Rise of the Absolute Rise of the Absolute MonarchiesMonarchies

AbsolutismAbsolutism

Sovereignty - Sovereignty - the power and right to rulethe power and right to rule, , resides exclusively with the King resides exclusively with the King – The idea of the Divine Right of Kings became The idea of the Divine Right of Kings became

importantimportant

Absolute Monarchs were limited in actual Absolute Monarchs were limited in actual power and were not "totalitarian".power and were not "totalitarian". Very practical - Developed modern ways of Very practical - Developed modern ways of government government – State bureaucracies State bureaucracies – Committee structures of government Committee structures of government – Standing armies Standing armies

Louis XIV (Ruled 1643-1715)Louis XIV (Ruled 1643-1715)

Cardinal Mazarin (1602-1661)Cardinal Mazarin (1602-1661)– Controlled France while Louis XIV a childControlled France while Louis XIV a child– Effective ruler at first - continues policies of Effective ruler at first - continues policies of

Richelieu. Richelieu.

The Fronde 1649-52The Fronde 1649-52

Aborted revolution directed against Aborted revolution directed against MazarinMazarin – revolt by nobles sick of absolute claims. revolt by nobles sick of absolute claims. – Psychological effect on Louis XIV, determined Psychological effect on Louis XIV, determined

to be powerful to be powerful

Louis XIVLouis XIV (r. 1643-1715) (r. 1643-1715) the “Sun King”the “Sun King”

L’état, c’est moiL’état, c’est moi (“the state is myself”)   (“the state is myself”)   Best model of absolutism in Europe Best model of absolutism in Europe Comes to power in 1661.Comes to power in 1661.

Government under Louis XIVGovernment under Louis XIV

One of the first modern governments.One of the first modern governments.– System of System of councilscouncils -real ruling of the country -real ruling of the country – Intendants - royal officialsIntendants - royal officials in provinces gives central in provinces gives central

control of the entire country.control of the entire country.– Establishment of a Establishment of a standing armystanding army which Louis used which Louis used

in a series of expensive wars. in a series of expensive wars.

Influence of Louis XIV's Influence of Louis XIV's Government and StyleGovernment and Style

Versailles and Louis' government were Versailles and Louis' government were admired throughout Europe.admired throughout Europe.– Versailles PalaceVersailles Palace: became a pleasure prison : became a pleasure prison

for the French nobility for the French nobility – Copycat palaces were built all over Europe: Copycat palaces were built all over Europe:

Vienna/Schonbrunn, St. Petersburg, Berlin.Vienna/Schonbrunn, St. Petersburg, Berlin.

French became the language of many French became the language of many courts - e.g. Russia (ref. Tolstoy: courts - e.g. Russia (ref. Tolstoy: War and War and PeacePeace).).

Versailles Versailles

Schönbrunn PalaceSchönbrunn Palace

NymphenburgNymphenburg

Louis XIV and ReligionLouis XIV and Religion

Divine Right was important in Louis' ideas.Divine Right was important in Louis' ideas.French church was like a state within in a state French church was like a state within in a state – largely independent of Romelargely independent of Rome– -tax free-tax free– Church Courts had power over parts of life- ( marriage and Church Courts had power over parts of life- ( marriage and

wills)wills)– Louis supported the Church fervently.Louis supported the Church fervently.

1685 - 1685 - Edict of FountainbleauEdict of Fountainbleau– Revoked Edict of Nantes, Revoked Edict of Nantes, – Repressed Repressed JansenismJansenism (a kind of Calvinism within Catholic (a kind of Calvinism within Catholic

Church)Church)– 1/4 million Protestants left - (New Rochelle) 1/4 million Protestants left - (New Rochelle)

Absolutism and ReligionAbsolutism and Religion

Absolutism did not allow, in France, liberty Absolutism did not allow, in France, liberty of conscience. of conscience. Affects French Enlightenment thinkers.Affects French Enlightenment thinkers.Anti-clericalism even from those who Anti-clericalism even from those who support monarchy. support monarchy.

Louis XIV' successors tried to maintain the Louis XIV' successors tried to maintain the same system.same system.

Absolutist Fiscal PolicyAbsolutist Fiscal Policy

Main problem was that nobles would not pay tax.Main problem was that nobles would not pay tax.France remained under-taxed. France remained under-taxed.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1693)Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1693) – Finance minister. – Finance minister. – Promoted mercantilism Promoted mercantilism – Goals was self-sufficiency for France; Goals was self-sufficiency for France;

Built roads & canalsBuilt roads & canalsGov’t supported monopoliesGov’t supported monopoliesCracked down on guildsCracked down on guilds

Colbert's aimColbert's aimTrade balance in France's favorTrade balance in France's favor Established Established MercantilismMercantilism. . – It centralizes economy It centralizes economy – Close government control. Close government control. – Relieves the need for direct taxes. Relieves the need for direct taxes. – Expansion abroad - emphasis on exports and getting Expansion abroad - emphasis on exports and getting

bullion into the country. bullion into the country.

