1. Monarchs before the Revolutions
Absolutism
Monarchs before the Revolutions

2. What is absolutism?
Simply – it is the where Monarchs have all the power and believed in Divine Right (god gave them the right to rule) [to pretty much they do whatever they want]

3. Louis XIV (C21, S1)
-- FRANCE
- AKA the Sun King (because everything revolves around him
- he weakens the nobles power by making them live at the Palace of Versailles
- he strengthens France through the theory of Mercantilism
-he weakens France through overspending (the palace, wars, ridiculousness)

4. Peter the Great (C21, S5)
--Russia
-- Would go out incognito to see how people live
--Went to western Europe to see how he can modernize Russia
--makes newspaper; introduces the potato
--Reforms Russia’s medieval ways (has his people dress modern)
--Establishes Petersburg
--Heavily taxes his people but he makes Russia a great power

5. Absolute Thinking Assignment
On a blank sheet – create a large VENN DIAGRAM to compare the two monarchs. You are showing how they are the same and different. If you need help – consult Chapter 21 in the WH textbook.