Absolutism in Europe in the 17th Century

Chapter 14, Section 3

What is absolutism? The 17th century in Europe is sometimes called the

“Age of Absolutism.” “Absolute monarchy or absolutism meant that the

sovereign power or ultimate authority in the state rested in the hands of a king who claimed to rule by divine right” (Spiel.4thEd. 427).

The king rules alone. There is no Congress or Parliament. Even the Church is under the king’s authority.

In this time period, the idea of the state emerges. The king is no longer a protector and leader of his people; the king rules over the people and the people are his subjects who serve him.

France was the first absolutist state and it served as a model for other European countries.

Louis XIV “L’État c'est moi.” = I am the state. Called himself the

Sun King Supporter of the

arts: had his portrait painted often

Built the new French capital at Versailles

Revoked the Edict of Nantes

Fought in the War of Spanish Succession

Versailles

Peter the Great Wanted to make Russia

like western European countries• He forced Russian nobles to

shave their beards. Interrogated his son for

plotting against him• His son died from being

tortured. Sought to expand Russia

to the North and South—that way it would have access to water and could build up a navy

Built a new capital at St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg

Frederick William

“The Great Elector” from Prussia

Germany and Italy are still the Holy Roman Empire

Prussia emerging as a major power among the German states

Electors from each state voted for the Holy Roman Emperor

Builds an efficient and well-disciplined standing army

Frederick William manages to rebuild Protestant Prussia after the 30 Years’ War

References Baldwin, Richard. "AGE OF

ABSOLUTISM." Gulf Coast Community College. Web. 01 May 2014.