Absolute MonarchsRise of Absolute KingsPreview:How might having a king with total power be a good thing? Explain your answer

The Age of AbsolutismA period from 1450 to 1715 when European monarchs began to create powerful nations that placed unlimited power in the hands of the king and his/her advisors

The Rise of Absolute Monarchs

What is an Absolute Monarch?European kings had very little power during the Middle Ages but slowly gained power during the RenaissanceEventually, the kings in Spain, France, Russia, Austria, & Prussia had complete control over the lords & commoners in their nation

Phillip II of Spain Louis XIV of France Peter & Catherine the Great of RussiaMaria Theresa of AustriaFrederick the Great of PrussiaHow did kings go from having no power in the Middle Ages to becoming absolute monarchs after the Renaissance?

Middle Ages (500-1300)During the Middle Ages, Feudalism was very important:Feudalism divided society into clear classes (Youre either a poor peasant, a noble, or a monarch & there was little chance to move up)Feudalism provided order & protection for the common peasants

Middle Ages (500-1300)In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church had unquestioned powerAlmost everyone was Catholic in Europe so the pope served almost like a kingThe church controlled peoples actions because church leaders controlled access into heaven & could excommunicate people

Renaissance (1300-1600)But the Crusades, Black Death, & 100 Years War weakened the power of feudal lordsIn the Renaissance, kings gained power & began to form strong nations as trade increased, people moved to cities, a new middle class was formed, & mercantilism gave wealthy kings lots of power Wealth = Power

Protestant Reformation (1517-1550)During the Reformation, critics like Martin Luther, John Calvin, & Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church This weakened the power of the church & the Pope

Age of Absolutism (1450-1715)When feudal lords & the pope lost power, someone had to step up & lead the peoplePeople looked to their new wealthy kings to create a sense of order & act as figures of authorityAs a result of this need, monarchs were able gain almost absolute (unlimited) power

Age of Absolutism (1450-1715)Monarchs justified their right to have absolute power by using the idea of divine rightkings get their powers from God, not the people or a parliament

Age of Absolutism (1648-1763)European kings were afraid one nation would become too strong & conquer the others; So they tried to keep a balance of powerAs a result, lots of wars were fought during this time periodSpainFrance