The Age of AbsolutismThe Age of Absolutism

A. The problem of political disintegration in 16-17th A. The problem of political disintegration in 16-17th Centuries.Centuries. France - Wars of Religion France - Wars of Religion England - the English Revolution England - the English Revolution Holy Roman Empire (Germany and Austria) - 30 Years Holy Roman Empire (Germany and Austria) - 30 Years War. War. B. Causes of disintegrationB. Causes of disintegration Competition between the aristocracy and the monarchy - Competition between the aristocracy and the monarchy - this was often the mainspring behind the religious wars. this was often the mainspring behind the religious wars. C. Ways of Uniting StatesC. Ways of Uniting States Two alternatives evolved: Two alternatives evolved: Constitutionalism and Absolutism Constitutionalism and Absolutism

Absolutism and Absolutism and Constitutionalism.Constitutionalism.

Constitutionalism Constitutionalism – Does not require a written constitutionDoes not require a written constitution– Requires a set of rules about government which government respectsRequires a set of rules about government which government respects

It also implies a balance in power between the government and its subjects It also implies a balance in power between the government and its subjects - this was provided in England by power of subjects in Parliament. - this was provided in England by power of subjects in Parliament.

AbsolutismAbsolutism – Sovereignty - Sovereignty - the power and right to rulethe power and right to rule, resides exclusively with the King , resides exclusively with the King – The idea of the Divine Right of Kings became importantThe idea of the Divine Right of Kings became important– Absolute Monarchs were limited in actual power and were not "totalitarian".Absolute Monarchs were limited in actual power and were not "totalitarian". – Very practical - Developed modern ways of government Very practical - Developed modern ways of government

State bureaucracies State bureaucracies Committee structures of government Committee structures of government Standing armies Standing armies

Poland - A failed statePoland - A failed state

Poland - Nobles became too powerful. Poland - Nobles became too powerful. Poland was a very large state in Eastern Poland was a very large state in Eastern Europe. Europe. The "Noble Republic" - the nobles elected the The "Noble Republic" - the nobles elected the kings. kings. AnyAny noble could veto noble could veto anyany law in the parliament. law in the parliament. Consequences? Consequences? – Complete collapse of central government. Complete collapse of central government. – The enserfment of the peasant population. The enserfment of the peasant population. – The eventual disappearance of Poland from map of The eventual disappearance of Poland from map of

Europe. Europe.

III. Spain - Absolutism AttemptedIII. Spain - Absolutism Attempted

The dominant country of the late 16th century,The dominant country of the late 16th century,Based on military power and New World wealth Based on military power and New World wealth

King Philip II (b. 1527-d.1598, ruled. 1556-1598) King Philip II (b. 1527-d.1598, ruled. 1556-1598) – Marks of absolutism in his reign. Marks of absolutism in his reign.

Centralizing control Centralizing control Central source of authority Central source of authority Attempted state control of the Church Attempted state control of the Church Bureaucratic systems Bureaucratic systems The building of a new capital city and palace as the center of power The building of a new capital city and palace as the center of power [in this case Madrid and the Escorial palace]. [in this case Madrid and the Escorial palace]. Use of council/committee system of government. Use of council/committee system of government.

Spain declined after 1600: due to economy and bad Spain declined after 1600: due to economy and bad government. government.

Decline of the Spanish EmpireDecline of the Spanish Empire

Defeat of the Spanish Armada, 1588Defeat of the Spanish Armada, 1588loss of middle class: loss of middle class: MoriscosMoriscos and and MarranosMarranos ( Moors and Jews a century ( Moors and Jews a century earlier)earlier)InflationInflationTaxationTaxationlarge number of privileged people who hated worklarge number of privileged people who hated workReligion overshadowed politicsReligion overshadowed politicsDefeat in 30 Years’ War: politically and economically disastrousDefeat in 30 Years’ War: politically and economically disastrous1640 -Portugal reestablished independence.1640 -Portugal reestablished independence. Treaty of the PyraneesTreaty of the Pyranees (1659): marked end of Spain as a Great Power (1659): marked end of Spain as a Great Power– loss of parts of Spanish Netherlands and territory in northern Spain to Franceloss of parts of Spanish Netherlands and territory in northern Spain to France

