The Evolution of Political Power: Absolutism vs. Constitutionalism

1. Chapter 8: The Consolidation of Political Power 1648-1740 Pages 110-116 Pages178-209

2. In the 17th and 18th Centuries… Absolute Monarchy was established Challenges to Absolutism resulted in alternative political systems

3. What is Absolutism? Absolutism: A form of government in which all power rests in the hands of a single monarch Divine Right: The idea in which the monarch believes they are responsible to no one but God Example: France

4. What is Constitutionalism? Not a “written constitution” An Agreement that a ruler, like everyone else is subject to rule of law Laws are passed by a parliament Parliament & Monarch work together Parliament is summoned by King Example: England

5. Constitutionalism in England • Political model: Constitutionalism (Parliamentary Monarchy) • Parliament was dominated by landowners & nobles • 17th & 18th century “Age of Aristocracy”

6. Constitutionalism in England Power struggles between King & Parliament 17TH Century. 1. James I (1603-1625) 2. Charles I (1625-1649) English Civil War 1642-1649 3. Oliver Cromwell ‘s Puritan Republic (deviation from Monarchy (1649-1660) 4. Charles II (1660) 5. James II (1685-1688) 6. “Glorious Revolution” – William & Mary, 1689

7. 1. James I (ruled:1603-1625) • Believed in the “Divine Right of Kings” • And Rarely called on Parliament

8. King James I of England “ Kings are not only God’s lieutenants upon earth, and sit on God’s throne, but even by God himself they are called gods.” - King James I

9. Charles I ( Ruled 1625-1649) • Son of James I - Became King 1625 • Raised taxes without Parliament’s permission • “Forced Loan” taximposed on English property owners • Imprisoned those who refused to pay

10. Parliament’s Response 1628: • Petition of Right: • 1. No forced loans –”without consent by act of Parliament” • 2. No imprisonment w/o due cause • 3. No quartering of troops in private homes

11. King Charles I • Agreed to the Petition of Right • But then dissolved the Parliament in 1629!!!

12. The Short Parliament, 1640 • King Charles I was forced to call on Parliament in 1640 (April – May) • Because he Needed $ for war against Scotland

13. Parliament • Refused to give/approve funds until King Charles I addressed a long list of grievances • As a result… • King Charles I dissolved Parliament again!

14. Long Parliament (1640-1660) • Scots defeated English in war (summer 1640) • King Charles I was forced to call on Parliament • How will members of Parliament react to the king?

15. English Civil War Began When… (1642-1649) • Parliament overthrew King Charles I ! • King’s Supporters= Cavaliers • Parliamentary Opposition= roundheads

16. Parliament Was Victorious • 1. Formed an Alliance w/ Scotland to overthrow King Charles I ! • 2. Oliver Cromwell led the Parliament army

17. Charles I Was Defeated and Executed in 1649! • 1649-1660 England became : • A Puritan Republic • <- Oliver Cromwell emerged as political ruler / new military dictator • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUC1pqepl7I

18. Oliver Cromwell • Invaded Scotland & Ireland • Proclaimed himself “Lord Protector” • Supported by his army • And then he Disbanded Parliament!!

19. Oliver Cromwell’s Strict Puritanical Moral Code: • Prohibited: • Dancing, gambling, theatre going, alcohol, sports, freedom of the press and ALL THINGS FUN • People disliked Cromwell’s strict, harsh, Puritanical rule 

20. Oliver Cromwell died in 1658 • English people restored the monarchy • Charles II became King 1660 _ • His Father was Charles I

21. King Charles II (ruled: 1660-1685) • “Stuart Restoration” • Leaned lessons from past Kings- don’t mess with Parliament! • Tolerant of religious groups, was Protestant

22. The Popish Plot, 1678 • Titus Oates swore before a court… • That Jesuits were planning to kill King Charles II!! • And replace him with his Catholic Brother, James !

