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Lord Acton (1834-1902 )

What’s YOUR Interpretation?. “ Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” . Lord Acton (1834-1902 ). What do you think the quote above means? Do you agree or disagree?. The Theory of Absolutism. Rulers want to be absolute monarchs —rulers with complete power

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Lord Acton (1834-1902 )

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  1. What’s YOUR Interpretation? “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Lord Acton (1834-1902) What do you think the quote above means? Do you agree or disagree?

  2. The Theory of Absolutism • Rulers want to be absolute monarchs—rulers with complete power • Believe in divine right—idea that monarchs represent God on earth and are given their power to rule directly from God • Centralized control of all aspects of the government (this includes the economy, war, and domestic and foreign affairs) • No checks and balances!

  3. In 1576, Jean Bodin, an influential French writer, defined absolute rule: “The first characteristic of the sovereign prince is the power to make general and special laws, but—and this qualification is important—without the consent of superiors, equals, or inferiors. If the prince requires the consent of superiors, then he is a subject himself; if that of equals, he shares his authority with others; if that of his subjects, senate or people, he is not sovereign.” What do you think the word sovereign means? “supreme ruler; independent” dictionary.com Now, take two minutes and summarize, in your own words, what Bodin is actually saying in the quote above. Be prepared to share your summary!

  4. Case Studies: Absolute Monarchs 1500–1800 Louis XIV France Peter the Great Russia

  5. Louis XIV (1638 – 1715) Dynasty: Bourbon Religion: Catholic The most powerful monarch of his time and in French history. Liked to be called the Sun King, as all power radiated from him. “I am the state.”

  6. Activity: • Read the article “Life at Versailles” • Answer the Document Based Questions • Be prepared to discuss!

  7. Louis Weakens Nobles’ Authority • Became king at the age of 5; took control of government at 23 • Excluded nobles from councils • Appoints intendants (government agents) to collect taxes and administer justice • 1685:Louis got rid of religious tolerance Louis XIV in coronation robes.

  8. Louis Controls the Nobility • Louis keeps nobles at palace to increase his power over them (keep your friends close, but your enemies closer) • Builds magnificent palace at Versailles • Cost over $2 billion in current dollars • Patronage of the Arts • Versailles is a center of arts during reign of Louis XIV • Purpose of the arts is to glorify Louis http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage

  9. Louis Fights Disastrous Wars • Under Louis, France was the most powerful country in Europe • Louis invades the Spanish & Dutch Netherlands to expand France • 1680s:European powers united against him to keep France from starting more wars • France is weakened by poor harvests, warfare, high taxes • War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) • European powers declare war to prevent union of the French and Spanish thrones

  10. Louis’Death and Legacy • Louis dies leaving mixed legacy • Makes France a major military and cultural power in Europe • His wars and palace leave France with heavy debts

  11. Peter the Great (1672 – 1725) Dynasty: Romanov Religion: Eastern Orthodox Peter the Great makes many changes in Russia to try to make it more like Western Europe. “I have conquered an empire, but I have not been able to conquer myself.”

  12. The Rise of Peter • Peter the Great becomes czar (“Caesar”) in 1696 & began to reform Russia • Russia Contrasts with Europe • Russia still functioned under a feudalist system • Geographically cut off from Europe • Culturally isolated, little contact with western Europe • Religious differences widened gap • Peter Visits the West • In 1697, Peter visited western Europe to learn European ways At 6 feet 8 inches tall, Peter had the strength and temper of a bear

  13. Peter’s Reforms • Brought Orthodox Church under state control • Reduced power of landowners (boyars) • Modernized army by having European officers train soldiers • Built new capital at St. Petersburg • Westernizing Russia • Introduced potatoes • Started Russia’s first newspaper • Raised women’s status in society • Adopted Western fashion • Advanced education

  14. Establishing St. Petersburg • Peter wanted a seaport that would make travel to West easier • Fought Sweden to win port on Baltic Sea • In 1703, began building new capital called St. Petersburg • Building city took many years; many serfs die in process Peter’s “window to Europe”

  15. Peter ordered his noblemen to wear fashionable Western clothes instead of their archaic long costumes. He also cut off their beards. All men had to pay a special tax if they wanted to keep their beards. This token served as a receipt that you had paid.

  16. Let’s Evaluate … Read the information on the Evaluating Decisions worksheet that you just received and answer the four questions at the bottom We will be discussing!

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