1. CH. 15: State Building and the Search for order in the Seventeenth Century

2. The Practice of Absolutism Crown = State– Law and Order- stability Absolutism Govern absolutely- sovereign power in hands of king- ultimate authority- rule by divine right- God chose so they are responsible to God only ► Interest of the State must come first- economically, politically, and socially need for an organized society- laws, taxes, courts to carry out those laws and foreign policy do the best for their state Keep nobles from fighting and away from politics Support a lavish and complicated court life Manipulate their role in politics

3. Absolute Government Design and implement an efficient bureaucracy Officials loyal to the crown who could/would carry out the tasks of the state as determined by the ruler Western Europe – middle-class citizens build these ranks Eastern Europe – lesser nobility chosen BUT how absolute is absolutism? ruler is not legally bound to any other persons or institutions but he was dependent on advisors & bureaucrats could be resisted by lawyers, nobles, ecclesiastics, hereditary officeholders, etc. slow transportation & communication = not very efficient

4. Absolute Economics Mercantilism - State-initiated economic policy encouraging exports discouraging imports based on bullion (hard currency - gold and silver) and international trade (build monopolies and joint-stock companies) encouraging growth of colonies Primarily in North and South America Stimulate domestic industry – tax breaks or government subsidies

5. Military that supports Absolutism 17 th Century MilitaryOutdated Military Tactics Standing army professional and independent mercenaries Conscripts- drafted paid by looting you victories- landownership Country depended on itonly as needed Infantry- squadronsmounted knights- with swords- bows battalions Firearms and canons Salvo- firing at oncefiring row by row in large groups then charge Offensivedefensive More mobile and flexible Required training, fighting on your own with little rules Organization, discipline Large bureaucracies to manage and maintain- growth in state’s government– more levied taxes to pay for state’s military= power