1. Do Now Complete assignment (Feudalism to Absolutism) at table.
You will have 12 minutes.
This work should be done quietly.

2. What is Feudalism Like? Nobles rule country, king rules nobles.
Little central government power
Corruption
Economy based on farming

3. Discuss at Tables:
The Monarch “shall from this day forth be revered and considered the most perfect and supreme person on the Earth by all his subjects, standing above all human laws and having no judge above his person, neither in spiritual nor temporal matters, except God alone.”
Danish King’s Law 1665
Discuss: In what ways would the sentiment expressed above contrast with feudalism?
Discuss What would a government with this law look like?

4. Power Spectrum

5. France: 1500AD

6. Problems Facing France: 1500 AD
Had been torn apart from religious wars.
The citizens had no respect for law and order.
The finances of the central government were in chaos.
Populations were still low from the Plague Years 100 years prior.

7. Obstacles to Solutions:
Nobles had the means to raise private armies and build fortifications.
The King did not have the means to raise armies. He relied on the nobles.
Nobles also were the ones who carried out his orders to his people (or chose not to)
Nobles served as the King’s tax collectors. The King could not gain money without their help.

8. Discuss at Tables:
Consider the problems and obstacles presented on the last slide.
Decide as a table group: what is the most major problem facing France?
Decide as a table group: What would be your first step to solving France’s Problems?

9. Absolutism: Absolutism is defined as:
A belief in the focusing (or centralizing) of power in the hands of one person.
A situation in where the power of a monarch approaches 100%
Autocracy

10. Power Spectrum

11. Task Respond to the following questions in your notebook:
What advantages does Absolutism have? Why are those advantages?
What problems do you think would arise with an absolutist government?
Why do you think Absolutism became so popular between ? (hint: look at your timeline)