1. The Age of Absolute Monarchs

2. Who has the power in
Absolutism?

3. Where do leaders get their power from in
Democracy?
THE PEOPLE!

4. Where do absolute rulers get their power?
Divine Right THEORY
Kings claimed to have divine right to rule, meaning, they got their authority to rule from God.
They had complete (absolute) authority over all parts of the government and the people.

5. Where did Chinese emperors get their power?
Mandate of Heaven
The idea of political power coming from God or heaven dated back to the ancient Chinese who believed good emperors received the mandate of heaven to rule.

6. Where did Chinese emperors get their power?
Mandate of Heaven
CRITICAL DIFFERENCE HERE!
►Mandate of Heaven can be lost if rulers become corrupt. ►Divine Right is permanent, and hereditary This makes royal blood very important.

7. How did absolute monarchs maintain power? ►2. Machiavellian thoughts
Tupac = Makaveli
Makaveli comes from the famous Renaissance writer named Niccolo Machiavelli.
Machiavelli’s famous quote
“The ends, justify the means”

8. How did absolute monarchs maintain power? ►2. Machiavellian thoughts
A. Kings were often harsh rulers, with strict punishments to keep the people fearful and in line.
B. Machiavelli’s famous quote
“The ends, justify the means”
The end results (ends), make acceptable (justify) how you achieved those results (the means).

9. How are decisions made in a Elected officials vote on laws
Democracy?
Elected officials vote on laws

10. How were decisions made in the age of
Absolutism?
Absolute monarch (king) makes all decisions.
King has all of the power.
Makes Laws
Acts as Judge
Commands Army

11. Democracy? Serve the people who elected them.
What are the goals of the leader in a
Democracy?
Serve the people who elected them.

12. What are the goals of a leader in
Absolutism?
Do whatever you want! You’re King!
►Get RICH (Mercantilism/colonies) ►Build Stuff ►Conquer places ►Host Parties ►Help people (but only if you really want to)

13. What is the role of citizens in a
Democracy?
► Become educated ► vote ► get a job ► pay taxes ► follow laws

14. What was the role of citizens during
Absolutism?
Do whatever the king says!
►Obey the king ►Pay taxes

15. ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE
By the late 1600s, France had replaced Spain as the most powerful European nation.

16. King Louis XIV (14th) Country: France
Years: 1643 – 1715 (72 years!)
Achievements: Called himself the “Sun King” and said “I am the state.” Strengthened the monarchy, built palace of Versailles, strongest army in Europe, made France a wealthy cultural center.

17. How did he pay for the Palace of Versailles?
King Louis XIV (14th)
Country: France
Years: 1643 – 1715 (72 years!)
Downfalls: He used the wealth for his own benefit, peasants starved. The French monarchy would not survive long after Louis’ death.
How did he pay for the Palace of Versailles?

18. PALACE OF VERSAILLES

19. PALACE OF VERSAILLES

20. PALACE OF VERSAILLES

21. PALACE OF VERSAILLES

22. PALACE OF VERSAILLES

24. PALACE OF VERSAILLES

25. PALACE OF VERSAILLES