Age of Absolutism

Age Of Absolutism It is important to understand the roles of these monarchs and how their actions led to the Enlightenment and Revolutions.

Absolute Monarchies
Absolute Monarch – a ruler with complete authority over the government and the lives of the people
In Europe almost all nations were ruled by absolute monarchs

Absolute Monarchies
Divine Right of Kings – the power of the kings comes from God
Therefore the kings laws are to be obeyed
The king-who was above the law, could rule any way he wished

Rise of Absolute Monarchs
decline of feudalism and growth of national kingdoms – centralize authority
growing middle class – loyal to monarchs
increasing wealth (thanks to the colonies – mercantilism)‏
decrease of Church power (remember the Reformation?)‏
Crises – religious, class, & territorial disputes – monarchs created order

Philip II – Spain
Absolute Monarch of Spain
Wealthy empire – colonies
Large standing army
Catholic (Counter)-Reformation leader
Golden Age of Spanish Art (Cervantes – Don Quixote)‏
Fought religious wars w/ Protestants in Netherlands
His Armada lost to Elizabeth’s (England) navy

France – Louis XIV
The Sun King – he believed the destiny of France revolved around him - “I am the state”
Built Palace at Versailles
Elaborate – kept nobles there to keep an eye on them

Louis XIV
Able King
France was the center of culture
Patron of the arts – art glorified the king
Wars left debt and many poor

Religious and Political Causes – all countries involved at some point
Peace of Westphalia
Germany damaged and divided
Rise of Austria – Maria Theresa
Prussia - Frederick the Great – army, taxation
Thirty Years War

Russia – Peter the Great
Romanov Dynasty (1613-1917)‏
Brought Western Eur. Culture to Russia
Took power from nobles – became absolute monarch

Westernization
Peter used W. Europe as a model for change
reduced the power of boyars (nobles)‏
European officers trained new military – tactics and weapons
imposed heavy taxes to pay for changes
introduced potatos
started newspaper
raised women's status
ordered nobles to give traditional clothes
new capital: St. Petersburg - “window on the sea”

England – Triumph of Parliament
Elizabeth left no heir
Stuart Dynasty
English Civil War
Cavaliers v. Roundheads
Charles I executed
Cromwell Rules - Puritan
Restoration – Charles II

Glorious Revolution
peaceful (bloodless) overthrow of James II by Parliament
replaced by William and Mary (James' Protestant daughter)‏
Bill of Right s – they must sign and share power with Parliament
no monarch could rule without consent of parliament
constitutional monarchy
cabinet system develops – prime minister (continues today)‏

Age of Absolutism

by AMSimpson on Mar 06, 2011

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Age of Absolutism Presentation Transcript