1. Absolutism

2. ► Due to the Protestant Reformation, the power of the king increased in Europe. ► Kings reigned as absolute monarchs.  absolute monarch: a ruler with complete authority over the government and the lives of the people.  How? Justified through the divine right of Kings. ► The idea that kings’ authority came directly from God ► Kings were God’s agents on earth  Good Kings = sent by God to help and bless people.  Bad Kings = sent by God to punish people.

3. ► Benefits of Absolutism  Enforced peace  Wage war  Eliminate expressions of opinions and ideas ► Absolutism freed the king from the influence of the church and the masses! ► Famous noteworthy quote: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” ► Some Famous Absolute Monarchs  King Phillip II of SpainII = 2  Louis XIV of FranceXIV = 14  Peter the Great of Russia  Catherine the Great of Russia

4. Roman Numerals BeforeAfter IV = 4 V = 5 VI = 6 IX = 9 X = 10XI = 11 XIV = 14 XV = 15 XVI = 16