WHII: SOL 6b

Age of Absolutism

Characteristics of absolute monarchies

• Centralization of power• Concept of rule by divine right

Absolute Monarchs• Louis XIV of France: Palace of Versailles as a

symbol of royal power• Known as the “Sun King” to emphasize divine

rule• Obstacles overcome to achieve absolute power:– Subduing the French nobles, (moved them to

Versailles)– Gaining control of the Church, – Eliminating the legislative body (Estates General)

Versailles

• Cost $2 billion in today’s money• 36,000 laborers and 6,000 horses• Two wings-each 150 yards long!• 2,000 rooms!• 15,000 acres of land• 1,400 fountains

Versailles

Louis XIV of France

• Obstacles to Absolute Power • The nobles had their own taxes and courts, and

the king could not be absolute if these practices continued. The Church had its own courts and taxes, and these forms of control would limit the king if they were allowed to continue. A legislature with powers to raise money or pass laws would prevent the power of the king from being absolute.

Peter the Great of Russia: Westernization of Russia

• For decades, Russia had closed her western borders, and the people had cultivated eastern characteristics, such as wearing long robes, growing beards, and eating with their hands.

• Peter, who had traveled to the west as a young man, admired western society. When he became Tsar, he began the process of forcing his people to adopt the culture of western societies.

• He also built western-style cities, such as St. Petersburg.

Peter the Great

• Add info from text• War with Sweden• Warm water port• Changes made

Peter the Great•Mind of a

genius, body of a giant, and temper of a bear.•6 ft. 8 in.

Peter the Great•Cruel to his own family: when son opposed him, Peter had him thrown into jail and killed

Impact of Absolute Monarchies on Nations

• Conflicts with other countries for power• Conflict over trade throughout the world• Desire for power on the part of certain groups• Little or no say in government by the common

people• Large bureaucracies to run the country• More centralization• More unity• Large armies

Written Response

• Write a brief essay explaining why you think Peter is given “Great” as part of his title– Explain whether you think he deserves this title