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Absolute monarchs in Europe. Terms. Absolute Monarch : A king or queen who has unlimited power and seeks to control all aspects of society Divine Right : The idea that monarchs are God’s representatives on earth and are therefore answerable only to God
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Terms • Absolute Monarch: A king or queen who has unlimited power and seeks to control all aspects of society • Divine Right: The idea that monarchs are God’s representatives on earth and are therefore answerable only to God • Constitutional Monarchy: a system of governing in which the ruler’s power is limited by law
Theory of divine right • “God hath power to create or destroy, make or unmake, at his please; to give life or send death; to judge…and to be judged by none…And the like power have kings…” • Rulers used the idea that God put them in charge. As a result, they were not to be questioned.
Spain: phillip II • -1527-1598 • -Inherited Spain, the Spanish Netherlands and the American colonies from his father Charles V • -Fierce defender of Catholicism • -fought Muslims of the Ottoman Empire • -fought Protestants of Europe • (think movie Elizabeth the Golden Age)
France: Louis xiv • -1638-1715 • -Began reign at 14 and took control of government at 22 • -Tried to make France self-sufficient • -Spent a fortune surrounding himself with luxury • - Called the “Sun King”
France cont’d • -Under Louis’ rule, France became the most powerful country in Europe • -The king had entered France into many costly wars • -The construction of Versailles helped send the country into debt • - Leads to French Revolution
Russia: How was it different from europe? • Religion: Russians were Eastern Orthodox whereas Europeans were Catholic or Protestant. • Geography: Russia was isolated from Western Europe • History: Russia was not involved in the Renaissance or the Age of Exploration • Result: Russians distrusted and avoided foreigners
Russia: peter i • -1672-1725 • -Called “Peter the Great” - one of Russia’s greatest reformers • -More than 6 and a half feet tall • -Became sole leader of Russia at 24 • -Toured Western Europe to learn about customs & technology • -Increased his own powers as ruler in order to force change and “westernize” Russia
England: james ii • -1633-1701 • -Unpopular in England = Catholic • -Dissolved parliament when they objected to his appointment of Catholics to high office • -Overthrown by his Protestant daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange, a prince of the Netherlands
England: William and Mary • -Recognizes Parliament as governing partner • -Switch from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy • -Drafted a Bill of Rights = clear limits on Royal Power • -A Cabinet system = link between the monarchs and Parliament