Chapter 5: Absolute Monarchs in Europe, 1500-1800

Chapter 5: Absolute Monarchs in Europe, 1500-1800

Philip II of Spain

Shy, serious, and—like his father—deeply religious. Believed it was his duty to defend Catholicism

against the Muslims of the Ottoman Empire and the Protestants of Europe.

Hard working, yet agonized over decisions—halting government action.

Aggressive for the sake of his empire Incredible wealth provided by his empire.

Large standing army of 50,000 soldiers.

Philip II of Spain (cont.)

Palace Gray granite palace

—The Escorial Massive walls and

huge gates to demonstrate his power.

Monastery inside.

Louis XIV of France

Most powerful ruler in French history. Began his reign as a five-year-old boy Took control of government at age 23

Hated cities and loved to travel through France’s countryside.

Wanted to know EVERY detail of his government.

Very hard working

Louis XIV of France (cont.)

Spent a fortune to surround himself with luxury.

Required nobles to live with him

Palace—Versaille Immense—stretched

for a distance of about 500 yards

Like a small royal city

Louis XIV of France (cont.) Under Louis, France was the most powerful

country in Europe. However, plagues France with many years of wars

while he tries to expand the empire.▪ French people long for peace.▪ Poor harvest=struggling, starving, suffering for French

people Last years=more sad than glorious.

Regretted the suffering he had brought on his people.

News of his death prompted rejoicing throughout France.

Maria Theresa of Austria

Main enemy= Prussia She faced many years of war.

Devoted herself to her family Married for love 16 children—10 of which reached adulthood

Decreased power of the nobility Cared more for the peasants' well-being

than most rulers.▪ Limited amount of labor that nobles could force

peasants to do.

Maria Theresa of Austria (cont.)

Schönbrunn Palace Built to outshine the

palace of Versaille, however costly wars made them have to settle for a more modest design.

She designed it to be comfortable for her family and friends to stay with her.

Frederick the Great of Prussia Loved music, philosophy, and poetry

Not military enough to rule. Tried to run away from the palace as a

young boy. Father ordered him to witness the beheading of

his friend whom he had tried to runaway with. Ended up following his fathers rigid

military policies, yet softened some of his father’s laws because he believed a ruler should be a father to his people.

Frederick the Great of Prussia (cont.)

Married a woman he never cared for and neglected Died without a son to

succeed him Encouraged religious

toleration and legal reform.

Lived in the Sanssouci palace Also tried to compete

with Versaille

Ivan the Terrible of Russia 1533—came to throne at the age of three.

Boyars (landowning nobles) fought to control young Ivan.

Finally took power at the age of 16 and crowned himself czar. First to use this title meaning caesar.

Married the beautiful Anastasia, related to an old boyar family, the Romanovs.

1547-1560 = “good period” Won great victories, added lands to Russia, code

of laws, and ruled justly.

Ivan the Terrible of Russia (cont.)

“bad period” began in 1560 after Anastasia died. Accused the boyars of

poisoning his wife and turned against them.

Organized his own police force Hunt down and murder

“traitors” 1581—violent quarrel with

his oldest son Killed him

The Palace of Facets Used mainly for terror

Peter the Great of Russia 1696—became sole ruler of Russia at the age of

24. Had large goals to “Westernize” Russia, that is,

to make it more like European countries. Reduced power of landowners Hired European officers to train and build army Imposed heavy taxes Introduced potatoes to the Russian diet Started first newspaper Raised women’s status Ordered nobles to give up traditional clothes for

Western Fashions

Peter the Great of Russia (cont.)

Wanted a seaport to make it easier to travel east St. Petersburg in

Sweden Winter Palace

Based on ideas of European palaces.

Used by Russian rulers for many decades following.

Charles I of England 1625—took the throne. Always needed money because he was at war

with both Spain and France. Parliament said they would not grant him any

more money unless he signed the Petition of Right. Would not imprison subjects w/o due cause Would not levy taxes w/o consent. Would not house soldiers in private homes Would not impose martial law in peacetime.

After agreeing and getting the money, Charles ignored it.

Charles I of England (cont.)

Supporters and opponents of Charles I fight a civil war.

The Puritans win the civil war.

Charles I is executed. Whitehall Palace.

over 1,500 rooms layout was extremely

irregular different architectural

styles looked more like a small

town than a single building