DO NOW WHAT DOES THE WORD ABSOLUTE

MEAN? WHERE DOES THE POWER TO

RULE COME FROM? WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT? WHAT IS THE WORST THAT A KING

CAN DO TO A PERSON? THE POPE?

The Rise of Absolutism in Europe, 1500-1800

Absolutism: The exercise of complete and unrestricted power of government

Absolute Monarch – a king or queen who has unlimited power and seeks to control all aspects of society, economically, socially and politically.

Divine Right – The idea that the power to rule comes from God. Monarchs are answerable only to God. The people cannot question the will of the monarch.

Causes of Absolutism

1. Growth in trade2. Feudalism declined3. Rise of cities4. Growth of national

kingdoms5. Growth of middle

class6. Decline in Church

power7. Rise of colonial

holdings

Effects of Absolutism1. Power of nobles

reduced2. Individual rights

limited3. Abuse of power &

tyranny4. A desire of the

people to be free!!5. The

Enlightenment

Examples of Absolute Monarchs

Philip II of Spain Louis XIV of France Peter the Great of Russia Frederick the Great of Prussia Maria Theresa of Austria Charles I of England

Philip II of Spain1527-1598

In 1556 Philip II becomes king of Spain, the wealthiest, most powerful nation in Europe.

Philip defends Roman Catholicism against Protestantism and Islam.

Spanish riches help stimulate a golden age in the arts.

Philip II of Spain

Louis XIV of France

Frederick the Great1712-86

Known as “Great” because of the success of his reforms

Reformed agriculture (brought in crop rotation, the iron plough and crop rotation) and justice system (court of appeals & lessened bribing of judges)

Frederick the Great1712-86

Tolerated almost all religions Personally directed the economy

for the benefit of the army Maintained large army through

heavy taxes on the citizens Peasant education only for reading

& writing– did not want them to know they were in a bad position

Frederick the Great

Maria Theresa of Austria(r.1740-80)

Fought War of Austrian Succession against Prussia

Increased taxes on nobility—why? Strengthened central gov’t at

expense of the local gov’ts Taxed church heavily and

confiscated church lands. Threw Jesuits out of Austria

Maria Theresa of Austria(r.1740-80)

Peter The Great of Russia(r. 1672-1725)