1. Absolute Monarchy  The Scientific Revolution, Age of Enlightenment, and the American Revolution  Issues of disunity in Europe (Renaissance, Reformation, Counter-Reformation, Sci. Revolution)  Main cause of Disunity: Competition between the Aristocracy & the Monarchy  European countries attempted to solve this disunity in two ways: Constitutionalism & Absolutism

2. Constitutionalism vs. Absolutism  Constitutionalism (decentralized power): does not require a written constitution, but does require a set of rules about government which government respects. It also implies a balance in power between the government and its subjects (Parliament, Congress, Representatives, etc.)  Absolutism (centralized power): Right to rule is held by solely by a King/Queen; no assembly or group of nobles may limit the Monarchs authority. Uses Divine Right of Kings as justification,

3. Review of the Scientific Revolution  What was the Scientific Revolution?  How was the Scientific Revolution a result of the Renaissance, Reformation, and Age of Exploration?  How did the Scientific Revolution change the way people approached scientific study?  What do you think is the most significant result of the Scientific Revolution?

4. What is an Absolute Monarch?  Monarch (King or Queen) that centralizes power under one leader  King or Queen controls all aspects of the country and daily life  Uses religion to keep people under control  Controls economy  Leads military and decides when to declare war  Creates all laws

5. Divine Right of Kings  What is It?: The King gets the right to rule directly from God and does not have to answer to any other source  Why is it Important?: Used to justify the strong absolute monarchs

6. More Details on Absolute Monarchs  Where?: Europe, specifically France, Spain, and Russia  When?: 1500s to the late 1700s  Who?: Louis XIV (France), King Phillip II (Spain), Peter the Great (Russia)

7. King Louis XIV of France  Reigns from 1643-1715 CE  Strongest Monarch in all of French History  Called himself “the Sun King” because he was the center of the universe  Took all power in France for himself – eliminated all enemies

8. Successes and Failures of Louis XIV Successes  Increased power of French monarch  Built strongest army in Europe  Improves economy – France is wealthiest in Europe  Promotes the Arts - Spreads French culture throughout Europe  Palace of Versailles Failures  Eliminates French law-making body – the Estates General  Involved in many costly wars (lost most of them)  France becomes enemy of others in Europe  Religious persecution of Protestants  Long-term cause of the French Revolution

9. The Palace of Versailles Center of French Monarchy through 1798 1/3 of a mile long palace on 2000 acres of land 700 rooms 1400 fountains

13. Reflection Questions: Answer on Your Notes Sheet  What are the possible problems with the idea of absolute monarchy and the Divine Right of Kings?  How do you think the people would respond to the powers of an absolute monarch?