Introduction to Absolute Monarchs Essential Question: What aspects must be present for a ruler to be labeled an absolute monarch, and what events led to the creation of constitutional monarchies?

Quick Introduction… What is an ABSOLUTE MONARCH? A king or queen has total power, seeks to control all aspects of society What gives the king his power? Divine Right – belief that God gave him the “right” to rule

Absolutism Dominates Europe Causes of Absolutism: Decline of feudalism Rise of cities Merchants support of monarchs Crises Religious and territorial conflicts Monarchs tried to regulate by gaining more power

ABSOLUTISM IN FRANCE

Louis XIV - The Most Powerful Ruler of France “I am the state” Expanded the economy Over-turned the Edict of Nantes Persecuted the Protestants Pampered himself Lived in TOTAL luxury, had 500 servants, cooks, etc. who looked after his every desire.

Positives that Louis Brought Strengthened France in Art & Literature Strengthened French Military and influence in Europe Strengthened the French Colonies in the New World Negatives that Louis Brought Constant Warfare Lots of debts High Taxes for the people Set the stage for the French Revolution Louis died in his bed in 1715. The French people celebrated when they heard the news.

The Palace at Versailles People who wanted to speak to the king could not knock on his door. Instead, using the left pinkie finger, they had to gently scratch on the door, until they were granted permission to enter. As a result, many courtiers grew that fingernail longer than the others

ABSOLUTISM IN ENGLAND While other nations turned to absolutism in the 1500s and 1600s, England’s Parliament resisted the throne.

Monarchs Defy Parliament A MONARCHY is a form of ABSOLUTISM The Monarchs (Kings and Queens) felt that they were above the law (Parliament) Parliament = English version of US Congress

Monarchs vs. Parliament Queen Elizabeth – she had problems with the parliament regarding money James I – he had problems with the parliament regarding religion Charles I – fired the Parliament!

Charles I vs. Parliament Charles fired Parliament Then he needed money so here-hired them. Parliament says sign Petition of Right and you can have money No false imprisonment No taxes w/o Parliament’s consent No housing of soldiers in homes No martial (absolute) law in peace time Charles signed it – then IGNORED it. Parliament withheld money – He fired them again…

Also called “Royalists” English Civil War Why? – because the people were mad at Charles for firing the Parliament Puritans Supported Parliament Called Roundheads Leader was Oliver Cromwell Loyalists Supported Charles Called “Cavilers” Also called “Royalists” VS

English Civil War Results Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads defeated Charles Put him on trial, sentenced him to death and beheaded him

Changes in Power Forms a strict military state Oliver Cromwell: Forms a strict military state After Cromwell dies, people wanted a king – Charles II (Charles I son) took over Restoration of England

Glorious Revolution Charles II died with NO heir His brother James II took over (Catholic) English Bill of Rights instated William and Mary come to power (Protestant) and develop a Constitutional Monarchy (limited monarchy)

Summary Through the 1500s and 1600s absolutism became dominant through much of Europe Absolutist monarchs claimed they ruled by divine right England stood as a contrast to the trend of absolutism After English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution the English Bill of Rights was passed establishing England as a limited monarchy