Absolute Monarchs

Definition Absolutism - A Political theory stating that all power should be in the hands of

one ruler or authority.

Absolutism of the 17th-18th century most often focused on monarchs, whose power was derived from “divine right” Absolutism - A Political theory stating that all power should be in the hands of one ruler or authority.

Absolutism of the 17th-18th century most often focused on monarchs, whose power was derived from “divine right”

“divine right” – Monarchs derive their right to rule directly from God and are only answerable to God.

Most importantly, absolute monarchs controlled their nobles, centralized their governments (court), expanded their taxation systems, and created large standing armies.

Spain Devout Catholics: Against Lutherans and Muslims Charles V :1556 divided up empire and retired to a

Monastery Ferdinand (brother) left in charge of Austria and

Holy Roman Empire Philip II (son) Spain, American colonies.

Intelligent/hard working/lack of trust Seized Portugal’s kingdom when their king died

without an heir

Spain Portugal had huge wealth Philip II was a defender of Catholicism Fought against the Ottoman Empire 1588 Launches Spanish armada against the

Protestant English. Lost

Weakens Spain

Spain weakens Inflation (So much wealth from America

value dropped) Jews and Moors forced out Guilds produced items at too high a cost.

Citizens bought from other countries Philip had to declare bankrupt 3 times. Had to

borrow money to pay for the wars

France Religious wars

1572 Saint Bartholomew’s day massacre sparked a 6 week slaughter of Huguenots.

Henry IV survived the attack but most nobles died

1589 Henry inherits throne

France Henry IV: 1st king of Bourbon dynasty Gave up Protestantism and became Catholic. Edict of Nantes: Religious tolerance Restored powerful Monarchy Did a lot of good but hated by some because

of religious tolerance Stabbed

France Henry’s son Louis XIII reigned Weak ruler but appointed a strong minister.

Cardinal Richelieu. Richelieu was against the Protestants. (No

Protestant cities could have walls)*wanted top weaken power of the nobles

*wanted France to be the strongest in Europe. Hapsburg empire was the revival

Skepticism New intellectual movement

Nothing can be known for certain

Louis XIV(Sun King)

Palace of Versailles (Luxury/meals/dress/nobles)

Nobles worshiping him increased his authority

“I am the state” Began reign at age 4 and took control at age

22. Increased the power of his central government Intendants Canceled Edict of Nantes

Wars Most powerful country in Europe By 1680 European alliance against him Problems

Poor harvests Wars Taxes

Legacy Power/Military Arts Wars + Palace of Versailles= DEBT

30 Years War Tension between Lutherans, Catholics and

Calvins. 1608:Protestant Union 1609:Catholic Union Ferdinand II ruled Bohemia. (Catholic)

Prussia 1640 Frederick William I Inherits the throne.

Nation becomes a military society. Frederick the Great (son)

dad had concerns (beheading) followed military lead added religious policies

Russia Ivan the Terrible

age 3/Boyars 16 took power for himself married Anastasia 1547-1560 prosperous period 1560 Anastasia died. Poison?

Period of turmoil Organized his own police. Thousands died 1581 killed his strongest son during an argument Weak son was his only heir Boyars struggled for power Romanov emerged as a new leader

Peter the Great One of Russia’s greatest leaders Russia was a land of serfs. (Property) Peter’s visit to the west Goal Westernization. Must compete Reforms

introduced potatoes raised status of women 1st newspaper western clothing increased education Now people can travel. Encouraged Russia is a force to deal with

England Monarchs defy parliament James I: (King 1603) fought with parliament for money Charles I: (son)

Needed money for war, parliament refused so he dissolved it. 1628 he needed money again. Parliament refused until he signed the

Petition of Right no imprisonment without cause no taxes without consent no soldiers in private homes agreed to petition and then ignored it. 1629 dissolved parliament again and refused to call it back in secession

England 1641 Parliament passed laws to limit the

monarchy Tried to arrest parliament leaders Mob out side palace Charles flees to London

English Civil War Cavaliers vs. Roundheads (Loyal to Charles) (Loyal to Parliament)

Oliver Cromwell:Defeated the cavaliersExecuted Charles (Public trial and execution!!!)

Total powerConstitution becomes military dictatorAbolish sinful activites

Restoration Cromwell dies. People want a change. Charles II: Popular. Restored monarchy James II: Brother of Charles.

Appointed Catholics to high office Dissolved parliament

Revolution James II had an older daughter Mary

(Protestant). Her husband was William a prince.

Parliament invites William and Mary to overthrow James II.

1688 bloodless overthrow called the Glorious Revolution. vowed to recognize parliament as a partner

Revolution England became a constitutional monarchy

Bill of Rights

Scientific Revolution Before 1500 the bible had the answers Geocentric theory: Earth was the center of the

universe Heliocentric: Sun centered

Copernicus Galileo

Scientific Revolution Bacon/Descartes: Scientific method Newton: Gravitation/attraction/motion Janssen: microscope Leeuwenhock: Red blood cells Torricelli: Mercury thermometer Fahrenheit: Mercury glass thermometer. (32 degrees) Celsius: Water freezes at zero degrees. Vesalius: Human corpses Jenner: small pox vaccine Boyle: Father of modern chemistry

Which is correct? Pasteur BeChamp Bernard

Enlightenment Age of reason

2 views of government Hobbes: Pessimistic/Social Contract Locke: Optimistic

Philosophers Voltaire: “I don’t agree with a word you say but I

will fight for you to say it”

Montesquieu: Separation of power

Rousseau: Individual freedoms

Beccaria: Justice system. Eliminate torture. punishment should fit the crime

Legacy 1. Rise in the non-religious outlook

2. Importance of the individual

3. Belief in progress