Absolute Monarchs Absolute Monarchs in Europe in Europe Ch 21 Ch 21 1500-1800 1500-1800
Jan 12, 2016
Absolute Monarchs Absolute Monarchs in Europein Europe
Ch 21Ch 21
1500-18001500-1800
Absolutism in EuropeAbsolutism in Europe-Feudalism declines, cities + national -Feudalism declines, cities + national
kingdoms leads to absolutismkingdoms leads to absolutism
AbsolutismAbsolutism Political belief that one ruler should Political belief that one ruler should hold all of the power w/in a countryhold all of the power w/in a country
Been practiced throughout the Been practiced throughout the worldworld
Absolute monarchAbsolute monarch – king or – king or queen (emperor, czar) w/ all of queen (emperor, czar) w/ all of the power in their countrythe power in their country
Believed they had Believed they had divine divine rightright (God willed them to (God willed them to lead + they were lead + they were answerable only to God not answerable only to God not the people) to rulethe people) to rule
CausesCauses
EffectsEffects
1.1. Religious + territorial conflicts create fear + Religious + territorial conflicts create fear + uncertaintyuncertainty
- People want stability- People want stability
2. Growth of armies to deal w/ conflicts 2. Growth of armies to deal w/ conflicts taxes to pay troops taxes to pay troops
3.3. Heavy taxes lead to unrest + peasant Heavy taxes lead to unrest + peasant revoltsrevolts
1.1. Rulers regulated religious worship + social Rulers regulated religious worship + social gatherings (control spread of ideas)gatherings (control spread of ideas)
2.2. Rulers size of their courts to appear more Rulers size of their courts to appear more powerfulpowerful
- (courts = people who follow them around)- (courts = people who follow them around)
3. Rulers create bureaucracies to control their 3. Rulers create bureaucracies to control their countries’ economiescountries’ economies
SpainSpain Phillip IIPhillip II Inherited Spain, the Spanish Netherlands, + Inherited Spain, the Spanish Netherlands, +
the American colonies from his fatherthe American colonies from his father AggressiveAggressive
Seized Portugal when Portuguese king Seized Portugal when Portuguese king died w/o an heir (Phillip was his nephew)died w/o an heir (Phillip was his nephew)
Defended Catholicism against Muslims + Defended Catholicism against Muslims + ProtestantsProtestants
Spanish ArmadaSpanish Armada launched against launched against Protestant England to punish Queen Protestant England to punish Queen Elizabeth’s support of Spanish Elizabeth’s support of Spanish Protestants against PhillipProtestants against Phillip Protestant wind (storm that destroyed Protestant wind (storm that destroyed
most of the Armada)most of the Armada) Arts flourish due in part to wealth brought in Arts flourish due in part to wealth brought in
from the coloniesfrom the colonies
Spanish empire weakensSpanish empire weakens Inflation + Inflation +
TaxesTaxes
Due to the excessive wealth brought in from Due to the excessive wealth brought in from the colonies, the value of $ declinedthe colonies, the value of $ declined
Prices of goods soaredPrices of goods soared Nobles not taxed, burden falls on the lower Nobles not taxed, burden falls on the lower
classesclasses Prevented them from accumulating Prevented them from accumulating
enough wealth to start their own enough wealth to start their own businesses – no middle class businesses – no middle class developsdevelops
Spanish manufactured goods made using Spanish manufactured goods made using old-fashioned + expensive methods.old-fashioned + expensive methods.
Spanish buy foreign goodsSpanish buy foreign goods Spanish must repay foreign debts for $ Spanish must repay foreign debts for $
borrowed to fight warsborrowed to fight wars
The Dutch The Dutch RevoltRevolt
Philip has to maintain an army to Philip has to maintain an army to keep his subjects under controlkeep his subjects under control
Dutch had little in common w/ their Dutch had little in common w/ their Spanish rulersSpanish rulers
Spanish Catholic – Many Spanish Catholic – Many Dutch were ProtestantDutch were Protestant
Spanish economy sluggish – Spanish economy sluggish – Dutch middle class prosperedDutch middle class prospered
Spain raises the taxes in the Spain raises the taxes in the Netherlands to tries to crush Netherlands to tries to crush ProtestantismProtestantism
Dutch revolt + fight w/ Spain for 11 Dutch revolt + fight w/ Spain for 11 yrs before declaring themselves an yrs before declaring themselves an independent country in 1579independent country in 1579
The The Independent Independent NetherlandsNetherlands
(the Dutch)(the Dutch)
Different from the rest of EuropeDifferent from the rest of Europe Religious tolerationReligious toleration Republic (not a kingdom)Republic (not a kingdom)
Each province had an Each province had an elected governorelected governor
Able to focus on economic Able to focus on economic developmentdevelopment
Prospers through tradeProspers through trade Become the bankers of EuropeBecome the bankers of Europe Had the largest fleet of ships in Had the largest fleet of ships in
the worldthe world
(close to 5,000 in 1636)(close to 5,000 in 1636)
End Section 1End Section 1
FranceFranceSeries of 8 religious wars between Catholics + Series of 8 religious wars between Catholics + HuguenotsHuguenots (French Protestants) from 1562-98 (French Protestants) from 1562-98
Henry IVHenry IV
(the 4(the 4thth))
Converts from Protestantism to Converts from Protestantism to Catholicism (“Paris is well worth a Catholicism (“Paris is well worth a mass.”)mass.”)
