The Age of Absolutism

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The Age of Absolutism

• Unit 5

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• Characteristics of absolute monarchies
• Centralization of power-growing wealth of the
  monarchs helped them take power from the other
  nobles in the kingdom
• Concept of rule by divine right- the idea that
  God had chosen the ruling family to be in charge.
  Anyone who went against the monarch was going
  against God.

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Absolute Monarchs in Europe
Louis XIVFrance, Palace of Versailles as a
symbol of royal power
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Absolute Monarchs in Europe
Frederick the GreatPrussia, emphasis on
military power
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Absolute Monarchs in Europe
Peter the GreatRussia, westernization of
Russia He took power away from the boyars-Russian
nobles to give it to himself.
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War of Spanish Succession

• The monarchs and nobles of Europe believed in the
  idea of a balance of power
• This was a practice that split up the continent
  equally and tried to limit one family, one
  monarch, or one country from gaining too much
  power.

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War of Spanish Succession

• When Charles II of Spain died (1700) without an
  heir, he gave his throne to Phillip-Louis XIV of
  Frances grandson. Louis refused to remove
  Phillip from his line of succession.
• This meant that Phillip could one day unite
  France and Spain into one huge European Empire

Phillip V
Charles II
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War of Spanish Succession

• The other powers of Europe joined to go to war
  with France and Spain to prevent Phillip and
  Louis from dominating Europe
• Eventually the Peace of Utrecht (1714) ended the
  war when Phillip V renounced his claim to the
  French throne and decided to stay on as the
  Spanish king
• The Balance of Power in Europe was restored

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