1. The Rise of Nation-States

2. Objectives
Explain the characteristics of the new monarchies.*

3. Characteristics of Absolute Monarchs
It’s GREAT to be the King!
“I am the state”
They made all the laws
They were NOT subject to the laws.

4. Characteristics of the New Monarchies
They offered the institution of monarchy as a guarantee of law and order.
They proclaimed that hereditary monarchy was the legitimate form of public power  all should accept this without resistance.
They enlisted the support of the middle class in the towns  tired of the local power of feudal nobles.
They would have to get their monarchies sufficiently organized & their finances into reliable order.*

5. Characteristics of the New Monarchies
They would break down the mass of feudal, inherited, customary, or “common” law in which the rights of the feudal classes were entrenched.
The kings would MAKE law, enact it by his own authority, regardless of previous custom or historic liberties  What pleases the prince has the force of law!*

6. The Rise of Absolute Monarchies (1400’s-1700’s)

7. Common Obstacles
Distance between the central government and provinces.
Lack of information
Small bureaucracies
Taxing and policing difficulties
Cultural and linguistic differences
Competition for power (ex. nobles)*

8. Common Achievements Greater taxation Growth in armies
Larger, more efficient bureaucracies
Increased ability to compel subjects’ obedience*

9. Why the 17th century? 2 solutions: Crises! (1560-1650) Response:
wars & revolutions
economic troubles
social unrest
Response:
Seek to restore order
2 solutions:
absolutism
constitutionalism

10. Two different answers:
ABSOLUTISM
monarch has absolute authority over gov’t. & people
based on divine right
≠ totalitarianism
France, Spain, Austria, Prussia, Russia
CONSTITUTIONALISM
balance b/t authority of gov’t. & people’s rights
constitution (written or unwritten)
monarchical or republican
≠ democracy
England, Dutch Republic

11. England  stability under the Tudors
France  consolidation of power.
Spain  unification by marriage.
HR Empire  different model: the cost of decentralization.*

12. Close