Absolute Monarchy

The Scientific Revolution, Age of Enlightenment, and the American Revolution

Issues of disunity in Europe (Renaissance, Reformation, Counter-Reformation, Sci. Revolution)

Main cause of Disunity: Competition between the Aristocracy & the Monarchy

European countries attempted to solve this disunity in two ways: Constitutionalism & Absolutism

Constitutionalism vs. Absolutism

Constitutionalism (decentralized power): does not require a written constitution, but does require a set of rules about government which government respects. It also implies a balance in power between the government and its subjects (Parliament, Congress, Representatives, etc.)

Absolutism (centralized power): Right to rule is held by solely by a King/Queen; no assembly or group of nobles may limit the Monarchs authority. Uses Divine Right of Kings as justification,

Review of the Scientific Revolution

What was the Scientific Revolution?

How was the Scientific Revolution a result of the Renaissance, Reformation, and Age of Exploration?

How did the Scientific Revolution change the way people approached scientific study?

What do you think is the most significant result of the Scientific Revolution?

What is an Absolute Monarch?

Monarch (King or Queen) that centralizes power under one leader

King or Queen controls all aspects of the country and daily life Uses religion to keep people under control Controls economy Leads military and decides when to declare war Creates all laws

Divine Right of Kings

What is It?: The King gets the right to rule directly from God and does not have to answer to any other source

Why is it Important?: Used to justify the strong absolute monarchs

More Details on Absolute Monarchs

Where?: Europe, specifically France, Spain, and Russia

When?: 1500s to the late 1700s

Who?: Louis XIV (France), King Phillip II (Spain), Peter the Great (Russia)

King Louis XIV of France

Reigns from 1643-1715 CE

Strongest Monarch in all of French History

Called himself “the Sun King” because he was the center of the universe

Took all power in France for himself – eliminated all enemies

Successes and Failures of Louis XIV

Successes Increased power of French

monarch

Built strongest army in Europe

Improves economy – France is wealthiest in Europe

Promotes the Arts - Spreads French culture throughout Europe

Palace of Versailles

Failures Eliminates French law-making body

– the Estates General

Involved in many costly wars (lost most of them)

France becomes enemy of others in Europe

Religious persecution of Protestants

Long-term cause of the French Revolution

The Palace of Versailles

• Center of French Monarchy through 1798• 1/3 of a mile long palace on 2000 acres of land• 700 rooms• 1400 fountains

Reflection Questions: Answer on Your Notes Sheet

What are the possible problems with the idea of absolute monarchy and the Divine Right of Kings?

How do you think the people would respond to the powers of an absolute monarch?