1. European Monarchs and Divine Right
Absolutism in Europe
European Monarchs and Divine Right

2. Definition of Absolutism
Absolutism is the belief that one ruler should hold all the power within the boundaries of a country.

3. Definition of Divine Right
The idea that God created the monarchy and that the monarch acted as God’s representative on earth.
Monarchs should answer only to God, not his or her subjects.

5. Causes: Long-Term Decline of feudalism
Rise of cities and support of middle class
Growth of national kingdoms
Loss of Church authority

6. Causes: Short-Term/Immediate
Religious and territorial conflict
Buildup of armies
Need for increased taxes
Revolts by peasants or nobles

7. Effects: Short-Term/Immediate
Regulation of society & religion
Larger courts
Huge building projects
Loss of power by nobility & legislatures

8. Effects: Long-Term Revolution in France
Western European influence on Russia
English political reforms that influence U.S. democracy