Political movePolitical move Issues Issues Edict of NantesEdict of Nantes
Religious tolerance Religious tolerance Declared Huguenots could live in Declared Huguenots could live in
peace + set up their own houses peace + set up their own houses of worship in some citiesof worship in some cities
Enacts good financial policiesEnacts good financial policies AssassinatedAssassinated
Louis XIIILouis XIII
(the 13(the 13thth))
AppointsAppoints
Cardinal Cardinal
RichelieuRichelieu
Louis XIII is weakLouis XIII is weak Cardinal Richelieu tries Cardinal Richelieu tries
to lead according to to lead according to
moral principles, but moral principles, but
was ambitious + enjoyed was ambitious + enjoyed
authorityauthority Richelieu power of monarchy by:Richelieu power of monarchy by:
1. Moved against Huguenots1. Moved against Huguenots
-Protestants couldn’t -Protestants couldn’t have have cities w/ wallscities w/ walls
2. Weakens power of nobles2. Weakens power of nobles
Louis XIVLouis XIV (the 14(the 14thth))
Most powerful ruler in French historyMost powerful ruler in French history During his reign, France was the most powerful During his reign, France was the most powerful
country in Europecountry in Europe Became king at 4 yrs old (1643)Became king at 4 yrs old (1643) ““I am the state”I am the state” Further power of nobles by excluding them from Further power of nobles by excluding them from
his councilshis councils Powers of gov.’t agents who collected taxes + Powers of gov.’t agents who collected taxes +
administer justiceadminister justice (they had to report to him regularly)(they had to report to him regularly)
Followed beliefs of MercantilismFollowed beliefs of Mercantilism Cancels Edict of NantesCancels Edict of Nantes
Many Huguenots flee countryMany Huguenots flee country Surrounds himself w/ luxurySurrounds himself w/ luxury Made nobles wait on him hand + foot (literally)Made nobles wait on him hand + foot (literally) Patron – arts should glorify the king + his valuesPatron – arts should glorify the king + his values Fights in various (expensive) warsFights in various (expensive) wars Dies leaving country powerful but in debt, peasants Dies leaving country powerful but in debt, peasants
bitter due to high taxes + abuse of power – will lead bitter due to high taxes + abuse of power – will lead to revolutionto revolution
War of War of Spanish Spanish SuccessionSuccession
1700, childless king of Spain leaves 1700, childless king of Spain leaves his throne to Louis XIV’s grandson, his throne to Louis XIV’s grandson, Philip of AnjouPhilip of Anjou
Both countries now ruled by Both countries now ruled by French BourbonsFrench Bourbons
Other countries felt threatened by Other countries felt threatened by Bourbon dynasty’s power. Join Bourbon dynasty’s power. Join together to prevent the union of the together to prevent the union of the French + Spanish thrones.French + Spanish thrones.
War drags on until 1714War drags on until 1714 Under Treaty of Utrecht, Louis’s Under Treaty of Utrecht, Louis’s
grandson was allowed to remain grandson was allowed to remain king of Spain as long as the king of Spain as long as the thrones of France + Spain weren’t thrones of France + Spain weren’t unitedunited
End Section 2End Section 2
Central EuropeCentral Europe German German
StatesStates Rule by princes (some Protestant, Rule by princes (some Protestant,
some Catholic)some Catholic) Protestants + Catholics form their Protestants + Catholics form their
own groups w/ neither group own groups w/ neither group trusting the othertrusting the other
In 1618, the future Holy Roman In 1618, the future Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II (head of the Emperor, Ferdinand II (head of the Hapsburg family) closed some Hapsburg family) closed some Protestant churchesProtestant churches
Protestant princes rebelProtestant princes rebel
30 Years’ 30 Years’ WarWar
(1618-1648)(1618-1648)
Conflict over religion, territory, + powerConflict over religion, territory, + power The Catholic French king supports The Catholic French king supports ProtestantsProtestants
- doesn’t want Hapsburgs to become as - doesn’t want Hapsburgs to become as powerful as the French king powerful as the French king
At the end, German states pop. At the end, German states pop.
