Absolute Monarchs in Europe Chapter 5

Essential Questions * What does “absolute” mean? For sure, without a doubt, certainly, completely * What is a “monarch”? A king or queen * How does someone become a monarch? Birth or marriage

Essential Questions * What could be some benefits of living in a place ruled by a monarch? * What could be some disadvantages of living in a place ruled by a monarch? * How could a monarch prove or show his power and importance to his people?

Definition of Absolute Monarch AKA “Control Freaks”!!! Kings or Queens who: 1) Believed all power within their state’s boundaries rested in their hands 2) Tried to control all aspects of society 3) Believed in “divine right”- the idea that God created the monarchy and that the monarch acted as God’s representative on Earth; a monarch answered to God (not his/her people)

Reasons for Absolutism War and Unrest –High taxes –Need for social order  monarchs increase their power –Large armies Centralized Authority –Feudalism declined –Rise of cities –Rise of nations

Reasons for Absolutism Wealth from colonies allows monarchs to pay for ambitions Church authority declines Middle class support monarchs (peace is good for business)

Examples Phillip II (Spain) Louis XIV (France) Maria Theresa (Austria) Frederick the Great (Prussia) Peter the Great (Russia)