1. Absolutism

2. In your opinion: How can a leader abuse his or her powers? What are examples? Think, Write & Prepare to Discuss

3. Background During the Reformation, the Catholic church started to lose power in Europe. During the Reformation, the Catholic church started to lose power in Europe. Monarchs filled that power and began to control their countries with absolute control. Monarchs filled that power and began to control their countries with absolute control.

4. So….what is “Absolutism”? Absolute monarch: King or queen with complete control. Hold all power. Absolute monarch: King or queen with complete control. Hold all power. Leaders wanted to free themselves from the limits imposed by the nobility and government bodies. Leaders wanted to free themselves from the limits imposed by the nobility and government bodies. Some believe in “divine right” (idea that a ruler receives the right to rule from God). Some believe in “divine right” (idea that a ruler receives the right to rule from God).

5. Russia

6. Russia Ivan the Terrible Ivan the Terrible 1533 – became king at 3 years old After his wife, Anastasia, died, his rule turned harsh. Used secret police to hunt down enemies and kill them. Even murdered his oldest son.

7. Russia Peter the Great Peter the Great Late 1600s – “Czar”: leader of Russia “Great” because he modernized Russia. To meet his goals, he increased his powers to force people to make changes he wanted: Put Russian Orthodox Church under his control. Reduced power of the nobles. Built up army.

8. Spain

9. Spain King Philip II King Philip II 1556 Expands power by also taking control of Portugal. Controlled lives of people Believes his power comes from God.

10. France

11. France King Louis XIV King Louis XIV 1643 – became king at age 4. (A Cardinal ruled for him until he was 22). Total control of France Determined to never let nobles challenge him – he kept them out of government. France became most powerful nation in Europe.

12. The Thirty Years War 1618-1648 1618-1648 Germany divided between Catholic and Protestant Germany divided between Catholic and Protestant France (a Catholic country) helps the German PROTESTANTS because it fears Germany will become too strong. France (a Catholic country) helps the German PROTESTANTS because it fears Germany will become too strong.

14. Result of war Germany suffers: 4 million people died Germany suffers: 4 million people died Economy in ruins / 200 years to recover Economy in ruins / 200 years to recover France gains German territory France gains German territory

15. But! End of religious wars in Europe

16. Austria, Hungary & Bohemia Maria Theresa Maria Theresa Mid 1700s – becomes Empress Increased her power & reduced power of the nobles

17. 1700 Europe

18. Think & Discuss: What did all of these absolute monarchs have in common? - What did they want? - What did they do to get it?