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Explore the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King of France, and his absolute monarchy characterized by opulent Versailles. Discover how Louis centralized power, built a strong economy, and shaped European politics. Delve into the etiquette of Versailles and the impact of Louis's rule on French society and international relations. Learn about the Peace of Westphalia and the rise of Parliament in England, marking a shift away from absolutism towards constitutional monarchy. Step into the world of 17th-century Europe and witness the grandeur and challenges of monarchial power.
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Monarchy A system of governing through heredity leadership, headed by a king/queen or both.
What is Absolutism? Absolutism is a system in which a ruler holds total power. Tied to the idea of the divine right of kings Rulers received their power from God and were only to answer to God
The Kingdom of France Section 1
Cardinal Richelieu Unofficially ran the French government from 1624-1642 for Louis XIII Suppressed power of Huguenots and nobles by destroying their armies and castles Gave nobles official positions to keep them loyal to the king
Louis XIV, The Sun King Became king at age 5 (son of Louis XIII who took throne when his father died in 1643) Used the sun as a symbol of his absolute power Louis was supposed to appoint a regent to rule, but shocked everyone and rule alone.
Louis XIV’s Ruling Strategy Louis XIV used the middle class to give important jobs (so they stayed loyal) Collected taxes, built the army, etc. French army became strongest in Europe
Louis XIV & Estates General Estates General (French Parliament) Never met and did not have a role in government This makes the Estates General useless, just for show
French Economy Increased farmland and mining industries Encouraged trade of luxury items Taxed imported goods to take care of French craftsmen Emphasis on trade with colonies overseas
Result? France became the richest European country Louis XIV often needed more money to pay for extravagant lifestyle.
Versailles: Home of the "Sun King"
Versailles Palace Massive Versailles palace was a symbol of Louis’s power and riches
2,000 acres of grounds 12 miles of roads 27 miles of trellises 200,000 trees 210,000 flowers planted every year 80 miles of rows of trees 55 acres surface area of the Grand Canal 12 miles of enclosing walls 50 fountains and 620 fountain nozzles 21 miles of water conduits 3,600 cubic meters per hour: water consumed 26 acres of roof 51,210 square meters of floors 2,153 windows 700 rooms 67 staircases 6,000 paintings 1,500 drawings and 15,000 engravings 2,100 sculptures 5,000 items of furniture and objects d'art 150 varieties of apple and peach trees in the Vegetable Garden Versailles Statistics
The King’s Bed The Queen’s Bed
Louis’s Power High ranking nobles were given prestigious jobs serving the king at Versailles This kept the nobles under the king’s watch and limited any threat of them gaining power Arts were encourage (plays, art, music, dance, etc.)
Louis’s Reign Ruled as king for 72 years Monarchy defined by grossly overspending on court life
French Failures Costly wars led other European countries to create alliances against France Religious persecution against Protestant Huguenots—also hurt the economy as they were a majority of the middle class who paid taxes
TheThirty Years War (1618-1648)
1618-1648 Spanish Habsburg lands German States Prussian Lands Austrian Hapsburg lands
Characteristics of the Thirty Years War • The Holy Roman Empire was the battleground. • At the beginning it was the Catholics vs. the Protestants. • At the end it was Habsburg power that was threatened. • Resolved by the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648.
The Peace of Westphalia (1648) • Political Provisions: • Each German prince became free from any kind of control by the Holy Roman Emperor. • The United Provinces [Dutch Neths.] became officially independent southern part remained a Spanish possession. • France received most of the German-speaking province of Alsace *This will cause problems later!
Provisions Continued Sweden got lands in No. Ger. on the Baltic & Black Sea coasts; won a voice in the Diet of the Holy Roman Empire; Brandenburg got important territories on North Sea & in central Germany. Switzerland became totally independent of the Holy Roman Emperor Swiss Confederation.
The Peace of Westphalia (1648) • Religious Provisions: • Calvinists would have the same privileges as the Lutherans had in the Peace of Augsburg. • The ruler of each state could determine its official religion, BUT [except in the hereditary lands of the Habsburgs], he must permit freedom of private worship.
Nobody Was Happy! • Many Protestants felt betrayed. • The pope denounced it. • Only merit it ended the fighting in a war that became intolerable! • For the next few centuries, this war was blamed for everything that went wrong in Central Europe.
Queen Elizabeth I Takes reigns in 1558 after death of Mary (Bloody Mary) Dubbed “The Virgin Queen” because she refused to marry
Problems Elizabeth Inherited The country was at war with France, drain on the royal treasury Tension between Protestants & Catholics- Act of Supremacy & Act of Uniformity settled this Famous for avoiding war by stirring trouble with enemies
Challenges to Power She thwarted an invasion attempt by King Philip II of Spain’s armada She eliminated a challenge to her power by her cousin Mary Queen of Scots – executed her
Problems in the Kingdom country suffered from failed crops, unemployment and inflation. riots over food shortages and rebellions in Ireland. One of her suitors betrayed her by leading a rebellion
The End of the Tudors Elizabeth I died on March 24, 1603 Her death marked the end of the Tudor monarchy in England Son of her biggest rival, Mary Stuart’s ascended to the throne as James I.