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Absolutist Monarchs

Discover tales of absolute rulers from Spain, England, and France who wielded divine power, engaged in political maneuvering, and lavishly indulged in luxury. Explore how their reigns shaped history and influenced the balance of power in Europe.

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Absolutist Monarchs

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  1. Absolutist Monarchs Why all-powerful, amazingly rich dudes (and ladies) have more fun.

  2. Once upon a time, there lived absolutist rulers, who had unlimited power over their subjects and lands. They competed with each other, married each other, and spent lots of money on themselves. They claimed that God had given them the right to rule – the divine right. No matter what they did, God was on their side, and opposition was heresy. Here are a few of their stories.

  3. Spain • Phillip II, devout Catholic • Extremely powerful • Built his palace, El Escorial • Supported Catholic Inquisition • Tried to overthrow Protestant ruler of England, Elizabeth I • Built Armada to defeat England – failed

  4. Home sweet home –El Escorial

  5. England • Common belief was that only men could rule • Refused to marry; worked with Parliament, instead • Ended Protestant/Catholic persecution in England by compromising • Cooperated with Spain to keep France from gaining too much power = balance of power

  6. Tudor Buildings

  7. Westminster Abbey

  8. France • Louis XIV, the Sun King: “L’etat, c’est moi” • Wore some fancy clothes • Had some hot ladies • Became king at age 4- • Cardinal Mazarin ruled until Louis was 22. • Stole some land through lots of wars- this backfired • Built the Palace at Versailles • Centralized the French gov’t • Maintained Versailles at a total cost of 25% of France’s total national income

  9. Mistress #1 Loses favor, escapes to a convent

  10. Mistress #2 Loses favor, escapes to a convent

  11. Mistress #3 Manages to hold on until the end. No convent for her.

  12. Land Gains

  13. Versailles

  14. To Remember • Divine right – absolute rulers believed they were designated by God to rule. To resist them was to resist God. • Intense competition between rulers led to conflict and wars • The development of national feeling – being a “citizen” rose as governments centralized • Balance of power – no one nation could get too much power, or the other nations would band together against it • Living it up – all the while keeping tabs on their nobles and having the peasants pay the bills

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