Worldwide Effects of Fiscal PoliciesWorldwide Effects of Fiscal Policies – Expansion of Mercantile empires in India, North Expansion of Mercantile empires in India, North

America and above all the West Indies. America and above all the West Indies. – Development of Slave trade. Development of Slave trade.

Colbert’s Results Colbert’s Results

By 1683, France leading industrial country:By 1683, France leading industrial country:– textiles, textiles, – mirrors,mirrors,– lacemakinglacemaking–     foundries for steel making and firearmsfoundries for steel making and firearms

Weaknesses:Weaknesses:– Poor peasant conditions (esp. taxation) resulted in large Poor peasant conditions (esp. taxation) resulted in large

emigrationemigration

– Louis opted for army instead of navy; France later lost naval Louis opted for army instead of navy; France later lost naval wars w/ Englandwars w/ England

–   War in later years nullified Colbert’s gainsWar in later years nullified Colbert’s gains Louis at war for 2/3 of his reignLouis at war for 2/3 of his reign

Wars of Louis XIVWars of Louis XIV::

Initially successful but eventually ruinous to Initially successful but eventually ruinous to FranceFrance– Creation of modern armyCreation of modern army

William of OrangeWilliam of Orange (later King William III of (later King William III of England) thwarted Louis’ expansionismEngland) thwarted Louis’ expansionism– War of Devolution (First Dutch War), War of Devolution (First Dutch War),

1667-681667-68

Second Dutch War (1672-78) – Invasion of Second Dutch War (1672-78) – Invasion of the Dutch Rhinelandthe Dutch Rhineland– Peace of NijmeganPeace of Nijmegan (1678-79) (1678-79)

France took Franche-Comté from France took Franche-Comté from SpainSpain

League of AugsburgLeague of Augsburg

League of AugsburgLeague of Augsburg (formed in 1686): HRE, (formed in 1686): HRE, Spain, Sweden, Bavaria, Saxony, Dutch Rep. Spain, Sweden, Bavaria, Saxony, Dutch Rep. – Resisted expansion into GermanyResisted expansion into Germany

Eng./Spain/Sweden/Bavaria/Saxony/PalatineEng./Spain/Sweden/Bavaria/Saxony/Palatine

– Louis Invades Palatine: League vs. FranceLouis Invades Palatine: League vs. FrancePeace of Ryswick: William and LeopoldPeace of Ryswick: William and Leopold

France did not expand into GermanyFrance did not expand into Germany

War of the League of AugsburgWar of the League of Augsburg (1688-97) (1688-97) – ( King William’s War): ended in status quo ( King William’s War): ended in status quo –   William of Orange (now king of England) brought William of Orange (now king of England) brought

England in against France.England in against France.

War of Spanish SuccessionWar of Spanish Succession (1701- (1701-1713) – (Queen Anne’s War) 1713) – (Queen Anne’s War)

– In the will of Charles II (Hapsburg king): all Spanish In the will of Charles II (Hapsburg king): all Spanish territories to grandson of Louis XIVterritories to grandson of Louis XIV

– Succession of Charles II (Spain)Succession of Charles II (Spain)– Louis and Leopold (Austria) ClaimLouis and Leopold (Austria) Claim

Louis’s Nephew: Philip of Anjou Gains SpainLouis’s Nephew: Philip of Anjou Gains Spain

Grand Alliance: England, Dutch Rep., HRE, Grand Alliance: England, Dutch Rep., HRE, Brandenburg, Portugal, SavoyBrandenburg, Portugal, Savoy             Battle of Blenheim (1704)             Battle of Blenheim (1704)

                        

Treaty of Utrecht (1713):Treaty of Utrecht (1713):  Britain was biggest winner: Britain was biggest winner: – Gained Gained asientoasiento from Spain- to sell slaves to Spanish from Spain- to sell slaves to Spanish

colonies colonies – Gained Gibraltar and Minorca. Gained Gibraltar and Minorca. – Partitioned Spanish possessions: Partitioned Spanish possessions:

Belgium given to AustriaBelgium given to Austria–   Louis’ grandson enthroned as King of SpainLouis’ grandson enthroned as King of Spain– Prevented unification of Bourbon dynasties.Prevented unification of Bourbon dynasties.

Kings recognized in Sardinia (Savoy) and Prussia Kings recognized in Sardinia (Savoy) and Prussia (Brandenburg)(Brandenburg)

Costs of Louis XIV’s wars:Costs of Louis XIV’s wars:– Destroyed French economy, Destroyed French economy, – Depopulation, Depopulation, – Weakened Louis XIV.Weakened Louis XIV.

