What is absolutism? The 17th century in Europe is sometimes called the
“Age of Absolutism.” “Absolute monarchy or absolutism meant that the
sovereign power or ultimate authority in the state rested in the hands of a king who claimed to rule by divine right” (Spiel.4thEd. 427).
The king rules alone. There is no Congress or Parliament. Even the Church is under the king’s authority.
In this time period, the idea of the state emerges. The king is no longer a protector and leader of his people; the king rules over the people and the people are his subjects who serve him.
France was the first absolutist state and it served as a model for other European countries.
Louis XIV “L’État c'est moi.” = I am the state. Called himself the
Sun King Supporter of the
arts: had his portrait painted often
Built the new French capital at Versailles
Revoked the Edict of Nantes
Fought in the War of Spanish Succession
Peter the Great Wanted to make Russia
like western European countries• He forced Russian nobles to
shave their beards. Interrogated his son for
plotting against him• His son died from being
tortured. Sought to expand Russia
to the North and South—that way it would have access to water and could build up a navy
Built a new capital at St. Petersburg
Frederick William
“The Great Elector” from Prussia
Germany and Italy are still the Holy Roman Empire
Prussia emerging as a major power among the German states
Electors from each state voted for the Holy Roman Emperor
Builds an efficient and well-disciplined standing army
Frederick William manages to rebuild Protestant Prussia after the 30 Years’ War
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