Absolutism ap world history
ABSOLUTISM
When Louis XIV of France ascended to the throne at the age of four, the French nobles immediately began to plot how to overthrow him during the Fronde, a series of civil wars in France. When Louis XIV began actively ruling as an adult, he launched a concerted program to limit the power of the nobility. He moved the capital to Versailles, diluted the ranks of the nobility by selling titles of nobility, and ensured that the military answered directly to the king. In doing so, he undermined the actual power of the nobility by making political and social privileges dependent on the will of the king.
The example of the French, led other European monarchs, especially in Prussia and Russia, to begin to consolidate power and rule as unquestionable absolute monarchs. These rulers typically justified their claim to supreme power by divine right and argued that any attempt by their subjects to limit their power, through a parliament or a constitution, could be interpreted as a challenge against God.
DUTCH GOLDEN AGE PAINTING
The art of the Dutch Golden Age was dominated by genre paintings focused on either depictions of real-life scenes or illustrations of Dutch adag
Following Cromwell's death, the monarchy was restored and Charles II, the son of Charles I, was invited to reign in England. Charles II, known as the "Merry Monarch," finished his reign without serious incident but the same cannot be said for his brother, James II, who was run off by Parliament after many conflicts with Parliament (many of them having their roots in his Catholic religion). William and Mary signed the English Bill of Rights in 1689, ending the turmoils of the Stuart era by acknowledging the legislative supremacy of Parliament.
Textbook Readings
Spielvogel, 465-466
Wood, 200-204
Primary Source Document
The
English Bill of Rights (1689)
was passed by Parliament in order to justify the forced abdication of James II and to clarify the relationship between Crown and Parliament. William III and Mary II signed the document signaling the end of any attempts at royal absolutism in England.
E-Lectures Available on YouTube
Charles II and the English Restoration
James II and the Glorious Revolution
PowerPoint Presentation
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Everything you need to teach and review
ABSOLUTISM & CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY
in the 17th century with your AP European History or World History classes. Includes a fully editable worksheet & newly redesigned PPT + discussion activities and embedded videos. Easily editable Google Slides format.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Context
Louis XIV & Quote analysis
Peter the Great
Austria & Prussia
Alternatives to absolutism: Netherlands & Poland
England: The Stuarts, English Civil War, Restoration & Glorious Revolution
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key term - Absolutism
Definition
Absolutism is a political doctrine and practice in which a single ruler holds absolute power over the state and its people, often justified by divine right. This system typically centralizes authority, allowing the monarch to govern without legal or institutional checks from other branches of government or the populace.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Absolutism reached its height in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in France under Louis XIV, who famously said 'L'État, c'est moi' (I am the state).
Absolutist monarchs used various methods to consolidate power, including patronage, bureaucracy, and military force to suppress dissent and maintain control.
The decline of absolutism began in the late 18th century as Enlightenment ideas promoted individual rights and limited government power, leading to revolutions in several countries.
In contrast to constitutionalism, which shares power with legislative bodies, absolutism embodies a top-down approach where the monarch wields unchecked authority.
Absolutism influenced the development of modern nation-states by establishing centralized governme