catholic church – no more excommunications of kings
Growth of the middle class – merchants wanted economic stability and the king could seek their support instead of the nobles

10. Absolutism in Spain Phillip II was classic example
Used the profit from the new world colonies to grow his wealth and consolidate his power
Grew the Spanish empire
Tried to spread Catholicism – allied with pope
Attacked England to get rid of protestant Queen Elizabeth – lost (Spanish Armada)
Spanish power declined after his rule – too much spent on wars

11. Absolutism in Spain VS. Spanish Armada - 1588
I want to use this slide to discuss the Armada and begin to tell the story of it to help the students understand the movie we’ll be watching later on in the week.
VS.

12. Absolutism in France Louis XIV claimed power by divine right
Motto was: “L’etat, c’est moi” (I am the state)
Centralized government and ruled from the Palace of Versailles

13. Absolutism in France
Ignored the Estates General (French parliament) and the commoners
Spent lavishly on his palaces and the arts – cultural model for Europe
Wars with other European powers left France drained at the end of his rule
Use this information as a prelude to how the French people will challenge absolutism during the French Revolution

14. Absolutism in England
England had resisted absolutism and worked with Parliament for centuries until Queen Elizabeth dies without an heir.
Rule in England then passes from Elizabeth’s family – the Tudors – to the Stuart family.
Charles I - Stuart Family
TUDORS

15. Absolutism in England VS.
The Stuarts see themselves as absolute rulers and begin to try to dissolve Parliament
Eventually it leads to the English Civil War ( )
Cavaliers – supporters of absolutism
Roundheads – supporters of Parliament
Charles I – Absolute Monarch of England
Oliver Cromwell- leader of the Roundheads
VS.

16. Absolutism in England
Roundheads win and Parliament forces new king and queen to sign the English Bill of Rights
Guarantees that Parliament has power and England will be a limited monarchy

17. Effects of Absolutism Modern day “nation states” begin to take shape
Basic European “map” is created with defined territories
“Balance of Power” theory take hold
All European states should be relatively equal in strength

18. Effects of Absolutism
An increased desire for more democracy as the wealthy elites, and commoners alike, begin to reject the notion of Absolute Rule
Leads to the Age of Enlightenment in Europe where people will challenge Absolute Rule intellectually (debates, essays, written works critiquing monarchy)

19. Effect of Absolutism
Intellectual challenges set the state for uprisings, revolts, wars and revolutions in Europe and its colonies

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