1. Absolutism

2. France 1589, a Huguenot prince (Henry IV) inherits the French throne.
Issues the Edict of Nantes- grants religious toleration, freedom.
Louis XIV ( )
Took thrown at age 5 (Cardinal Richelieu ruled temporarily).
Believed in his divine right to rule (sun was his symbol).
Expanded authority of royal power
Intendants- wealthy middle-class men appointed to collect taxes, recruit soldiers, and carry out policies.
Did this to create ties to the middle class and check the power of nobles.
Had nobles live in the Palace of Versailles with him.
Fought costly wars (enemies united to balance his power).
Persecuted Huguenots- wanted religious unity.
100,000 Huguenots flee (make up the wealthiest and hardest working part of the population).

3. Enlightened Absolutism
The acceptance of or belief in absolute principles in political, philosophical, ethical, or theological matters.
One ruler with complete control
During the Enlightenment, there is a change in the form of absolutism.
Traditional Absolutism- “I am the state.”
Enlightened Absolutism- “I’m a servant of the state”

4. France Louis XV (1715-1774) Louis XV succeeded by Louis XVI in 1774
Great grandson of Louis XIV
Nobles regain power (Parliament of Paris)
Louis orders 5% tax increase on everyone to pay off war debt- even nobles (enlightened idea)
Hires Rene Maupeou to crush Parliament.
Successful and send members to obscure places.
Reinstate Parliament with members favorable to the king
Louis XV succeeded by Louis XVI in 1774
Louis XVI would be behead after French Revolution

5. England Hanoverian Dynasty Hanoverians took throne in 1714
George I ( )
George II ( )
Neither spoke good English (German)
Gave Parliament chance to gain more power
Hanoverians were concerned with continental possessions
George III ( )
Born in England and very well assimilated.
Wanted to strengthen royal authority, power over the sea’s, American colonies, & Ireland.
Used differences in Ireland to keep them from uniting.

6. Prussia Frederick II (Frederick the Great)
Asserted extreme control over subjects
“first servant of the state” and his duty to work for the common good.
Praised Voltaire and invited French intellectuals to Prussia.
Reduced use of torture and allowed a free press.
Tolerated religious differences.
“In my kingdom, everyone can go to heaven in his own fashion.”
Did not want to give up power for himself though.

7. Austria Joseph II Succeeded his mother Maria Theresa.
She did not push for reforms but is considered an enlightened monarch.
Wanted to modernize Austria- Joseph II continued later
Disguised himself to walk among his subjects and learn their problems.
Supported religious equality for Protestants and Jews despite opposition
Attempted to bring Catholic Church into royal control
Allowed free press
Sold property of monasteries and gave proceeds to those involved in education and caring for the sick.
Abolished serfdom

8. Russia Catherine the Great Greatly influenced by the philosophes
Exchanged letters with Voltaire and Diderot
Believed strongly in equality and liberty.
Made limited reforms in the government.
Abolished torture
Established religious tolerance.
Granted nobles a charter of rights
Criticized serfdom
Did not want to give up power though