ABSOLUTE MONARCHSABSOLUTE MONARCHS

Absolute MonarchAbsolute Monarch Absolute monarchy is a form of

government where the monarch has the power to rule his or her land or country and its citizens freely, with no laws or legally-organized direct opposition in force.

Charles VCharles V Holy Roman EmperorKing of Spain

Charles V of SpainCharles V of Spain1507-15561507-1556

• Inherits Hapsburg family lands– Spain and Holy Roman Empire

• Spain gains lands in Americas– Gold and Silver (explorers)

• Rebellious Lutheran princes in German States – failed attempt to conquer Italy

• His empire is split into two parts– Ferdinand – Holy Roman & Austria– Phillip II – Spain, Netherlands, American colonies

Philip II of Spain 1556-1598Philip II of Spain 1556-1598• Religious intolerance against Protestants,

Muslims– Foreign Wars with Ottoman Empire– Christians vs. Muslims

• Portugal conquered- total access to Atlantic• Rebellion in the Netherlands

– Spain loses Netherlands• “Invincible” Armada defeated

•Waters too shallow

•Could not deploy fleet

•English ships smaller and quicker

Decline of SpainDecline of Spain1. Inflation and taxes

Population growing during good timesdemand more than supply

2. Expulsion of Jews and Muslims (1500)loss of businessmen and artisans

3. Spain’s noblesDid not have to pay taxes

Burden fell on lower class

Henry IVHenry IV

King of France

1st King of Bourbon Dynasty

Henry IV of FranceHenry IV of FranceReligious tolerance

– Converts to Catholicism to gain supportEdict of Nantes

– Declaration of Religious toleration– Gave Huguenots equal treatment

Brought prosperity to country– Trade– Honest government– building France’s infrastructure (roads,

canals, etc)

Louis XIVLouis XIVThe most powerful ruler in French history

“L’etat, c’est moi” – “I am the state”Took power when he was 23 (1661)• Limited power of Nobles• Devoted his reign to attain economic, political,

and cultural brilliance• Jean Baptiste Colbert

– Mercantilism – self-sufficient economy• More exports than imports

Louis XIV The Sun KingLouis XIV The Sun KingPolicy of religious tolerance

– persecutes French Protestants– Many valuable citizens leave the country

Luxurious lifestyle – His Palace in Versailles– Weakens French economy

Tries to gain control of Spain (12 years)– War of Spanish Succession (lost some power)

Treaty of Utrecht (ended War of Spanish Succession)– Forbids union of two thrones

Palace of VersaillesPalace of Versailles

Elizabeth I of EnglandElizabeth I of England• Policy of religious tolerance

–Peace within the country• Avoids challenges from Catholic

opponents to her rule• Time of prosperity and culture in

England• Dies without leaving an heir to the throne

The Road to Civil WarThe Road to Civil War• Elizabeth’s successors reverse her policy of

religious tolerance– Causing conflict

Charles ICharles I – Policy of intolerance – Needs for money to finance wars

• Parliament resists giving him the money– Petition of Right – Limits his ability to tax

Civil War and CromwellCivil War and CromwellParliament and Puritans

– Fight against the monarchyOliver CromwellOliver Cromwell – Puritan General

– New battle tactics win war– King Charles is beheaded for treason

Cromwell rule– Commonwealth (republican govt.)– Sent Parliament home– Tore up constitution, ruled as dictator

The RestorationThe Restoration1658 – Cromwell dies1660 – Charles II takes over

son of Charles I (beheaded)His rule is known as “the Restoration”

Popular with subjectsnot so much with Parliamentmore tolerant with religion than Parliament

Succeeded by James II (brother of Charles II)

James’ RuleJames’ RuleDevoted Catholic – went against subjectsDissolved ParliamentHeir to throne

James had a son – people feared new line of KingsOlder sister – Mary- Protestant

Married William of Orange, Prince of Nether.Glorious RevolutionGlorious Revolution

William brought army to LondonJames fled to France – ending rule

William and MaryWilliam and MaryAgreed to conditions of the

English Bill of RightsEnglish Bill of Rights1. No suspending of Parliaments laws2. No levying of taxes w/o specific grant from

Parliament3. No interfering with freedom of speech in

Parliament4. No penalty for a citizen who petitions the king

about grievances

Questions?