(20 – 16 mil) + economy in ruins(20 – 16 mil) + economy in ruins Peace of WestphaliaPeace of Westphalia
Weakened Spain + Austria Weakened Spain + Austria Strengthened FranceStrengthened France Made German princes independent of Holy Made German princes independent of Holy
Roman EmpireRoman Empire Ended European religious warsEnded European religious wars Allowed all parties to negotiate peace termsAllowed all parties to negotiate peace terms *** Ended idea of Catholic empire, *** Ended idea of Catholic empire,
recognized Europe as a group of equal recognized Europe as a group of equal independent statesindependent states
Central Central European European PowersPowers
Poland, Holy Roman Empire, + Ottoman Poland, Holy Roman Empire, + Ottoman Empire – None are very powerfulEmpire – None are very powerful
Maintains feudalism (no middle class)Maintains feudalism (no middle class) No strong kingsNo strong kings
Austria grows strongerAustria grows stronger Hapsburgs centralize gov.’t, create Hapsburgs centralize gov.’t, create
standing army, + regain lost land from standing army, + regain lost land from OttomansOttomans
Diverse empireDiverse empire Led by Maria TheresaLed by Maria Theresa
Prussia grows strongerPrussia grows stronger Created absolute monarchy + develop a Created absolute monarchy + develop a
highly militarized societyhighly militarized society Led by Frederick the GreatLed by Frederick the Great
Believed in religious Believed in religious tolerance + legal tolerance + legal
reformreform
War of War of Austrian Austrian SuccessionSuccession
7 Years’ War7 Years’ War
(French + (French + Indian War)Indian War)
Frederick believed Maria Theresa Frederick believed Maria Theresa wasn’t forceful enough to stop him wasn’t forceful enough to stop him from taking some of Austria’s land from taking some of Austria’s land (Silesia)(Silesia)
Austria w/ Great BritainAustria w/ Great Britain Prussia w/ FrancePrussia w/ France Austria loses SilesiaAustria loses Silesia
Austria w/ FranceAustria w/ France Prussia w/ Great BritainPrussia w/ Great Britain Doesn’t change territory in Europe, Doesn’t change territory in Europe,
but radically changes territories of but radically changes territories of North AmericaNorth America
End Section 3End Section 3
RussiaRussia Czar Ivan IV Czar Ivan IV
(the 4(the 4thth)) “ “Ivan the Ivan the
Terrible”Terrible”
Became ruler when 3 yrs oldBecame ruler when 3 yrs old BoyarsBoyars (Russian landowning nobility) fought (Russian landowning nobility) fought
for power to control Ivanfor power to control Ivan When he was 16, had himself crowned the 1When he was 16, had himself crowned the 1stst
Czar of RussiaCzar of Russia 1547-1560 “good period”1547-1560 “good period”
Added land to RussiaAdded land to Russia Gave Russia a code of lawsGave Russia a code of laws
1560-1581 “bad period”1560-1581 “bad period” Turns against boyarsTurns against boyars Organized secret police force, whose job Organized secret police force, whose job
was to hunt down “traitors”. Traitors were was to hunt down “traitors”. Traitors were executed + lands given to a new class of executed + lands given to a new class of nobles loyal to Ivannobles loyal to Ivan
Thousands diedThousands died Killed his oldest son. The son who Killed his oldest son. The son who
inherited the throne was weak.inherited the throne was weak.