23. Accusation A Lie, However… • 1. Stirred up anti-Catholic sentiments • 2. Parliament believed Oates • 3. Innocent people tried & executed for treason

24. As A Result, • Catholics were banned from Parliament in1678 • Ironically, Charles II converted to Catholicism on his deathbed (1685)

25. James II (R. 1685-1688) • Brother of Charles II • Unpopular monarch • 1. Catholic = controversial • Why? • 2. Absolute ruler

26. Yes, 1980’s Rockers Recycled Men’s Fashions of the 1600’s

27. James II Repealed the Test Act • Which required all civil & military officials of the crown to swear an oath against the doctrine of Transubstantiation

28. Monarch vs. Parliament (again) • Parliament was upset, so… • James II dissolved Parliament!! • Appointed Catholics to high positions in court, army

29. English People Fed Up With Political Instability • People wanted James II ‘s Protestant Daughter Mary to succeed him… • But then James II HAD A SON…

30. The End of James II’S Reign • An army was sent to depose him… • James II forced to flee -to France • In 1689 Parliament Proclaimed • Mary II & William III King & Queen • “Glorious Revolution” – a bloodless event.

31. William & Mary Established • Bill of Rights • 1. Limited powers of monarchy • 2. Guaranteed civil liberties for privileged • 3. Monarchs subject to law • 4. Monarchs would rule by consent of parliament • 5. Prohibited Catholics from occupying English Throne

32. Absolutism in France • King had absolute power • Belief in theDivine Right of Kings

33. Louis XIV of France • Became King of France 1643 • At age 5! • Mother Anne of Austria served as regent

34. Anne of Austria Relied On… • Italian Cardinal Jules Mazarin to lead govt. • Until Louis was old enough to rule • Both seen as “outsiders” by the French

35. In 1648 French Nobles • Protested rising taxes • Rebelled against the crown • Broke into 9 year old Louis’ bedroom! • Revolt = The Fronde • The FRONDE meant to limit the power of the monarch, not overthrow

36. Louis XIV - 1661 • Became King (officially) at age 23 • Ruled through Councils • Favored “new nobles” • “new nobles” owed him the favor, and were loyal • Ruled for 72 years!

37. “The Sun King”- Louis XIV • “L’etat Ces’t Moi!” • “I am the State” • Demonstrated his wealth, power, and authority • Devout Catholic • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5Njjd6R6d0

38. Versailles Palace • Louis XVI ‘s grand display of Kingship • Built between 1666-1708 • In Outskirts of Paris • King Louis XIV understood the impact of visual imagery & public image

39. Versailles • Largest secular structure in Europe • Wanted to create the grandest, most luxurious Palace in all of Europe

40. The History of the Palace of Versailles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxIzMr2Ekpo

41. Versailles Gardens

42. Hall of Mirrors

43. Inside Versailles

44. Opulence & Luxury

45. Political Control… • Versailles Housed thousands of Nobles • They paid “rent” to live at palace • Elaborate “court” etiquette evolved • “the place to be & be seen”

46. Louis XIV Mini Bio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5Njjd6R6d0

47. A Day at Court of Versailles… • 8:30am King awakens • 10:00am King leads procession to Mass • 11:00am Council Meeting • 1:00pm Dinner • 2:00pm Hunting or Promenade • 6:00pm Social Gathering • 10:00pm Supper • 11:30 King Retires

48. King Louis XIV’s Economic Policies • Appointed Jean Baptiste Colbert as Controller General of Finances: • 1.Promoted silk & tapestry industry • 2. Areas free of internal tariff (tax)to enhance trade • 3.Expanded the military • 4.Improved roads/canals • 5. Supported French Trade in North America

49. Religious Policies • Considered religious unity a necessity • “One King, One Faith, One Law” • Revoked the Edict of Nantes • Campaigned against Huguenots -Many left France • As a result , France lost skilled laborers, business leaders

50. French Arts & Sciences • King Louis XIV Supported writers such as • 1. Racine = tragedies • 2. Moliere= comedies • Established academies • Employed artists, artisans, etc. during the construction of Versailles