The Monarchs of EuropeThe Monarchs of Europe1500-18001500-1800Absolute Rulers Absolute Rulers

& & Enlightened DespotsEnlightened Despots

What is an Absolute Ruler?What is an Absolute Ruler?

Absolute MonarchAbsolute Monarch: a ruler (king or queen) who : a ruler (king or queen) who holds all power within the boundaries of their holds all power within the boundaries of their empire. Control every aspect of societyempire. Control every aspect of society

Based on the idea of Based on the idea of divine rightdivine right, the idea that , the idea that the monarchy was created by God, and that the the monarchy was created by God, and that the ruler was God’s representative on earth.ruler was God’s representative on earth.

Absolute Monarchs answered only to God, Absolute Monarchs answered only to God, not their people.not their people.

Was Absolutism a New Idea?Was Absolutism a New Idea?

AbsolutismAbsolutism was not a new idea. was not a new idea. Divine RightDivine Right in Europe was the in Europe was the

same idea as the same idea as the Mandate of Mandate of HeavenHeaven in Ancient China, as well as in Ancient China, as well as the the CaesarsCaesars of Ancient Rome. of Ancient Rome.

What caused Absolutism in Europe?What caused Absolutism in Europe? Decline of feudalismDecline of feudalism Rise of cities & middle classRise of cities & middle class Loss of church authorityLoss of church authority Growth of nations (Spain, France, England, Growth of nations (Spain, France, England,

Russia)Russia) Religious conflictsReligious conflicts Buildup of armies & navies to protect new Buildup of armies & navies to protect new

territoriesterritories Need for increased taxesNeed for increased taxes Revolts by peasants or noblesRevolts by peasants or nobles

What were the effects of Absolutism?What were the effects of Absolutism?

Regulation of religion & society through the Regulation of religion & society through the monarchymonarchy

Larger more elaborate courts require more $$Larger more elaborate courts require more $$ Huge building projects (Palace at Versailles) $Huge building projects (Palace at Versailles) $

$$ Loss of power by Nobility & Legislatures Loss of power by Nobility & Legislatures

(Parliament, Estates General)(Parliament, Estates General) American & French RevolutionsAmerican & French Revolutions Influence of Western Europe on RussiaInfluence of Western Europe on Russia

Absolutism of Spanish HapsburgsAbsolutism of Spanish Hapsburgs

Phillip II inherited Spain and its territories from his Phillip II inherited Spain and its territories from his father, the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V in 1555.father, the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V in 1555. This land included Spain, the colonies in the This land included Spain, the colonies in the

Americas, Spanish Netherlands, and parts of Austria Americas, Spanish Netherlands, and parts of Austria and Italyand Italy

The colonies had yielded vast wealthThe colonies had yielded vast wealth He inherited the strongest navy in EuropeHe inherited the strongest navy in Europe

He was Catholic, and married another Catholic (who He was Catholic, and married another Catholic (who soon died) Mary of Englandsoon died) Mary of England Together, they sought to purge their countries of Together, they sought to purge their countries of

Protestantism… Until Mary died & Elizabeth took Protestantism… Until Mary died & Elizabeth took over!over!

Philip II of SpainPhilip II of Spain

Spanish Absolutism cont’dSpanish Absolutism cont’d Defeat of the Spanish Armada:1588Defeat of the Spanish Armada:1588

England’s Protestant Queen Elizabeth had England’s Protestant Queen Elizabeth had aided Protestant Spanish Netherlands in aided Protestant Spanish Netherlands in achieving its independenceachieving its independence

In revenge, Philip sent his Armada to England, In revenge, Philip sent his Armada to England, where most of his ships were destroyedwhere most of his ships were destroyed

Spanish Hapsburgs maintained Absolute Rule Spanish Hapsburgs maintained Absolute Rule until the War of Spanish Succession in 1701until the War of Spanish Succession in 1701 The king of Spain at the time, Charles II, was The king of Spain at the time, Charles II, was

mentally incapable of making a good decision, and mentally incapable of making a good decision, and willed the throne to the King of France’s Grandson, willed the throne to the King of France’s Grandson, Philip of Anjou. War ensued (to be continued…)Philip of Anjou. War ensued (to be continued…)

