The Rise of Absolutism

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The Rise of Absolutism Constitutionalism
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Time Period?

• ca 1589 1740
• Essentially, remember
• THE 17TH CENTURY

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The Big Question

• In whose hands does SOVEREIGNTY lie?

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Two different answers
ABSOLUTISM
monarch has absolute authority over govt. people
based on divine right
? totalitarianism
France, Spain, Austria, Prussia, Russia
CONSTITUTIONALISM
balance b/t authority of govt. peoples rights constitution (written or unwritten)
monarchical or republican
? democracy
England, Dutch Republic
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Why the 17th c.? Context?
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Common Obstacles

1. distance b/t central govt. provinces
2. lack of information
3. small bureaucracies
4. taxing policing difficulties
5. cultural/linguistic differences
6. competition for power (ex. nobles)

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Common Achievements

1. greater taxation
2. growth in armies
3. larger, more efficient bureaucracies
4. increased ability to compel subjects obedience

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French Spanish Absolutism Questions

• Why was Henry IV the most loved French king?
• How did the French monarchy consolidate power?
  List the policies/actions for each of the
  following
• Cardinals Richelieu Mazarin
• Louis XIV
• Jean-Baptiste Colbert
• What factors accounted for the decline of Spanish
  absolutism?

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French Monarchs Ministers

• Henry IV (r. 1589-1610)
• Duke of Sully chief minister
• Louis XIII (r. 1610-1643)
• Cardinal Richelieu chief minister
• Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715)
• Cardinal Mazarin chief minister
• Colbert finance minister

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Rigaud, Louis XIV, 1701