1. Absolute Monarchy
Objective: Identify what factors allowed absolute monarchs to gain power in Europe.

2. Factors leading to Absolute Monarchs
Crusades killed many feudal lords
Rising middle class supported monarch to protect property and trade
Reformation gave powers formerly held by Catholic Church
Spirit of nationalism made monarch a symbol of unity

3. Divine Right King ruled by God’s authority
Obedience to king was obedience to God
King could do no wrong

4. Rise of the Nation-State
Began when a strong ruler expanded control to a larger area
Eventually, monarch rule free from external political or religious control
In England and France the monarch united people of a common nationality (similar language, customs, history)
People transferred loyalty from local lord to monarch & nation

5. Case Study: Absolute Monarchy France
Louis XIV (Bourbon Dynasty)
Most powerful monarch in French history
Dissenters and critics were punished
Interfered in economic and religious lives of his subjects
Demanded the Huguenots (French Protestants) convert to Catholicism or leave
Built magnificent Palace of Versailles

6. Palace of Versailles Cost of palace weakened French finances
Became ideal of European royalty
French became language of diplomacy throughout Europe

7. Jean Colbert Louis XIV’s most outstanding financial advisor
Promoted Mercantilism: economic system based on idea that a country’s wealth is measured by amt. of gold & silver it has
Caused gov’t interference in nation’s industry & trade

8. Conclusion
Louis XIV involved France in series of wars to expand French Frontier
In the end, his aggressive actions served to unite rest of Europe against France
France was left bankrupt & exhausted

9. England: A Case Study in Limited Monarchy
Monarchs not able to establish absolute rule
Middle Ages: strong checks placed on king’s authority
King John ( ) – heavy taxes & abuses of power
Nobles and church threatened civil war and forced him to sign the Magna Carta

10. Magna Carta “Great Charter” (Latin)
Trial by jury for all freemen (small number in 1215)
Right to a trial
King can not levy taxes without agreement of people
Power of the law is greater than the power of the king
Considered the cornerstone of English democracy and later became basis for English political liberties

11. The Tudor Dynasty: ‘Almost’ Absolute Monarchy
Henry VIII ( )- broke with church because Pope refused to grant him a divorce to Spanish wife: Catherine of Aragon
Induced parliament to pass “Act of Supremacy” which instituted independent Anglican Church of England with king as religious leader
Married Anne Boleyn, their daughter later became Queen Elizabeth I

12. Elizabeth I Queen of England (1558-1603)
Encouraged trade, art, & literature
Transformed England into leading world power
Preserved Protestantism in England

13. Key Difference in England
Legislative Assembly : Parliament made up of House of Lords and House of Commons
Tudors in England allowed the English parliament to retain its powers to make laws and levy taxes
Henry VIII & daughter Elizabeth I were almost absolute rulers because they controlled parliament with persuasion, flattery, bribery, or bullying

14. Absolute Monarchy: A Summary
Strengths
Weaknesses
Weakened forces that tended to disunite a country
Provided strong central government
Furthered the growth of national states
One nation’s welfare was dependent on one person
Often sacrificed national interest for king’s personal interest
Countless wars
Disregarded needs of common people