Population in 1660 had declined to 5.5 million from 7.5 million in 1550Population in 1660 had declined to 5.5 million from 7.5 million in 1550

Charles IICharles II (1665-1700): one of worst rulers in Hapsburg history (1665-1700): one of worst rulers in Hapsburg history – No heir to throne resulted in War of Spanish SuccessionNo heir to throne resulted in War of Spanish Succession

Spain lost most possessions at Treaty of Utrecht (1713)    Spain lost most possessions at Treaty of Utrecht (1713)    

IV. France - Absolutism IV. France - Absolutism TriumphantTriumphant

France provided more of model for the rest of France provided more of model for the rest of Europe. Europe.

Importance as a country was based Importance as a country was based – Wealth, Wealth, – Geographical centrality, Geographical centrality, – Size of its population - France had largest population Size of its population - France had largest population

in Europe (17 million): Accounted for 20% of popin Europe (17 million): Accounted for 20% of pop– Influential culture. Influential culture.

A. French Wars of Religion and A. French Wars of Religion and Henry IVHenry IV

Results of the Reformation in FranceResults of the Reformation in France– Catholic and Protestant nobles use religion to challenged central Catholic and Protestant nobles use religion to challenged central

government authority.government authority.– Lax and inefficient rulers. Lax and inefficient rulers. – Noble wars virtually destroyed the country Noble wars virtually destroyed the country

Henry VI (1598-1610)Henry VI (1598-1610), formerly King of Navarre. His , formerly King of Navarre. His famous line was   "Paris is worth a mass" [when he famous line was   "Paris is worth a mass" [when he converted to Catholicism so that could inherit the throne converted to Catholicism so that could inherit the throne of  France]. of  France]. Edict of Nantes 1598 quieted country. Allowed toleration Edict of Nantes 1598 quieted country. Allowed toleration to the Huguenots. to the Huguenots.

B. Louis XIII (1610-43)B. Louis XIII (1610-43)

Government run by Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642) Government run by Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642)

Richelieu's Actions:Richelieu's Actions:He broke power of nobility and made it clear there was only one law He broke power of nobility and made it clear there was only one law - the King's. - the King's. – Estates General meets for last time in 1615. Estates General meets for last time in 1615.

Began administrative reform and centralized control over regions.Began administrative reform and centralized control over regions.– Sent out Sent out IntendentsIntendents. .

He fought Habsburg DynastyHe fought Habsburg Dynasty– Made France a great powerMade France a great power– Fought for Protestants in Thirty Year's War) Fought for Protestants in Thirty Year's War)

Also opposed HuguenotsAlso opposed Huguenots– Defiant of King's power and began the road to oppressionDefiant of King's power and began the road to oppression– Removed their right to fortified towns. Removed their right to fortified towns. Peace of AlaisPeace of Alais (1629) (1629) – Began dictionary to standardize the French language Began dictionary to standardize the French language

C. Louis XIV (Ruled 1643-1715)C. Louis XIV (Ruled 1643-1715)

Cardinal Mazarin (1602-1661)Cardinal Mazarin (1602-1661) controlled controlled France while Louis XIV a child effective France while Louis XIV a child effective ruler at first - continues policies of ruler at first - continues policies of Richelieu. Richelieu.

The Fronde 1649-52The Fronde 1649-52– Aborted revolution directed against MazarinAborted revolution directed against Mazarin – revolt by nobles sick of absolute claims. revolt by nobles sick of absolute claims. – Psychological effect on Louis XIV, determined Psychological effect on Louis XIV, determined

to be powerful to be powerful

Louis XIVLouis XIV (r. 1643-1715) – (r. 1643-1715) – the the “Sun King”“Sun King”

L’état, c’est moiL’état, c’est moi (“the state is myself”)   (“the state is myself”)   Best model of absolutism in Europe Best model of absolutism in Europe Louis comes to power in 1661.Louis comes to power in 1661.

