Unit 8 Absolute Monarchs

Absolutism Forceful single leader trying to control every aspect of society within their borders. Monarchs start to claim authority to rule without limits. Divine Right Only answer to God. No responsibility to subjects

Spain

Charles V Hapsburg Empire – German Family Charles, a devout Catholic tried to force respect of papal authority. Charles V gives up the throne Too big for one to rule divided between brother and son Ferdinand I (brother) Philip II (son)

Philip II Ruled from 1556-1598 Defends Catholicism Spain became the most powerful nation in Europe. Built new royal residence Escorial Palace Defends Catholicism Religious wars all over Europe Thought defending his religion part of his duty.

Philip II Wars Borrowed money from German and Italian bankers to finance New shiploads of silver sent abroad to pay debts Philip II declares Spain bankrupt three times during is reign What do you think happened to their status as “most powerful European nation”?

End of Spain

France

Wars of Religion - In France On and off from 1562 – 1598 Huguenots - French Protestants Fight 8 religious wars with the Catholics

Henry of Navarre -> Henry IV Becomes Henry IV as he inherits the throne. Issues Edict of Nantes – 1598 Gave Huguenots freedom of worship and right to build churches in certain areas, and enforced religious toleration.

Cardinal Richelieu Cardinal Richelieu – Chief Minister Minister to Louis XIII who took more power away from the nobles and Huguenots. Wanted to take their power and give it to the king. Strengthened trade and industry.

Cardinal Richelieu Huguenots – believed to be dangerous He wanted to prevent them from challenging power. Huguenots lived in fortified cities that were like states within a state. Why do you think people saw the Huguenots as a threat? A threat to what? Believed they threatened the unity and stability of France Richelieu gave intendants (monarchy’s representatives) authority in their own territory in France.

Thirty Years’ War 1618 Conflict over religion, territory and power Started as a Protestant revolt in Prague against HRE France stayed out of it for the most part, while the rest of European countries became weak from fighting.

Peace of Westphalia 1648 – Peace treaty ends war. Had important consequences Weakened Spain and Austria Strengthened France – gained some German land - Alsace Ended religious wars in Europe Recognized Europe as independent states All equal – Balance of Power

Louis XIV 1643 - Louis XIII dies Louis XIV (son) - 5 years old – becomes King Mother, Anne of Austria and Cardinal Mazarin rule for him until he’s able 1661 - Mazarin dies - Louis is 23 - rules on his own Ruled for 72 years Frances’s most powerful ruler ever Dominates Europe

Louis XIV - "The Sun King" Symbol was the sun As the earth depends upon the sun for its existence, so did his subjects depend on him. Divine right to rule, absolute power, representative from God.

Louis XIV and the Nobility Had hundreds of nobility living at Versailles Helped him dress Hoping for his approval Took them away from homes Decreased their local power, increased Intendants power.

Versailles Royal Palace More like a royal city Rich decorations Showed wealth and power. Elaborate ceremonies Center of culture Opera became more popular than ballet Purpose to glorify the king and his values

Versailles Guess the square footage of Versailles?? 721,206 Square Feet

Colbert Economics Jean Baptiste Colbert - Minister of Finance Believed in Mercantilism Manufacture what you need, no imports. Make country self-sufficient Keep wealth within country. Result: Economy prospered, even lower classes

After Colbert’s Death 1685 – Louis XIV Canceled Edict of Nantes Ended religious toleration for Huguenots Huguenots, to escape persecution, fled to England, Americas and the Dutch Netherlands.

War of the Spanish Succession France had been weakened by poor harvests and constant warfare and increased taxes. People wanted peace, got another war European powers concerned about possible unification of France and Spain. France and Spain vs. Europe

Louis’s Death and Legacy Louis realized his wars had ruined France Debt and abuses of power Set up some colonies in U.S., Asia & India Died in 1715 Royal authority starts to decline.

End France

Review 1 22 Points Who was known as the Sun King? What was the name of the palace built for the king in France? Name 2 things that resulted from Jean-Baptiste Colbert’s system of mercantilism. Why did the French government see the Huguenots as a threat? Who were the 2 sides of the War of the Spanish Succession between? Who issued the Edict of Nantes? Who cancelled it? What was the group called who were the representatives in the provinces of France? Approximately how many square feet is Versailles? You need to be within 5,000 square feet to be correct.