Absolute Rule in France: The BourbonsAbsolute Rule in France: The Bourbons Henry IV (1589-1610)Henry IV (1589-1610)

First Bourbon MonarchFirst Bourbon Monarch Converted to Catholicism to unite FranceConverted to Catholicism to unite France Issued the Issued the Edict of NantesEdict of Nantes which decreed religious which decreed religious

toleration to Huguenots (French Protestants)toleration to Huguenots (French Protestants) Religious zealot murdered him in 1610 Religious zealot murdered him in 1610

Louis XIII (1610-1638) & Cardinal RichelieuLouis XIII (1610-1638) & Cardinal Richelieu Louis XIII was weak until he appointed Richelieu, a Louis XIII was weak until he appointed Richelieu, a

Catholic Cardinal, in 1624Catholic Cardinal, in 1624 Richelieu passed several measures to persecute Richelieu passed several measures to persecute

Huguenots and take power away from the NobilityHuguenots and take power away from the Nobility Involved France in the Thirty Years’ War to limit the Involved France in the Thirty Years’ War to limit the

power of the Hapsburgs… made France extremely power of the Hapsburgs… made France extremely powerfulpowerful

Louis XIII (left); Richelieu (right)Louis XIII (left); Richelieu (right)

Bourbon Monarchs cont’dBourbon Monarchs cont’d Louis XIV “The Sun King” (1643-1715)Louis XIV “The Sun King” (1643-1715)

The most powerful ruler in French history once The most powerful ruler in French history once declared, “I am the state.”declared, “I am the state.”

Became king at age 5, but Cardinal Mazarin Became king at age 5, but Cardinal Mazarin ruled in his stead until 1661ruled in his stead until 1661

Mazarin ended the Thirty Years War, but the nobles Mazarin ended the Thirty Years War, but the nobles revolted against his oppressive rule until 1653revolted against his oppressive rule until 1653

Louis takes control at age 22Louis takes control at age 22 Weakened the power of the nobles, gave more power Weakened the power of the nobles, gave more power

to the to the intendantsintendants, or government official, or government official Structured country to be mercantilist, and to be self-Structured country to be mercantilist, and to be self-

sufficientsufficient Cancelled the Edict of NantesCancelled the Edict of Nantes

Many Huguenots fled the country to pursue religious Many Huguenots fled the country to pursue religious freedomfreedom

““The Sun King”The Sun King” Built Versailles (estimated cost: $2.5 Billion)Built Versailles (estimated cost: $2.5 Billion)

This opulent palace occupied 5,000 acresThis opulent palace occupied 5,000 acres Louis XIV hated the Nobility b/c they threatened his life Louis XIV hated the Nobility b/c they threatened his life

all through childhood; required hundreds of them to live all through childhood; required hundreds of them to live at Versailles to keep close watch on themat Versailles to keep close watch on them

Huge Patron of the ArtsHuge Patron of the Arts War of Spanish Succession (1700-1714)War of Spanish Succession (1700-1714)

Louis’ grandson was willed the Spanish throne.Louis’ grandson was willed the Spanish throne. England, Austria, Netherlands, and others united to England, Austria, Netherlands, and others united to

prevent the union of Spain and France’s empiresprevent the union of Spain and France’s empires Treaty of Utrecht Treaty of Utrecht ended war, said Philip could ended war, said Philip could

have Spain as long as he didn’t unite with Francehave Spain as long as he didn’t unite with France Great Britain did well; they got Gibraltar and a major Great Britain did well; they got Gibraltar and a major

stake in Spain’s slave tradestake in Spain’s slave trade

Louis XIVLouis XIV

VersaillesVersailles

Legacy of Louis XIVLegacy of Louis XIV France considered military and France considered military and

artistic leader of Europeartistic leader of Europe HUGE debt HUGE debt

War of Spanish SuccessionWar of Spanish Succession Construction of VersaillesConstruction of Versailles Huge tax burden placed on the poor of Huge tax burden placed on the poor of

