1. They possessed control over ALL PARTS of society
Absolutism
A King with total power.
They possessed control over ALL PARTS of society
Absolutist Policies
policies made WITHOUT the approval of the “people”, and are designed to maintain or centralize their power and strengthen the power of the king
Rule by this idea of Divine Right- the idea that God created the monarchy and the monarch is God’s representative on Earth.

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ABSOLUTE MONARCH
Centralized GOVERNMENT: power is concentrated around one individual, not shared by many
REDUCED POWER of the NOBLES
Built EXPENSIVE PALACES to display power (like Versailles)
Gaining TERRITORY and POWER became more important than religion
Expansionist policies (mercantilism); goal was to GAIN COLONIES
Kings fund the arts
Large professional ARMIES
Very HIGH TAXES for the people
“DIVINE RIGHT”: they answer only to God

3. Louis XIV of France Background Info 22 years old when he became King
Video
Background Info
22 years old when he became King
short- 5’5” wore high heeled shoes to increase height to
seem more powerful

4. absolutist policies:
weakens authority of nobles by excluding them from council (meetings)
gives jobs to poor people who depend on his money—they will be loyal
Ended religious freedom –Protestants had to flee to other countries
Heavy taxes w/o approval
Wars to expand empire and increase wealth- goal was to make France self-sufficient
large army to symbolize strength and put down internal and external opponents
Encouraged people to migrate to Canada. Why?
propoganda – patron of arts to glorify himself
- preaches divine right - right to rule from God

5. “L’etat, c’est moi” “I am the state.” King Louis XIV – the “Sun King”
Source of all political authority in France

6. Louis’ death and legacy
Louis’ last years were more sad than glorious.
Realizing that his wars had ruined France, he regretted the suffering he had brought to his people
He died in 1715
News of his death prompted rejoicing throughout France, they had had enough of their “Sun King”
Unfortunately absolutism will not die with Louis

7. Peter the Great of Russia

8. Background Info tall 6’5” imposing stature
Video
tall 6’5” imposing stature
Dressed very European (like France)
He had the mind of a genius,
The body of a giant, and the
Ferocious temper of a bear.

9. Grand embassy
One year after becoming sole ruler of Russia, Peter embarked on a long visit to Western Europe
He was fascinated by the modern tools and machines in the foreigners shops
One of his goals on this trip was to learn about European manufacturing techniques
Never before had a Russian ruler experienced Western Europe like this

10. Forced Westernization
Forced Russian nobility to adopt western customs
Western European clothing (short coats)— no caftan
no beards – or taxed
women ordered to attend parties

11. Does this look familiar???
Absolutist policies
Does this look familiar???
Peter took control of Orthodox Church (doesn’t want to compete with church)
Lessened power of nobles by giving government jobs to poor that would be loyal to him b/c depend on him for money
Built large army to symbolize his power
Heavy taxes w/o consent of anyone

12. Russia & Sweden After the Great Northern War
Peter wanted a warm water seaport to open up trade with the West
Russia went to war with Sweden to gain a piece of the Baltic coast
After 21 years, Russia finally won

13. What is strategic about this location??
St. Petersburg