Government under Louis XIVGovernment under Louis XIVIt is often seen as one of the first It is often seen as one of the first modern governments.modern governments.– System of System of councilscouncils -real ruling of the country -real ruling of the country – Intendants - royal officialsIntendants - royal officials in provinces in provinces

gives central control of the entire country.gives central control of the entire country.– Establishment of a Establishment of a standing armystanding army which which

Louis used in a series of expensive wars. Louis used in a series of expensive wars.

Influence of Louis XIV's Influence of Louis XIV's Government and StyleGovernment and Style

– Versailles and Louis' government were Versailles and Louis' government were admired throughout Europe.admired throughout Europe.

Versailles PalaceVersailles Palace: became a pleasure prison for : became a pleasure prison for the French nobility the French nobility

Copycat palaces were built all over Europe: Copycat palaces were built all over Europe: Vienna/Schonbrunn, St. Petersburg, Berlin.Vienna/Schonbrunn, St. Petersburg, Berlin.

– French became the language of many courts - French became the language of many courts - e.g. Russia (ref. Tolstoy: e.g. Russia (ref. Tolstoy: War and PeaceWar and Peace).).

Versailles Versailles

Schönbrunn PalaceSchönbrunn Palace

NymphenburgNymphenburg

Louis XIV and ReligionLouis XIV and Religion

The Position of the Church as State within a StateThe Position of the Church as State within a State-Divine Right was important in Louis' ideas.-Divine Right was important in Louis' ideas.-It is important to realize the power of the Church in -It is important to realize the power of the Church in France. It was like a state within in a state France. It was like a state within in a state -largely independent of Rome-largely independent of Rome-tax free-tax free-Church Courts had power over parts of life, for instance -Church Courts had power over parts of life, for instance marriage and wills.marriage and wills.-Louis supported the Church fervently.-Louis supported the Church fervently.1685 - 1685 - Edict of FountainbleauEdict of Fountainbleau—revoked Edict of —revoked Edict of Nantes, Repressed Nantes, Repressed JansenismJansenism (a kind of Calvinism (a kind of Calvinism within Catholic Church) 1/4 mill Protestants left - (New within Catholic Church) 1/4 mill Protestants left - (New Rochelle) Rochelle)

Absolutism and ReligionAbsolutism and Religion

Absolutism did not allow, in France, liberty Absolutism did not allow, in France, liberty of conscience. of conscience. Affects French Enlightenment thinkers.Affects French Enlightenment thinkers.Anti-clericalism even from those who Anti-clericalism even from those who support monarchy. support monarchy.

Louis XIV' successors tried to maintain the Louis XIV' successors tried to maintain the same system.same system.

Absolutist Fiscal PolicyAbsolutist Fiscal Policy

Main problem was that nobles would not pay tax.Main problem was that nobles would not pay tax.France remained under-taxed. France remained under-taxed. So other solutions were sought. So other solutions were sought.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1693)Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1693) – Finance minister. – Finance minister. Promoted mercantilism especially- Promoted mercantilism especially- “bullionism”“bullionism”His goals was self-sufficiency for France; His goals was self-sufficiency for France; Built roads & canalsBuilt roads & canalsGov’t supported monopoliesGov’t supported monopoliesCracked down on guildsCracked down on guilds

Colbert's aim was to have a Colbert's aim was to have a trade balance in France's favortrade balance in France's favor Established Established MercantilismMercantilism. . – It centralizes economy It centralizes economy – Close government control. Close government control. – Relieves the need for direct taxes. Relieves the need for direct taxes. – Expansion abroad - emphasis on exports and getting bullion into Expansion abroad - emphasis on exports and getting bullion into

the country. the country. – Trade is needed especially by absolutist governments as it Trade is needed especially by absolutist governments as it

enables indirect taxes to be raised - which are necessary without enables indirect taxes to be raised - which are necessary without parliaments. parliaments.

