Bell Ringer: Please read and complete the primary source worksheet that is on your desk.

Geography of Europe On the map on your desk, identify the numbered countries and bodies of water. 1.)__________ 2.) __________ 3.) __________ 4.) __________ 5.) __________ 6.) __________ 7.) __________

Absolute Monarchies Centralization of power – a government’s power is in the hands of one person or group instead of shared by the people Absolute monarchy – a government in which one person (king or queen) has total or near total control of the financial resources and the laws of a country Divine right of kings – the supposed right given to a king, queen, or royal family by God to rule

Absolute Monarchy in France Louis XIV (14th) (1643-1715) “Sun King” When he became king at age 22, declared he was subject to no one and that his power came directly from God. Motto: “I am the state” Controlled every aspect of French government – military, laws, economy, trade, etc. Desired to make himself and France as wealthy as possible Jean-Baptist Colbert – financial advisor to Louis XIV; brought in large amounts of money for the king and France by helping to maximize taxes and tariffs (taxes paid on imported goods)

Absolute Monarchy in France (cont’d) Louis XIV (14th) Versailles - a 2,000 room palace built by Louis XIV as a symbol of the monarchies power and wealth Used wealth to maintain army of 300,000 men Spending habits would eventually bankrupt France

Absolute Monarchy in Prussia (Germany) Frederick (II) the Great (1740-1786) Intellectual, but was forced into military life by his father Military genius – waged wars against neighboring countries in order to expand Prussia’s land and was very successful; earned him the title “the Great” Head of the best equipped and best trained army in Europe Softened harsh laws imposed by his father Promoted religious tolerance for both Catholics and Protestants Opened schools for commoners and to train government officials

Absolute Monarchy in Russia Peter (I) the Great (1682-1725) Czar (Tsar) of Russia – Czar literally translates to “Caesar” in Russian Helped Russia become a major European power Most remembered for his westernization of Russia Westernization – Russia’s modernization to catch up and adopt European technology and culture Forcefully tried to make Russia more like Western European countries by changing: Laws Government Military Social habits

Absolute Monarchy in Russia (cont’d) Peter (I) the Great (1682-1725) Modernized the Russian army with up- to-date weapons, strategies, and training practices Created the Russian navy Moved capitol closer to St. Petersburg, closer to Europe More accessible to European trade and ideas

Absolute Monarchy in Russia (cont’d) Catherine the Great (1762-1796) Continued expansion of Russia Gained access to the Black Sea and parts of Poland Tried to share power with a legislative commission at one point in time during her reign Eventually shut it down and ruled with absolute power

Exit Activity: We studied a total of four European monarchs today. In complete sentences (unless otherwise specified), answer the following questions on a sheet of notebook paper: Who were the absolute monarchs of Europe that we studied today? Please list them. What effects did each of these absolute monarchs have on their countries? If you could pick one monarch to live under, which one would you choose. Please explain why you would choose them.