1. Absolutism in the West
Beemon

2. First Ten
Pick up a half sheet reading from the chair – do not write on it – read it and be ready for discussion.
After reading “Father Knows Best” generate a one sentence summary of the reading.
What key ideas does this reinforce? Reject?
What will we be learning today?
What does divine mean?
What is a monarchy?
What gave kings that “right to rule” over people? Would we follow this model in the U.S.?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of having a monarchy?

3. Hook What is divine right?
What is an absolute monarchy?  Age of Absolutism
How is this different from a democracy?
The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth; for kings are not only God’s lieutenants upon earth, and sit upon God’s throne, but even by God Himself they are called gods... Kings justly gods, for they exercise a... divine power upon earth... God hath power to create or destroy, make or unmake at His pleasure, to give life or sent death to judge and to be judged nor accountable to none, to raise low things and to make high things low at His pleasure... And the like power of kings...
-King James IV/I of Britain, 160

4. Work Session Absolutism Activity with Notes Louis Versailles Tour
Peter the Great
Comparison Activity

5. Absolutism and Divine Right
Absolutism is when a single individual rules with complete power over their subjects. Typically they control your private and public life
Laws are made without the consent of the governed  purpose is to centralize their power
Rule by divine right was used by absolute monarchs in the 16th and 17th centuries to maintain control over the people. This is the belief that the monarch is God’s representative on earth. They receive their authority from God. If you challenge the monarchy, you are challenging God. When you challenge the King that is treason.

6. King Louis XIV
Ruler of France – “I am the State” – “Sun King”
Social: Weakened the authority of the noble class and gave that authority to intendants (government workers – not from a noble class), use of army to put down internal and external opponents
Political: Initiated wars to expand empire and increase wealth
Innovations: Palace of Versailles, dams & irrigation, self- glorification through art – ballet & opera
Culture: ended Protestant freedoms with the Edict of Nantes
Economic: Heavy taxation to fund projects and wars, make France self-sufficient (mercantilism)  colonies
Sun King
Versailles

7. King Louis XIV of France
What characteristics of this painting show the power of King Louis?

8. Chart Analysis
Based on this chart, what assumption can be made concerning Louis and his leadership as an absolute monarch?

9. Peter the Great Czar of Russia – 1682 – 1725
Social: nobility class (boyars) must embrace westernization, large use of peasant labor to build cities
Political: Tension with Church, taxation, First Czar out of Russia
Innovations: St. Petersburg – Window to the West, Grand Embassy
Culture: Westernization (dress and appearance), took control of the Orthodox Church
Economic: heavy taxation for large building projects (St. Petersburg)
Peter the Great - Discovery

10. Grand Embassy

11. Czar Peter I of Russia
What image is Peter trying to convey in this painting?

12. Find 3 general similarities and 3 general differences between these absolute monarchs.

13. Last Ten Louis XIV Peter I Comparing Louis and Peter
Compare and Contrast – Louis v. Peter
Louis XIV
Peter I