The where, the how, and the why. Absolute Monarchs
Slide 2
Question What is an absolute monarch? Absolute monarchism
refers to one person who has absolute rule over a country or a
state. This form of rule is usually hereditary or they claim as
being given divine right with or without advisors. This may not be
a bad form of government and is necessary for certain countries.
For example, when the French did not have Law and Order, absolute
Monarchism helped it to boost its economy and get the country in
order again. Other less developed countries in Eastern Europe heard
of absolute Monarchism and also adopted Absolute Monarchy. Thus,
this caused these countries to have a powerful monarchy.
Slide 3
Map of Europe 1700s
Slide 4
Why did Absolute Monarchies Develop? Decline of Feudalism Rise
of cities and the support of the middle class Growth in national
kingdoms Loss of authority of the Church Religious and territorial
conflicts from 1550s onwards Buildup of armies Need for increased
taxation Revolts by peasants and nobles
Slide 5
What were the Consequences of Absolute Monarchies? Regulation
of religion and society Larger Courts Huge building projects
Palaces and forts New Government bureaucracies appointed by the
government Loss of power by nobility and legislatures Frances
parliament did not meet from 1630s to1789
Slide 6
Why did no Absolute Monarchy Develop in England? English Civil
War Charles I is beheaded Increase in the powers of Parliament
Glorious Revolution William III and Mary recognized Parliament as a
partner Bill of Rights 1689 Creation of Cabinet System
Slide 7
Louis XIV. The Sun King L etat cest moi!
Slide 8
Versailles
Slide 9
Statistics on Versailles 2,000 acres of grounds 12 miles of
roads 27 miles of trellises 200,000 trees 210,000 flowers planted
every year 80 miles of rows of trees 55 acres surface area of the
Grand Canal 12 miles of enclosing walls 50 fountains and 620
fountain nozzles 21 miles of water conduits 3,600 cubic meters per
hour: water consumed 26 acres of roof 51,210 square meters of
floors 2,153 windows 700 rooms 67 staircases 6,000 paintings 1,500
drawings and 15,000 engravings 2,100 sculptures 5,000 items of
furniture and objects d'art 150 varieties of apple and peach trees
in the Vegetable Garden
Slide 10
The Hall of Mirrors
Slide 11
Frederick the Great of Prussia Created the notion of first
servant of the state. Brilliant military leader. Conquered Silesia
from Austria in the War of Austrian Succession. He modernized the
Prussian bureaucracy and civil service and promoted religious
tolerance throughout his realm Frederick patronized the arts and
philosophers, and wrote flute music.
Slide 12
Peter the Great and Catherine the Great of Russia Built St
Petersburg as Russias window on Europe Promoted reforms in Russian
society, education, and military. Encouraged Russian nobles to shun
Russian traditions and adopt western values. Beards were shaved off
and western clothes were encouraged. Originally a German Princess
She created a new legal system and established schools and colleges
Corresponded with French Enlightenment Thinkers Defeated the Turks
and partitioned Poland
Slide 13
Maria Theresa of Austria and Joseph II Managed to hold together
Hapsburg inheritance during War of Austrian Succession. She
undertook financial, legal, and educational reforms, promoted
commerce and the development of agriculture, and reorganized
Austria's ramshackle military, all of which strengthened Austria's
international standing. However, she refused to allow religious
toleration and contemporary travelers thought her regime was
bigoted and superstitious Son on Maria Theresa. Promoted religious
reforms and centralized the power of the Habsburg State