Treaty of Utrecht MapTreaty of Utrecht Map

Absolutism in Other StatesAbsolutism in Other States

Some of the Older States FadedSome of the Older States Faded

The Holy Roman Empire (the state which The Holy Roman Empire (the state which nominally included Germany and nominally included Germany and surrounding areas) faded.surrounding areas) faded.

So did Poland and the Ottoman Turkey. So did Poland and the Ottoman Turkey.

Three new powers come to occupy central Three new powers come to occupy central Europe in the 18th century.Europe in the 18th century.

Poland - A failed statePoland - A failed state

Nobles became too powerful. Nobles became too powerful. – A very large state in Eastern Europe. A very large state in Eastern Europe. – The "Noble Republic" - the nobles elected the kings. The "Noble Republic" - the nobles elected the kings. – AnyAny noble could veto noble could veto anyany law in the parliament. law in the parliament.

Consequences Consequences – Complete collapse of central government. Complete collapse of central government. – The enserfment of the peasant population. The enserfment of the peasant population. – The eventual disappearance of Poland from map of The eventual disappearance of Poland from map of

Europe. Europe.

The HapsburgsThe Hapsburgs

Kept the HRE- relied on cooperation of different Kept the HRE- relied on cooperation of different groups for powergroups for powerBy 1714 – most of the Hapsburg territory was not By 1714 – most of the Hapsburg territory was not in Germanyin Germany– Empire was too diverse to be unitedEmpire was too diverse to be united

Religions, Ethnic groups, Languages Religions, Ethnic groups, Languages

Leopold I Leopold I – Kept the Turks from invading in 1683, and Louis XIV outKept the Turks from invading in 1683, and Louis XIV out

Charles VICharles VI– Pragmatic Sanction- guarantee rule through his Pragmatic Sanction- guarantee rule through his

Daughter Maria Theresa Daughter Maria Theresa

War of the Austrian SuccessionWar of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748)(1740–1748)

Involved almost all the major European powers,Involved almost all the major European powers,– Started with pretext that Salic “Frankish law” precluded female Started with pretext that Salic “Frankish law” precluded female

inheritance.inheritance.– Maria Theresa inherited her fathers Charles VI - Habsburg Maria Theresa inherited her fathers Charles VI - Habsburg

dominions in 1740, dominions in 1740, Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, Archduchess of Austria, Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, Archduchess of Austria, Duchess of Parma, Piacenza, and Guastalla.Duchess of Parma, Piacenza, and Guastalla.

Ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748) Ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748) – Maria Theresa survived sacrificing only the territory of Maria Theresa survived sacrificing only the territory of

Silesia to Prussia. Silesia to Prussia. – Sparked the beginning of German Dualism between Sparked the beginning of German Dualism between

Prussia and Austria Prussia and Austria – Start of German NationalismStart of German Nationalism

PrussiaPrussia Copied FranceCopied France– Prussia became an important state Prussia became an important state

under Frederick I Hohenzollern under Frederick I Hohenzollern (1688-1713). (1688-1713).

Military emphasis: Military emphasis: – The upper class ( Junkers) become The upper class ( Junkers) become

the officers in the army.the officers in the army.-300 other states in Germany -300 other states in Germany remain divided. remain divided.

– Frederick the Great of Prussia Frederick the Great of Prussia (1740-1786) continued the trend. (1740-1786) continued the trend.

Built palaces, art and university patronBuilt palaces, art and university patron

RussiaRussiaPeter the GreatPeter the Great– Brought western ideas back to MoscowBrought western ideas back to Moscow– Put down rebellion with torture and executions Put down rebellion with torture and executions

Arrested his own son for conspiring against him. Arrested his own son for conspiring against him.

– Developed a modern navy Developed a modern navy

Great Northern WarGreat Northern War– Fought against Swedish king Charles XIIFought against Swedish king Charles XII– Gave Russia an ice free port and control over Estonia, Livonia, Gave Russia an ice free port and control over Estonia, Livonia,

and part of Finland and part of Finland

Founded St. PetersburgFounded St. PetersburgBuilt colleges- system of running the govt. Built colleges- system of running the govt. Organized the social standing of the boyarsOrganized the social standing of the boyarsGained control over the Orthodox churchGained control over the Orthodox church

OthersOthers

ItalyItalyRemained divided with inefficient old-Remained divided with inefficient old-fashioned governments and some fashioned governments and some republics. republics.

Large population,Large population,

Politically insignificant. Politically insignificant.

ConclusionConclusion

Absolutism is the political actuality of the Absolutism is the political actuality of the Ancien RegimeAncien Regime. .

Development of Early Modern, Development of Early Modern, notnot medieval Europe. medieval Europe.

Background to French Revolution and also Background to French Revolution and also to the Enlightenmentto the Enlightenment

The OttomansThe Ottomans

Individual EnhanceIndividual Enhance– Here are the topics to includeHere are the topics to include

Religious TolerationReligious Toleration

Role of the UlamaRole of the Ulama

End of Ottoman ExpansionEnd of Ottoman Expansion