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Absolute Monarchs in Europe

Explore the concept of absolutism in Europe during the rise of monarchic power, including the reign of Louis XIV, causes and effects of absolutism, and alternatives to absolute rule in countries such as England.

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Absolute Monarchs in Europe

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  1. Absolute Monarchs in Europe Chapter 21

  2. What is Absolutism? • Political belief that one ruler should have total (ABOLUTELY ALL) power • Despot-Ruler with total power • Absolute Monarch-King or Queen with total power

  3. What is Absolutism? • Based on the Divine Right of Kings • God created the monarchy • Monarch is God’s representative on Earth • Monarch answers only to God. Not to His/Her subjects

  4. Louis XIV • Frances most powerful ruler – Sun King • “I am the State” • Built Palaces at Versailles to show his power and make other monarchs jealous

  5. Causes of Absolutism • Long-term causes • Decline of Feudalism • Rise of cities and middle class • Rise of nationalism • Loss of Church authority

  6. Causes of Absolutism • Short-Term Causes • Religious/territorial conflicts • Build-up of armies • Increasing taxes • Revolts by peasants or nobles

  7. Religious Wars • Conflict between Catholics & Protestants (Huguenots) led to EIGHT civil wars in France form 1562 - 1598

  8. Religious Wars • Thirty Years War in Germany (1618 – 1648) Key royal house = Hapsburg

  9. Religious Wars • Thirty Years War in Germany (1618 – 1648) • Started when Bohemian Protestants revolted against the Catholic Hapsburg rulers • Conflict over religion, territory & power of ruling families involved almost all major Euro. powers

  10. Religious Wars • Thirty Years War in Germany (1618 – 1648) Effects: • Devastated Germany’s Economy • Weakened Spain and Austria • Strengthened France • START OF MODERN STATE SYSTEM IN EUROPE.

  11. Some Absolute Monarchs • Maria Theresa • Austria • Only inherited the throne after other European powers agreed to recognize her as heir

  12. Some Absolute Monarchs • Frederick the Great • Prussia • Believed that a ruler should be like a father to his people

  13. Some Absolute Monarchs • Philip II • Spain • Defended Catholicism & helped stimulate art and literature

  14. Some Absolute Monarchs • Ivan the Terrible • Russia • Took Power from the Boyars (nobles) after accusing them of poisoning his wife

  15. There were Alternatives • United provinces of the Netherlands • Religious tolerance • Elected governors depended on landowners & merchants for power

  16. There were Alternatives • England • Parliament struggled with absolute rulers over money, religion and individual rights

  17. There were Alternatives • England • Conflict eventually led to the English Civil War between Puritans and Royalists (Parliament) (the King)

  18. There were Alternatives • England • English Civil War • After the Puritans won Their leader, Oliver Cromwell became a military dictator

  19. There were Alternatives • England • English Civil War • The Monarchy was restored after his death…but it WAS NOT absolute

  20. There were Alternatives • England • Glorious Revolution • William & Mary came to power • They agreed to a Constitutional Monarchy, where laws limit the rulers power

  21. Effects of Absolutism • Short term effects • Rules about social gatherings & religion controlled the spread of ideas • Huge building projects • New government bureaucracies • Loss of power for nobility & legislatures (Parliament)

  22. Effects of Absolutism • Long term Effects • French Revolution • Western European influences on Russia • English political reforms influence U.S. Democracy

  23. French Spanish • British German

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