FranceFrance Helps contribute to the unrest of the people Helps contribute to the unrest of the people

for the French Revolution for the French Revolution

Hapsburgs in Central EuropeHapsburgs in Central Europe Thirty Years War 1618-1648Thirty Years War 1618-1648

Ferdinand II (Hapsburg) Catholic ruler of Bohemia Ferdinand II (Hapsburg) Catholic ruler of Bohemia begins it by closing Protestant churches, in begins it by closing Protestant churches, in violation of the Peace of Augsburgviolation of the Peace of Augsburg

In the beginning, the Hapsburg armies won by all-In the beginning, the Hapsburg armies won by all-out war.out war.

Once the French and the Swedes got involved, the Once the French and the Swedes got involved, the Hapsburgs lostHapsburgs lost

Peace of Westphalia 1648Peace of Westphalia 1648 Ended the Thirty Years WarEnded the Thirty Years War Weakened Hapsburg Austria & SpainWeakened Hapsburg Austria & Spain Made Germany independent of the Holy Roman Made Germany independent of the Holy Roman

EmpireEmpire Awarded German territory to FranceAwarded German territory to France

Austrian HapsburgsAustrian Hapsburgs The Hapsburgs reconquered Bohemia and The Hapsburgs reconquered Bohemia and

Hungary, uniting them as Austria under one Hungary, uniting them as Austria under one absolute ruler: Charles VI (1711)absolute ruler: Charles VI (1711)

Charles VI made the national religion CatholicismCharles VI made the national religion Catholicism Challenge: uniting the many different ethnic Challenge: uniting the many different ethnic

groups in his country under his rulegroups in his country under his rule Leaves Austria to be ruled under his daughter, Leaves Austria to be ruled under his daughter,

Maria TheresaMaria Theresa Maria Theresa (1740-1780)Maria Theresa (1740-1780)

She decreased the power of the NobilityShe decreased the power of the Nobility Limited the amount of labor their serfs could be forced Limited the amount of labor their serfs could be forced

to doto do

Prussian HohenzollernsPrussian Hohenzollerns Frederick William & Frederic William I (1714-Frederick William & Frederic William I (1714-

1740)1740) Decided that a strong army was the only Decided that a strong army was the only

way to ensure safetyway to ensure safety Gave the Gave the JunkersJunkers permanent officer permanent officer

positions in the militarypositions in the military Prussia becomes rigidly controlled, highly Prussia becomes rigidly controlled, highly

militarized societymilitarized society Frederick II “Frederick the Great” (1740-1786)Frederick II “Frederick the Great” (1740-1786)

Starts War of Austrian Succession (wanted the Starts War of Austrian Succession (wanted the throne of Austria) (1740-1748)throne of Austria) (1740-1748)

Wanted Silesia, an Austrian-held territory. Wanted Silesia, an Austrian-held territory. Won Silesia in Treaty of Aix-la-ChapelleWon Silesia in Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle

Seven Years WarSeven Years War Austria, France and Russia had formed Austria, France and Russia had formed

alliances alliances Prussia & Britain had formed alliances.Prussia & Britain had formed alliances. 1756- Frederick II attacks Saxony, an 1756- Frederick II attacks Saxony, an

Austrian ally.Austrian ally. Soon, all of these countries and their colonial Soon, all of these countries and their colonial

holdings were involved in war.holdings were involved in war. Known as French & Indian War in the USKnown as French & Indian War in the US

Treaty of Paris, 1763Treaty of Paris, 1763 French lost holdings in North AmericaFrench lost holdings in North America Britain gained all North American colonies & sole Britain gained all North American colonies & sole

trade rights in Indiatrade rights in India Austria gets Silesia backAustria gets Silesia back

Absolute Rulers of RussiaAbsolute Rulers of Russia Ivan the Terrible (1533-1584)Ivan the Terrible (1533-1584)

Inherited the throne at age 3Inherited the throne at age 3 First to call himself “czar”First to call himself “czar” Killed his wife and oldest sonKilled his wife and oldest son Used terror to rule Used terror to rule

