Vocabulary

Absolutism- The theory that a ruler must have total control over a region and its people.

Louis XIV- Absolute ruler of France who lived extravagantly at Versailles and was known as the Sun King.

Peter the Great- Absolute ruler of Russia who worked to modernize or westernize Russia.

Warm UpWhat is absolutism?

Absolutism

What is Absolutism?

It is the state of having complete power & authority over a certain area and its people.

Absolutism vs. democracy

Absolutism Democracy

Who Holds the Power?

Monarch Citizens

Freedom of Religion No YesWhat are the Rights of Subjects

None Many

Does the Government Serve itself or the People?

Itself People

Questions:1. Based on the chart, what were some

possible weaknesses of Absolutism? People don’t support it, few freedoms, few

rights2. What might be some benefits of living

under a system of Absolutism? Efficiency

3. Under which system would you prefer to live? Why?

Who is Louis XIV? Most powerful ruler in French

History

When did he begin his rule? How old was he? 1643 @ age 4

Who “ruled” as Louis was growing up? Cardinal Mazarini

Why was he hated? More taxes and power to the

Gov’t

What were the 1648-1653 riots about?◦Nobles fighting over

Mazarin

At age 22 Louis took over…what did he help France attain?◦Economic, Political

and Cultural brilliance

The Sun King’s Grand Style What were Louis

feelings about money?o He wanted to spend it

as soon as he could!!

Palace of Versailles◦ 500 yards long!◦ Louis controlled the

nobility by requiring them to stay at his palace.

Art flourished at Versailles and glorified the king to support absolute rule.

Louis tried to expand France’s borders.◦Invasion of Spanish Netherlands◦Was successful until other

European countries united to fight against France.

War of the Spanish Succession◦Louis’s grandson could remain in

power as long as he didn’t combine France and Spain.

◦Great Britain came out the winner. Won colonies from both Spain and

France.

Wars

Positive◦Best in art and literature.◦Military leader

Colonies

Negative◦War destroyed France◦Huge debt

Eventually lead to revolution.

Was Louis XIV an absolute ruler? Why or why not? Examples.

Louis’s Legacy

Absolute Rulers of RussiaWhat is a Czar?

Means Caesar

Who was Ivan the Terrible?

Real name: Ivan IV

Year took office: 1533

What years was his “good period”: 1547-1560

What did he do in this period? Code of laws, ruled justly

What years was his “bad period”: 1560-

What brought on this period? Death of his wife

What did he do in this period? Killed eldest son, secret police, etc.

Who is Peter the Great?

Real name: Peter IYear took office: 1696What did he do in his

“career”? Wanted to end serfdom in Russia.

Where did he look for guidance? Western Europe..Grand Embassy

What did he begin in Russia? Period of Westernization, brought the Russia Orthodox Church under State control, Reduced the power of landowners, hired European officials to drill Russian soldiers, used European weapons, raised taxes to pay for army , & promoted education

What did Peter I acquire? St. Petersburg to get a warm water sea port near Europe

Why does Peter want to Westernize? He admired Western Europe’s customs & technological achievements.

What is a Boyar? A Russian landowning noble

Which direction is Russia Expanding? Check map on page

Reflection

What is absolutism?Why would people not be in favor of

absolutism?Who was Louis XIV? What was his legacy?Who was Peter The Great? Why was Peter an example of Absolutism?What was his legacy?