The Age of Absolutism…

The Age of Absolutism…

France In the Age of Absolutism

Henry IV (r. 1589-1610)– Bourbon King of France, – Huguenot converted to

CatholicismEdict of Nantes - France’s Tax System (3

Estates) - Parisian Exception - Duke of Sully -

Louis XIII (r 1610-1643)

Cardinal Richelieu – ruled as his chief minister Goal – Huguenot Policies – Indendents - Shift in Power -

The 30 Years War• Protestant Uprising in

the Holy Roman Empire

• Richelieu’s view on the war

• Effects – – Treaty of Westphalia

1648

• Fronde Rebellion – suspicious of France’s nobility

• The building of Versailles • Ruled by the Divine Right

of Kings

Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715)

Domestic & Economic Policies

• No decisions w/out Louis’s approval

• Jean Baptiste Colbert – financial minister– Colbert’s policies

• Wars -

Louis XIV’s Wars

• Strongest, most powerful military in Europe

• Extend France’s natural borders

• Balance of power

Russia Today

Former Soviet Region Compared in Latitude &

Area with the United States

Topography of Russia

Rich Soil of the Steppes

Chernozen Soil

Siberia “Permafrost”

Average temperatures of January vary from 0 to -50°C, and in July from 1 to 25°C

150,000,000 population. A former “gulag” Soviet prison camp.

Themes in Russian History

Expansion by conquest.Need for warm-water ports.

The necessity of a strong, central government.

Michael Romanov (r. 1613-1645)

Romanov Family Crest

Romanov Dynasty(1613-1917)

The Pendulum of Russian History

Pro-WestFor Progress & ChangeEncourage New Ideas,

Technologies, etc.

Anti-WestIsolationist

Xenophobic Ultra-Conservative

Most Tsars Russian Orthodox

Church Supported by the

Military, Boyars (nobility) & peasants

A few Tsars Intellectual elites Merchants/

businessmen Young members

of the middle class.

REFORM-MINDEDLEADERS DEMAGOGUES

Peter the Great (r. 1682-1725)

Main Goal was to Westernize Russia

Foreign Policy

Goal: To end Russia land locked situation

Acquire the Sea of Azov Land was controlled by the

Ottoman Turks Needed help from Europe &

a stronger Russia Traveled through Europe

(secretly) Attempted to negotiate an

alliance – failed Learned much about the

western culture

Russia & Sweden After the Great Northern War

Improved Army training & weaponry using western techniques and strategies War with

Sweden 1721 gained

land on the Gulf of Finland

Westernization Moved capital to

Moscow Social Development

Women Beards

Encouraged manufacturing and foreign trade

Modernized the army & reformed the government.

The Nobility Under Peter the Great

Nobility & Orthodox Church came under Peter’s control.Highly centralized government

“Service Nobility” – Absolute power & the

Church

Catherine the Great ( 1762-1796)

Came to power after the murder of Peter III

Catherine the Great ( 1762-1796)

As an Enlightened Ruler: Supported the arts, sciences,

literature & theater Encouraged foreign investment

in underdeveloped areas Est. the Free Economic Society Wanted to end serfdom but

instead expanded it (1773) Relaxed censorship &

encouraged education for the nobility & middle class

Catherine the Great ( 1762-1796)

On Foreign Policy & Expansion: Expanded Russian land by

200,000 sq miles Led 2 successful wars against

the Ottoman Empire, annexing Crimea

3 Polish Land grabs 1767 – New Constitution