Worldwide Effects of Fiscal PoliciesWorldwide Effects of Fiscal Policies – Expansion of Mercantile empires in India, North America and Expansion of Mercantile empires in India, North America and

above all the West Indies. This was encouraged by above all the West Indies. This was encouraged by governments. governments.

– Development of Slave trade.Development of Slave trade.

By 1683, France leading industrial country:By 1683, France leading industrial country:– textiles, textiles, – mirrors,mirrors,– lacemakinglacemaking–     foundries for steel making and firearmsfoundries for steel making and firearms

Weaknesses:Weaknesses:– Poor peasant conditions (esp. taxation) resulted in large Poor peasant conditions (esp. taxation) resulted in large

emigrationemigration

– Louis opted for army instead of navy; France later lost naval Louis opted for army instead of navy; France later lost naval wars w/ Englandwars w/ England

–   War in later years nullified Colbert’s gainsWar in later years nullified Colbert’s gains Louis at war for 2/3 of his reignLouis at war for 2/3 of his reign

Wars of Louis XIVWars of Louis XIV::Initially successful but eventually ruinous to FranceInitially successful but eventually ruinous to France

– Creation of modern armyCreation of modern army

William of OrangeWilliam of Orange (later King William III of England) thwarted (later King William III of England) thwarted Louis’ expansionismLouis’ expansionism

– War of Devolution (First Dutch War), 1667-68War of Devolution (First Dutch War), 1667-68

Second Dutch War (1672-78) – Invasion of the Dutch Second Dutch War (1672-78) – Invasion of the Dutch RhinelandRhinelandPeace of NijmeganPeace of Nijmegan (1678-79): France took Franche-Comté (1678-79): France took Franche-Comté from Spainfrom Spain

League of AugsburgLeague of Augsburg (formed in 1686): HRE, Spain, Sweden, (formed in 1686): HRE, Spain, Sweden, Bavaria, Saxony, Dutch Rep.Bavaria, Saxony, Dutch Rep.War of the League of AugsburgWar of the League of Augsburg (1688-97) – ( King William’s (1688-97) – ( King William’s War): ended in status quoWar): ended in status quo

  William of Orange (now king of England) brought England in William of Orange (now king of England) brought England in against France.against France.

War of Spanish SuccessionWar of Spanish Succession (1701-13) – (Queen Anne’s War) (1701-13) – (Queen Anne’s War) – In the will of Charles II (Hapsburg king): all Spanish territories to In the will of Charles II (Hapsburg king): all Spanish territories to

grandson of Louis XIVgrandson of Louis XIVGrand Alliance: England, Dutch Rep., HRE, Brandenburg, Portugal, SavoyGrand Alliance: England, Dutch Rep., HRE, Brandenburg, Portugal, Savoy             Battle of Blenheim (1704)             Battle of Blenheim (1704)

                          Treaty of Utrecht (1713): Treaty of Utrecht (1713):  Britain was biggest winner:  Britain was biggest winner: – Gained Gained asientoasiento from Spain- to sell slaves to Spanish colonies from Spain- to sell slaves to Spanish colonies – Gained Gibraltar and Minorca. Gained Gibraltar and Minorca. – Partitioned Spanish possessions: Partitioned Spanish possessions:

Belgium given to AustriaBelgium given to Austria–   Louis’ grandson enthroned as King of SpainLouis’ grandson enthroned as King of Spain– Prevented unification of Bourbon dynasties.Prevented unification of Bourbon dynasties.

Kings recognized in Sardinia (Savoy) and Prussia (Brandenburg)Kings recognized in Sardinia (Savoy) and Prussia (Brandenburg)

Costs of Louis XIV’s wars:Costs of Louis XIV’s wars:– Destroyed French economy, Destroyed French economy, – Depopulation, Depopulation, – Weakened Louis XIV.Weakened Louis XIV.

