Social Studies Project Guide s1

A New Age in Europe The Age of Powerful Kings 6.3

I. The Age of Absolute Rule

A. The Divine Right of Kings

Time – 1600’s

King Ruled by divine right – the idea that the king was chosen by God and was God’s representative

B. The Growth of Absolute Monarchy

King Louis XIV

Absolute monarch – He had complete power over every part of life in his Kingdom

•Power not shared with nobles, parliaments, or the people

II. Absolute Rule in France

1643 – Louis took the throne

Only four years old – Cardinal Mazarin ruled for him

1661 – Mazarin dies and Louis took over (at 22 years or age)

•Further weakened the nobles of their power

•Reduced to power of the church

•“I am the state”

A. Life at the Sun King’s Court

Versailles – Louis’ Palace in Paris •It took 30,000 labors 40 years to complete

•Many nobles lived there = Louis could keep and eye on them

•Nobles, merchants, and craftspeople avoided taxes

Therefore,

Luxury = $ = peasants paid the most for Louis lifestyle

B. France at War

1667-1713 – Louis wants France to be the greatest nation

•Constantly at war with other European countries

•War = costly = large sums of debt at Louis death (1715)

III. European Monarchs Gain Power

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella - Spain

•Combined their kingdoms at marriage

•Limited nobles power (like Louis)

•Took over Spain and supported exploration

•Voyages resulted in a huge empire in the Americas

Peter the Great – Russia, 1682

•Ruled at the age of seventeen

•Modernized Russia army and navy

•Improved farming and industry

•Expanded Russia territory to include sea ports Henry VII and Elizabeth I - England

•Nobles had power through parliament (through the Magna Carta)

Charles I – England

•Claimed “divine right” and ignored Parliament = war = Charles I was executed