Absolutism in Eastern Europe

Absolutism not Constitutionalism

Serfdom

Elimination of free movement for the peasants

Imposed heavier labor obligations

In Prussia heredity subjugation

Politics not Economics

When the economy improved in the West the peasants received more freedom

The opposite occurred in the East

Politics continued…

In the West excess supplies meant freedom from the landlords – remember Italian city states

In the East landlords sold excess supplies to foreign capitalists.

Not even the “town air” made them free

The Rise of Austria and Prussia

How did they become united under a central ruler??

– First: imposed taxes without the consent of other nobles

– Second Created permanent standing armies

Austria

Not as strong of an absolute rule as the Prussians

Thirty Years War left them in ruins Rooting out Protestants cost time and

money Defeat forced the Hapsburgs to turn inward

– During the War Ferdinand II reduces the power of the protestants in Bohemia

– Ferdinand III unifies several states

“The Turkish Menace”

Turks Retreat: The Three Empires Austria

Bohemia

Hungary

The Pragmatic Sanction

Charles VI (r1711-1740) – Fragile Alliance– Stated that the heir to the throne be kept intact

to one single ruler – male of female.

The Hungarians

Resisted unification Many were Protestants Turkey was a military ally 1703 Prince Rakoczy forces the Hapsburgs

to compromise– Hungary would keep its traditional privileges – Accepted Habsburg rule

Prussia- The Elector of Brandenburg German nobles were weakened by wars Frederick William – “The Great Elector”

– Began uniting provinces by diplomacy and war– Began to tax estates without consent– 1688 at the year of his death increased the army

ten-fold– Used violence and the threat of war to

consolidate power and tax.

Frederick William I “The Soldier King” (r.1714-1740) Forget about “Frederick the Ostentatious” Fred I built a great army – tall soldiers Create a cult of militarism Violent temper Harsh discipline

Freddy I continued…

Controls the Junkers(nobles) by enlisting them as officers in the army

Created an efficient bureaucracy

Created an army that man-for-man was the best in Europe, but rarely used them.

Obedience was the highest virtue.