3.1 - The Rise of Absolutism PDF

3.1 - The Rise of Absolutism  Introduction ◆ In the 1500’s and 1600’s, European monarchs wanted to create powerful kingdoms in which they had the complete loyalty of their subjects ◆ The is led to the rise of absolutism, which was caused by: – Church losing power after the...

3.1 - The Rise of Absolutism  Introduction ◆ In the 1500’s and 1600’s, European monarchs wanted to create powerful kingdoms in which they had the complete loyalty of their subjects ◆ The is led to the rise of absolutism, which was caused by: – Church losing power after the Reformation – Great wealth gained from colonies and large armies – Concept of rule by divine right – Centralization of power = A government where power is concentrated in a single authority  Absolutism ◆ This form of government was known as absolutism. The monarch had unlimited power and sought to control all aspects of society (centralization of power) ◆ Absolutism was based on divine right – The belief that monarchs received their power directly from God ◆ Absolute Monarch – a monarch who practices absolutism and divine right – Influenced by the ideas and writings of Machiavelli in his book The Prince.  Louis XIV ◆ Absolute monarch of France ◆ Recognized as one of the most powerful French monarchs – Reign was the longest in European History (1643-1715) ◆ Known as the “Sun King” – Everything in the world revolved around him – Personal motto = “L’etat, c’est moi” – I am the state  Louis XIV ◆ Moved government and palace to Versailles – Flashy palace that demonstrated his wealth and power – French people were taxed heavily to build the Palace of Versailles leaving them extremely poor. – Palace of Versailles was a symbol of royal power for all to see. ◆ France’s most successful and Louis portrayed as brilliant period of cultural growth Jupiter was under Louis XIV The Hall of Mirrors The King’s Bedroom The Queen’s Bedroom The Royal Chapel The Gardens  Completely Useless Information ▸ The life expectancy of a human eyelash is 150 days.  Completely Useless Information ▸ Dalibor Jablanovic set the world record for having the most number of spoons on a human body - 79. Completely Useless Information ▸ Every continent except Antarctica has a city called Rome.  Peter the Great ◆ Russian Czar/Tsar (King) in 1682 ◆ Absolute monarch of Russia Ivan the Terrible was the first Russian czar (1547-1584). Supposedly, his favorite methods of execution included boiling alive, impalement, and roasting over an open fire.  Peter the Great ◆ When Peter came to power, he saw how uneducated his people were. ◆ Russia had not experienced the Renaissance and was left in the shadows of Western Europe. – Solution!!! = Westernization – making Russia more like Western Europe (have to catch up!!). ◆ Set up education programs. ◆ Taught people the thinking, style, and customs of the Western Europeans.  Peter the Great ◆ Built new capital in St. Petersburg so it was closer to Western Europe. ◆ Expanded borders for trade and shipping. ◆ Westernization of Russia was Peter’s ultimate goal Closer to Western Europe!  Catherine the Great ◆ Came to power after her husband Peter III’s death ◆ Under her reign, she continued westernization of Russia ◆ Attacked the Ottoman Empire and gained access to the Black Sea to get a warm water port ◆ Conquered Poland with Prussia’s help ◆ Tried to help Russian peasants – Built schools for boys and girls ◆ Longest ruling leader (1762 to 1796) and last Empress of Russia