Absolute Monarchs Rise of Absolute Kings Preview: How might having a king with total power be a good thing? Explain your answer

The Age of Absolutism A period from 1648 to 1763 when European monarchs began to create powerful nations that placed unlimited power in the hands of the king and his/her advisors

The Rise of Absolute Monarchs

What is an Absolute Monarch? European kings had very little power during the Middle Ages but slowly gained power during the Renaissance Eventually, the kings in Spain, France, Russia, Austria, & Prussia had complete control over the lords & commoners in their nation

Peter & Catherine the Great of Russia Frederick the Great of Prussia How did kings go from having no power in the Middle Ages to becoming absolute monarchs after the Renaissance? Louis XIV of France Maria Theresa of Austria Phillip II of Spain

Middle Ages (500-1300) During the Middle Ages, 500-1300 Feudalism was very important: Feudalism divided society into clear classes (You’re either a poor peasant, a noble, or a monarch & there was little chance to move up) Feudalism provided order & protection for the common peasants

Middle Ages (500-1300) In the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church had unquestioned power Almost everyone was Catholic in Europe so the pope served almost like a king The church controlled peoples’ actions because church leaders controlled access into heaven & could excommunicate people

Renaissance (1300-1600) But the Crusades, Black Death, & 100 Years War weakened the power of feudal lords In the Renaissance, kings gained power & began to form strong nations as trade increased, people moved to cities, a new middle was class formed, & mercantilism gave wealthy kings lots of power Wealth = Power

Protestant Reformation (1517-1550) During the Reformation, critics like Martin Luther, John Calvin, & Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church This weakened the power of the church & the Pope

Age of Absolutism (1648-1763) When feudal lords & the pope lost power, someone had to step up & lead the people People looked to their new wealthy kings to create a sense of order & act as figures of authority As a result of this need, monarchs were able gain almost absolute (unlimited) power

Age of Absolutism (1648-1763) Monarchs justified their right to have absolute power by using the idea of divine right—kings get their powers from God, not the people or a parliament

Age of Absolutism (1648-1763) European kings were afraid one nation would become too strong & conquer the others; So they tried to keep a balance of power As a result, lots of wars were fought during this time period Spain France