Rise of Absolutism. Crises of the 16 th & 17th Centuries During the time of exploration and colonization, there was conflict in mainland Europe: Spain.

Rise of Absolutism

Crises of the 16th & 17th Centuries

• During the time of exploration and colonization, there was conflict in mainland Europe:

• Spain– Spanish king, Philip II, wanted to

stamp out Protestantism.– (1588) Sent the Spanish Armada to

invade England.• Sunk by the English

• England– (1642 – 1652) English Civil Wars

• Struggle between king and Parliament to determine power in government.

– (1688) Glorious Revolution• Overthrow of Catholic king and

placement of Protestants on throne.• Holy Roman Empire

– (1618–1648) Thirty Years’ War• War Between Catholics, the Holy

Roman Emperor, and Calvinists that divides the Holy Roman Empire into many independent states.

• France– (1562–98) French Wars of Religion

• Huguenots vs. Catholics– Edict of Nantes (1598)

• Catholicism is official religion of France (Henry IV converts).

Solution: Absolutism!• Increase the power of

the monarchy.– Absolutism

• A ruler holds total power.• Tied to the idea of the

divine right of kings.• Can make laws, impose

taxes, administer justice, control officials, and negotiate with foreign countries.

• Example: France’s Louis XIV (Sun King)

• How does this connect to Thomas Hobbes?– Enlightened

Absolutism?

Reaction to Absolutism: America!

• American War of Independence– American colonies were

part of Great Britain.• Want colonies to pay for war

costs and their own defense.

– Colonists oppose the new taxes, so they organize their own government.

• Violence erupts– Colonies get assistance from

the Dutch, Spanish, and France

» Why?

– The British withdraw after deciding the war is not worth continuing.

• Colonists wrote a plan for a new government in The Constitution, which included a Bill of Rights– Many European intellectuals saw the ideals of the

Enlightenment in the Declaration of Independence and new Constitution.

– It seemed as if the ideas of the Enlightenment had been confirmed and a better world could be achieved.

• Will inspire other revolutions (France?)

Reaction to Absolutism: America!