1. Rise of Absolutism

2. What is it?
Absolutism is a Political doctrine in which a monarch had seemingly unlimited power
Not limited by nobles, common people or representatives
Ruled by Divine Right (?)
From 1500s-1700s, absolute monarchs tried to impose their will across much of Europe & beyond

3. Critical Attributes
Divine Right to Rule = Idea that a monarch is subject to no “earthly authority”, their right to rule comes directly from the will of God. (Can NOT question God)
Political Sovereignty: centralized control of all aspects of government including economy, war, domestic & foreign affairs
Lack of Checks & Balances on political power

4. Factors leading to Absolute Monarchs
Crusades killed many feudal lords
Rising middle class supported by monarch to protect property & trade
Reformation gave powers formerly held by the Church to monarchs
Spirit of nationalism gave monarch a symbol of unity

5. Spreads across Europe
Spain
France
England
Austria & Prussia
Russia

11. Palace of Versailles Pictures of Versailles
Louis turned a hunting lodge into a ¼ mile 1300 room Palace.
As many as 10,000 people lived there
Used Palace as a way of lessening the power of the nobles
Levee ceremony
Cost? Ranges anywhere from 2 Billion USD to 300 TRILLION!