Russia Russia Before Before Peter the Peter the GreatGreat
Cut off from Europe Cut off from Europe 1. Geographically1. Geographically
Only seaport closed in winter Only seaport closed in winter 2. Politically2. Politically
Used to be ruled by the Used to be ruled by the MongolsMongols
3. Religiously 3. Religiously Russians are Orthodox Russians are Orthodox
ChristiansChristians Still have serfs – peasants tied to Still have serfs – peasants tied to
the landthe land
Peter the Peter the GreatGreat
One of Russia’s greatest reformersOne of Russia’s greatest reformers the czar’s powersthe czar’s powers Visited Europe in disguise to learn about European Visited Europe in disguise to learn about European
customs + manufacturing techniquescustoms + manufacturing techniques Wanted to “westernize” Russia - knew boyars Wanted to “westernize” Russia - knew boyars
wouldn’t go along w/ itwouldn’t go along w/ it To force boyars to modernize, he czar’s powersTo force boyars to modernize, he czar’s powers
Put Russian Orthodox Church under his Put Russian Orthodox Church under his controlcontrol
power of boyars, promoted lower class power of boyars, promoted lower class members to nobilitymembers to nobility
Modernized armyModernized army Hired European officers to train soldiers, Hired European officers to train soldiers,
soldiers stayed in the military for life soldiers stayed in the military for life (required heavy taxes)(required heavy taxes)
Introduced potatoesIntroduced potatoes Started Russia’s 1Started Russia’s 1stst newspaper (he edited 1 newspaper (he edited 1stst issue) issue) Raised women’s statusRaised women’s status Had nobles dress like EuropeansHad nobles dress like Europeans Advanced education Advanced education
Students could now study abroadStudents could now study abroad
End Section 4End Section 4
England (Britain)England (Britain) Charles ICharles I Parliament has financial control + won’t give Parliament has financial control + won’t give
him $ until he signs the him $ until he signs the Petition of RightPetition of Right 4 points:4 points:
1. He wouldn’t imprison subjects w/o due 1. He wouldn’t imprison subjects w/o due causecause
2. He wouldn’t levy taxes w/o 2. He wouldn’t levy taxes w/o parliament’s consentparliament’s consent
3. He wouldn’t house soldiers in private 3. He wouldn’t house soldiers in private homeshomes
4. He wouldn’t impose martial law in 4. He wouldn’t impose martial law in peacetimepeacetime Charles signs it, then ignores itCharles signs it, then ignores it It’s important b/c it presents idea It’s important b/c it presents idea
that the law is higher than the kingthat the law is higher than the king Contradicts the ideas of absolute Contradicts the ideas of absolute
monarchymonarchy
To get $, Charles I imposed many fees To get $, Charles I imposed many fees + fines on English citizens+ fines on English citizens
His popularity His popularity Angers Puritans b/c he won’t reform Angers Puritans b/c he won’t reform
Anglican ChurchAnglican Church Tries to force Scottish Presbyterians to Tries to force Scottish Presbyterians to
accept Anglican Bibleaccept Anglican Bible 1641 Parliament passes laws to limit 1641 Parliament passes laws to limit
royal powerroyal power Charles tries to arrest parliament’s Charles tries to arrest parliament’s
leaders, but they escapedleaders, but they escaped Mob forms in London against himMob forms in London against him Charles I flees + raises army in the Charles I flees + raises army in the
NorthNorth
English Civil English Civil WarWar
1642-491642-49 Those loyal to Charles I called Those loyal to Charles I called
Royalists or CavaliersRoyalists or Cavaliers Puritan oppositionPuritan opposition Led by Oliver CromwellLed by Oliver Cromwell Captured king, tried him for treason Captured king, tried him for treason
+ publically executed him+ publically executed him 11stst time in history time in history
OliverOliver CromwellCromwell
Abolished monarchy + House of Abolished monarchy + House of LordsLords
Establish a Commonwealth Establish a Commonwealth (Republican gov.’t)(Republican gov.’t)
Have a written constitutionHave a written constitution Cromwell later tears up constitution Cromwell later tears up constitution
+ became a military dictator+ became a military dictator Crushes Irish rebellionCrushes Irish rebellion
Seizes Irish lands + gives them Seizes Irish lands + gives them to English soldiersto English soldiers
Thousands of Irish dieThousands of Irish die Promotes Puritan moralityPromotes Puritan morality
No theater, dancing, sports No theater, dancing, sports eventsevents
When he dies, his gov.’t collapsesWhen he dies, his gov.’t collapses
Charles IICharles II 1659 Parliament votes to ask Charles I’s 1659 Parliament votes to ask Charles I’s son to be kingson to be king
Parliament passed Parliament passed Habeas Corpus Habeas Corpus Right to be brought before a judge Right to be brought before a judge
+ hear charges+ hear charges Can’t be held in jail indefinitelyCan’t be held in jail indefinitely Monarch can’t put someone in jail Monarch can’t put someone in jail
just for opposing themjust for opposing them
The Glorious The Glorious RevolutionRevolution
Charles II’s Catholic brother Charles II’s Catholic brother James II inherits the throneJames II inherits the throne
Upsets ProtestantsUpsets Protestants Parliament invites James’s Parliament invites James’s
Protestant daughter Mary + her Protestant daughter Mary + her husband William to come jointly husband William to come jointly rule Englandrule England
They come + James II fleesThey come + James II flees
William William & Mary& Mary
Recognize parliament as their partner Recognize parliament as their partner in governingin governing
Creates a Creates a constitutional monarchyconstitutional monarchy Limits monarch’s powersLimits monarch’s powers
Sign English Sign English Bill of RightsBill of Rights which says which says a king/queen CANNOT:a king/queen CANNOT:
1. Suspend parliament’s laws1. Suspend parliament’s laws
2. Levy taxes w/o permission from 2. Levy taxes w/o permission from parliament parliament
3. Interfere w/ freedom of speech in 3. Interfere w/ freedom of speech in parliament parliament
4. Penalize citizens who petition 4. Penalize citizens who petition king/queen w/ complaints king/queen w/ complaints
End End Section 5Section 5