Crisis and Absolutism in Europe 1550-1715

1. Crisis and Absolutism in Europe1550-1715

2. Monarchy A system of governing through heredity leadership, headed by a king/queen or both.

3. Absolutism

4. What is Absolutism? Absolutism is a system in which a ruler holds total power. Tied to the idea of the divine right of kings Rulers received their power from God and were only to answer to God

5. Scope of Power for Absolutists Rulers could: Make laws Levy taxes Administer justice Control officials Determine foreign policy

6. Europe’s Monarchies

7. Machiavelli’s Perfect Prince? Machiavelli believed that a ruler must be stern, and feared over loved. Rulers must always act in the best interest of the nation, not only morally. Rulers must not fear becoming unpopular if the actions are justified.

8. Extending Spanish Power Section 1

9. Charles V & the Hapsburgs Spain was the first modern European nation 1519, Charles V became king of Spain & Hapsburg Empire (Germany & Netherlands)

10. Charles V’s Rule Faced many difficulties in ruling 2 empires at the same time Retired as king in 1556, Divided the empire into separate kingdoms with different rulers

12. Philip II Ruled Spain for 42 years, Devoted to running the government Made himself and ABSOLUTE monarch He had total and complete control over all aspects of running the nation

13. Philip II & Divine Right He believed he ruled by DIVINE RIGHT God gave him the authority to be king Focused on Religion: Used the Inquisition to ensure Protestants were punished and Catholicism was enforced Known as “most Catholic king” EVER

14. The Wars of Philip II Fighting in the Netherlands over Protestant vs Catholic faiths Attempted to invade England to punish Elizabeth I for problems caused in the Americas

15. Philip II’s Invasion of England Philip II sent the powerful Spanish Armada (fleet of ships) to attack A combination of weather and better English ships caused the Spanish fleet to be mostly destroyed

16. Philip II’s Problems and Legacy Philip spent Spain’s treasury on colonial expansion, his palaces, spreading Catholicism but NOT on military. Spanish power around the world began to lessen as a result.

17. Spain’s Golden Age 1550-1650 is called the Golden Age because of the support of art & literature Painters: El Greco, Diego Velazquez Writers: Miguel de Cervantes (Don Quixote)

20. Spain’s Economic Decline No strong leaders after Philip II Wars were expensive Taxes and inflation were high Skilled Jewish and Muslim artisans were forced out of Spain

21. The Kingdom of France Section 2

22. French wars of religion

23. The Valois Family:The Beginning of the End • Henri II was the last powerful Valois • Three weak sons followed: • Francis II • Charles IX • Henri III

24. A Mothers Role? Catherine de Medici controlled the sons: Was mother to the boys Played both sides in the civil war Developed a reputation for cruelty

25. Catherine de Medici

26. The French Civil War • There were two sides: • Guise family led Catholics in North • Bourbon family led Huguenots in South • Fighting for the royal inheritance • Catherine supported the Guises in the first phase.

27. St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre August 24, 1572 20,000 Huguenots were killed Henri of Navarre, a Bourbon, survived

28. The French Civil War • Catherine started supporting the Bourbons (Catholic League). • Henri of Navarre defeated Catholic League & becomes Henry IV of France. CatholicLeague CIVILWAR ProtestantUnion

29. Effects of Civil War: France was left divided by religion Royal power had weakened Valois family now replaced by Bourbons

30. Henry IV Rebuilds France • Religious tensions caused much violence • Henry IV attempted to please Protestants (Huguenots) and Catholics • Henry IV was a Huguenot but converted to Catholicism to appease majority • Issued the Edict of Nantes protected Protestant communities

31. Henry IV’s Government Changes Improved justice system Building projects roads, bridges, etc. Reduced involvement of nobles in government Henry IV is assassinated

32. Louis XIII Takes the thrown just before his 9th birthday, son of Henry IV His mother Marie mismanaged the empire on his behalf causing him to take over as a child.

33. Cardinal Richelieu Unofficially ran the French government from 1624-1642 for Louis XIII Suppressed power of Huguenots and nobles by destroying their armies and castles Gave nobles official positions to keep them loyal to the king

34. Louis XIV, The Sun King Became king at age 5 (son of Louis XIII who took throne when his father died in 1643) Used the sun as a symbol of his absolute power Louis was supposed to appoint a regent to rule, but shocked everyone and rule alone.

35. Louis XIV’s Ruling Strategy Louis XIV used the middle class to give important jobs (so they stayed loyal) Collected taxes, built the army, etc. French army became strongest in Europe

36. Louis XIV & Estates General Estates General (French Parliament) Never met and did not have a role in government This makes the Estates General useless, just for show

37. French Economy Increased farmland and mining industries Encouraged trade of luxury items Taxed imported goods to take care of French craftsmen Emphasis on trade with colonies overseas

38. Result? France became the richest European country Louis XIV often needed more money to pay for extravagant lifestyle.

39. Versailles: Home of the "Sun King"

40. Versailles Palace Massive Versailles palace was a symbol of Louis’s power and riches

41. L’ouis XIV

42. 2,000 acres of grounds 12 miles of roads 27 miles of trellises 200,000 trees 210,000 flowers planted every year 80 miles of rows of trees 55 acres surface area of the Grand Canal 12 miles of enclosing walls 50 fountains and 620 fountain nozzles 21 miles of water conduits 3,600 cubic meters per hour: water consumed 26 acres of roof 51,210 square meters of floors 2,153 windows 700 rooms 67 staircases 6,000 paintings 1,500 drawings and 15,000 engravings 2,100 sculptures 5,000 items of furniture and objects d'art 150 varieties of apple and peach trees in the Vegetable Garden Versailles Statistics

43. Louis XIII’s Old Chateau

44. Versailles Today

45. Palais de Versailles

46. Palais de Versailles

47. Versailles Palace,Park Side

48. Garden View of Versailles

49. Chateau de Versailles

50. Chateau de Versailles Gardens