Treaty of Utrecht MapTreaty of Utrecht Map

The Theoretical Elaboration of The Theoretical Elaboration of AbsolutismAbsolutism

Bishop Bousset (1627-1704)Bishop Bousset (1627-1704) Politics Drawn from the Very Words of ScripturePolitics Drawn from the Very Words of Scripture, 1679. , 1679. He was tutor to Louis XVHe was tutor to Louis XV– His basic justification was Divine Right: God makes a King His basic justification was Divine Right: God makes a King

absolutely sovereign. absolutely sovereign.

Jean Domat, (1625-1696)Jean Domat, (1625-1696), in , in Public LawPublic Law, 1697, 1697– Attempted to set Absolutism in context of law of nature and law Attempted to set Absolutism in context of law of nature and law

of God. of God.

Thomas Hobbes,Thomas Hobbes, in in LeviathanLeviathan, 1651, , 1651, – Provided a more Provided a more modernmodern justification based on Nature. justification based on Nature.

Other justifications were offered by later writers.Other justifications were offered by later writers.-Voltaire praised Louis XIV as being an effective ruler. -Voltaire praised Louis XIV as being an effective ruler.

Absolutism in Other StatesAbsolutism in Other States

Some of the Older States FadedSome of the Older States Faded

The Holy Roman Empire (the state which The Holy Roman Empire (the state which nominally included Germany and nominally included Germany and surrounding areas) faded.surrounding areas) faded.

So did Poland and the Ottoman Turkey. So did Poland and the Ottoman Turkey.

Three new powers come to occupy central Three new powers come to occupy central Europe in the 18th century.Europe in the 18th century.

AustriaAustriaAbsolutism without a nation-state. Absolutism without a nation-state. Maria Theresa 1740- Maria Theresa 1740-

War of the Austrian SuccessionWar of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748) involved almost all the (1740–1748) involved almost all the major European powers,major European powers,– Started with the pretext that Salic Started with the pretext that Salic

“Frankish law” precluded female “Frankish law” precluded female inheritance.inheritance.

– Maria Theresa inherited her fathers Maria Theresa inherited her fathers Charles VI, Habsburg dominions in Charles VI, Habsburg dominions in 1740, namely becoming Queen of 1740, namely becoming Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, Archduchess Hungary and Bohemia, Archduchess of Austria, and Duchess of Parma, of Austria, and Duchess of Parma, Piacenza, and Guastalla.Piacenza, and Guastalla.

– Concluded with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle Concluded with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle of 1748. of 1748.

– Maria Theresa survived sacrificing only the Maria Theresa survived sacrificing only the territory of Silesia to Prussia. territory of Silesia to Prussia.

– Sparked the beginning of German Dualism Sparked the beginning of German Dualism between Prussia and Austria between Prussia and Austria

– Start of German NationalismStart of German Nationalism

PrussiaPrussia

Copied FranceCopied FrancePrussia became an important Prussia became an important state under Frederick I (1688-state under Frederick I (1688-1713). 1713). Military emphasis: Military emphasis: – The upper class become the officers The upper class become the officers

in the army.in the army.-300 other states in Germany -300 other states in Germany remain divided. remain divided. Frederick the Great of Prussia Frederick the Great of Prussia (1740-1786)continued the trend. (1740-1786)continued the trend.

RussiaRussia

Peter the GreatPeter the GreatCatherine II the Great of Russia (b.1729-Catherine II the Great of Russia (b.1729-r.1762-d.1796) German-born Tsarina, who r.1762-d.1796) German-born Tsarina, who emulated absolutism, but gave over the emulated absolutism, but gave over the peasants to the nobilitypeasants to the nobility

OthersOthers

ItalyItalyRemained divided with inefficient old-Remained divided with inefficient old-fashioned governments and some fashioned governments and some republics. republics.

Large population,Large population,

Politically insignificant. Politically insignificant.

X. ConclusionX. Conclusion

Absolutism is the political actuality of the Absolutism is the political actuality of the Ancien RegimeAncien Regime. .

Development of Early Modern, Development of Early Modern, notnot medieval Europe. medieval Europe.

Background to French Revolution and also Background to French Revolution and also to the Enlightenmentto the Enlightenment