Aim: What is absolutism?
L84Absolutism
Do Now: Copy your vocabulary in your glossary of your notebook
17. Geocentric- theory of the Earth centered universe
18. Heliocentric-theory of the Sun centered universe
19. Absolutism: a government with 1 ruler with total power
20. Enlightenment- a time period in history where there was a change in outlook of many educated Europeans
21. Social Contract- an agreement in which people give up certain powers in return for the benefits of government
22. Natural Rights- rights that belong to people simple because they are human beings. (LLP)

• Feudal monarchy had been a balance between king and nobles
• Kings no longer wanted advice they wanted POWER!!!
• Became known as absolute monarchs

Divine right theory
• king was God’s representative on earth
• obedience to king = obedience to God
• King could do no wrong


Title was inherited

King controls:
 All decision making
 lawmaking body
 all foreign affairs

People have no voice

Known for:
--“I am the state”
--Sun King (nickname)
-- Lavish Lifestyle

– France most powerful country in
Europe
– Expanded France’s
Borders
• Creates many colonies!!
– France in debt ($250 million in 1715)
Gains of Louis XIV

Russia- Peter I
1696-1725
 “ Westernized” Russia

Traveled to West to observe & learn

Improved tech.

Modernized culture and education systems

Russian Expansion

Strengthened military
 Built St. Petersburg

• Impact
– Increased power of
Russia
– Advanced the role of women
– Destroyed many
Russian traditions in order to modernize

Russia-Catherine the Great
(1762-1796)
• “
Enlightened”
• Religious toleration
• reorganized laws
• Began statesponsored education for boys and girls

Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603)
• England
• Kept Parliament on her side.
• Stabilized the nation and expanded British territory.
• Died without an heir.
• Loved by the citizens

Absolutism Poster Left Side Directions
• Create a poster either advertising for or warning against absolutism. Must include:
– Qualities of absolutism
– How it creates change
– For ES --Connections to King Louis, Peter, Catherine or Queen Elizabeth or future examples that you think are absolutist
• Possible formats include:
– Advertisement
– Warning sign
– Wanted Ad
– Billboard

Gains of Louis XIV

• Do Now: Work with your group to finish your Absolutism
Advertisement/ Warning Posters
--You have 10 minutes
–We need 1 group to volunteer to share out :)

Holy Roman Empire-Maria Theresa
(1717-1780)
• Only woman ruler of
Habsburg dynasty (650 yrs!)
• Controlled economy
• 7 Years’ War- but saved the empire that had been crumbling

Prussia- Frederick II
(1712-1786)
• Created a strong aggressive military
• 7 Years’ War
• Promoted religious toleration and education
• Economic reformagriculture, manufacturing

• Absolutism:
Brought order and stability
Favored some over others
• Will eventually cause revolution by the people!