1. The Rise of Royal Power
In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms:
Divine Right Theory
Absolute Ruler
Louis XIV
Thomas Hobbes
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2. The Protestant Reformation led to conflict
between Catholics and Protestants.
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3. Religious wars frequently followed.
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4. Kings were able to increase their standing armies and
increase taxation
during the
Reformation to
restore peace.
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5. protection and stability.
In addition to
the Reformation,
increased trade
created a new
class of people:
the Middle Class.
The Middle Class
frequently allied
with kings for
protection and stability.
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6. Monarchs also gained power due to the belief in Divine Right.
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7. Divine Right of Kings
Divine Right Theory was the idea that a monarch’s power came from God.
It was the belief that the King or Monarch was God’s Deputy on Earth.
It was the belief that God had appointed the King and the people had to obey the King.
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8. Louis XIV was a divine ruler in France. He was an absolute ruler.
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9. Absolutism
Absolutism refers to a monarch’s total control over his subjects.
An absolute ruler has absolute power.
The monarch or king makes every decision for the nation.
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10. Thomas Hobbes was a British
philosopher.
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11. Hobbes believed
that only kings
could maintain
order.
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12. The Protestant Reformation changed life in many European
societies. One
significant change
was the rise of
powerful kings.
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13. It was
an age of
powerful
monarchs.
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14. Questions for Reflection:
What changes in European society increased the power of kings?
Define Divine Right Theory.
Who was a divine ruler in France?
What did Thomas Hobbes believe?
Define absolutism.
How does absolutism differ from democracy?
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