Lesson 3.02: Absolutism in Europe

Learn

Absolutism

Before you begin, take a few moments to examine the chart that reviews the Characteristics of Absolutism. As you analyze each ruler, you will use the Characteristics of Absolutism as your guide and to determine whether each one meets the criteria as an absolute ruler.

Characteristics of Absolutism

Basic Principle	Monarch rules by divine right and decides what is best for the state.
Political	Ruler holds unlimited power; individuals are subjects owing loyalty and obedience.
Social	Ruler dominates upper classes which, in turn, dominate lower classes. Ceremonies symbolize ruler's power.
Economic	Ruler encourages industry and trade to strengthen economy.
Cultural	Ruler dominates cultural life either of patron of arts or by censorship.

Louis XIV Review

Louis XIV

Louis XIV was a member of this family who ruled France from 1589-1792.

Check Answer

Religious Toleration

This action ended religious toleration for French Huguenots in 1685.

Check Answer

The Statement

Louis XIV made this statement, "l'etat c'est moi" which means

Check Answer

Analyze the Following Map

Analyze this map of Europe around 1700 and locate Russia, Prussia, and Austria and answer the following map questions. It's very important to see how close these major powers were to each other. Think about what effect that might have on the development of war and diplomacy relations between countries during this period. Also, find Poland on the map. What benefits or problems might that create for the Polish state.

Countries:

1. Russia
2. Prussia
3. Austria
4. Poland 

1700 Europe Map

Answers:

Peter the Great of Russia

You are going to begin your research with the most eastern of the states, Russia. Positioned between Europe and Asia, and orginally a landlocked no access to the sea country, Russia struggled in the early modern period to modernize socially, politically, and economically at a pace like their European neighbors. When Peter the Great ascended throne in 1682, he dedicated his reign to this mission.

Watch Peter the Great to learn about his reign. When you finish, you will use the video information to complete your chart analysis. Remember, pay close attention

Open Peter the Great in a new window

Note: The presentation may take a moment to load.

Peterhof

Below is the royal palace built by Peter the Great in his new capital of St. Petersburg. How does it compare to King Louis XIV's Palace of Versailles?

Frederick the Great

Known as an "Enlightened Despot," Frederick the Great of Prussia, like Peter the Great of Russia, was committed to modernizing and expanding his country. Even though Prussia was a small state in comparison to its Habsburg Austrian neighbor to the south, under Frederick's leadership, it emerged as one of the most efficient, organized, and militarized states of its time. In fact, Frederick's father, Frederick William was credited as saying, "Prussia is an army with a state." What do you think that statement means?

Open Frederick the Great in a new window

Note: The presentation may take a moment to load.

Two additional things before you start the video:

1. The person talking has a British accent, so you will need to listen carefully-the information presented in this five-minute film is excellent.
2. You'll hear music playing in the background that you probably quite unfamiliar to you-it's important to this historical period. Thie music is from the Baroque period 1600s - 1750 . Think about what it must have been like to walk through the halls of Versailles Palace and hear this music playing in the background. In fact, if you'd like to learn more about the Baroque period, read About the Baroque Period.

As you did before, you'll use the video information to complete your chart analysis. Remember, pay close attention.

Sans Souci

Like Peter the Great, Frederick the Great also wanted a royal residence home so he built one. Here is his palace in the city of Potsdam. He named the Palace Sans Souci which means "without cares."

Maria Theresa

Now you're going to read about Maria Theresa, Empress of the Austrian Habsburg dynasty from 1740-1780. As you can imagine, she faced several challenges during her reign from her powerful neighbor to the North, King Frederick the Great of Prussia. Read Britannica: Maria Theresa to learn about her.

Now, read Maria Theresa of Austria to review the timeline on the key events in Maria Theresa's life.

Cool fact

Cool fact: Have you heard of Marie Antoinette, the ill-fated wife of King Louis XVI of France? Her mother was Maria Theresa, and in fact, Marie Antoinette was one of 16 children-five boys and 11 girls. Several are pictured in the portraits below. You'll learn much more about Marie Antoinette in the next unit.

Schonbrunn Palace

The Habsburgs family also needed a royal palace just like Peter the Great's Peterhof, and Frederick the Great's San Souci, so they built Schonbrunn Palace in the Austrian capital city of Vienna.