Would seek out “traitors” and have his Would seek out “traitors” and have his secret police murder themsecret police murder them

Peter the Great (1672-1725)Peter the Great (1672-1725) Became czar at age 24. Was almost 7 ft. tall, Became czar at age 24. Was almost 7 ft. tall,

strong, and bright.strong, and bright. Established St. PetersbergEstablished St. Petersberg Went on a trip to Western Europe, brought back & Went on a trip to Western Europe, brought back &

instituted Western reforms for industrialization & instituted Western reforms for industrialization & cultureculture

Made Russia a European Power by 1725.Made Russia a European Power by 1725.

Ivan & PeterIvan & Peter

EnglandEngland Elizabeth I (1558-1601)Elizabeth I (1558-1601)

Elizabeth left no heir, crown goes to nearest Elizabeth left no heir, crown goes to nearest relative, James I (Stuart)relative, James I (Stuart)

James I (1603-1625)James I (1603-1625) Struggled with Parliament over moneyStruggled with Parliament over money Initiated the translation of the bible into English Initiated the translation of the bible into English

(King James Version)(King James Version) Offended Puritan members of ParliamentOffended Puritan members of Parliament

puritanpuritan: wanted to “purify” the English church of : wanted to “purify” the English church of Catholic practicesCatholic practices

1630’s: Great Migration: 30,000 Puritans leave 1630’s: Great Migration: 30,000 Puritans leave England and settle in the English Colonies in America. England and settle in the English Colonies in America.

Salem, Boston, etc… all Puritan communitiesSalem, Boston, etc… all Puritan communities

Charles I & English Civil WarCharles I & English Civil War Charles I (1625-1649)Charles I (1625-1649)

Biggest problem: dissolved & recalled Biggest problem: dissolved & recalled Parliament 3 times over money issuesParliament 3 times over money issues

Forced him to sign the Forced him to sign the Petition of RightPetition of Right, which , which he ignoredhe ignored

now part of the English Constitutionnow part of the English Constitution Tried to arrest Parliament members; spurs Tried to arrest Parliament members; spurs

English Civil WarEnglish Civil War RoundheadsRoundheads: Puritans against the king. Led by Oliver : Puritans against the king. Led by Oliver

CromwellCromwell Cavaliers/RoyalistsCavaliers/Royalists: Loyal followers of the king.: Loyal followers of the king.

Charles loses; is put on trial and beheaded in Charles loses; is put on trial and beheaded in 16491649

The RestorationThe Restoration Charles II (1660-1685) “Merry Monarch”Charles II (1660-1685) “Merry Monarch”

Son of Charles I, restored to throne after the Son of Charles I, restored to throne after the oppressive Puritan rule of Cromwelloppressive Puritan rule of Cromwell

RestorationRestoration: period of time when the English : period of time when the English Monarchy is restoredMonarchy is restored

Parliament passes Parliament passes habeus corpushabeus corpus gave any prisoner the right to be informed of charges gave any prisoner the right to be informed of charges

against them in a court of law, and receive just trialagainst them in a court of law, and receive just trial James II (1685-1688) James II (1685-1688)

Catholic Monarch: England is divided Catholic Monarch: England is divided ToriesTories: supported James : supported James WhigsWhigs: against James: against James

When James has a son in 1688, he and his When James has a son in 1688, he and his family flee to France b/c the English don’t want family flee to France b/c the English don’t want another Catholic monarchanother Catholic monarch

The Glorious RevolutionThe Glorious Revolution William & Mary (1688-William & Mary (1688-

James’s Protestant daughter, Mary, had James’s Protestant daughter, Mary, had married William of Orange of the Netherlands.married William of Orange of the Netherlands.

They marched into London in 1688, in a They marched into London in 1688, in a bloodless revolution.bloodless revolution.

Parliament became their partner in governing; Parliament became their partner in governing; thus becoming a thus becoming a Constitutional MonarchyConstitutional Monarchy

Establish the English Establish the English Bill of RightsBill of Rights to place limits to place limits on royal poweron royal power