Absolutism + Enlightment

What were the long-term effects of the enlightenment?

Countries used some of these ideas from the Enlightenment to form their governments, caused revolutions, and promoted a more secular outlook which advocated for separation of the church and state, and made science the primary form of knowledge.

How did Enlightenment thinkers challenge the policies of absolute rulers?

Enlightenment thinkers believe in a government where no one person has absolute control over everything and instead the government would be created by the people. They also wanted checks and balances and by having 3 branches of government they’re able to have more people’s say. Believed it was the governments duty to protect peoples 3 rights of life, life, liberty, and property. Wanted more individuals to be recognized, so they believed in habeas corpus, which is that everyone has the right to not be imprisoned without cause. They also wanted separation of church and state.

How did the policies of William and Mary differ from those of other rulers from their time period?

Rulers like Ivan IV, Louis XIV, Phillip II, and James II had absolute control over everything. They had control over churches, local governments, and could attack whome ever he wanted whenever he wanted and it didn’t matter if they would actually help to expand the their empire. Willam and Mary on the other hand, had a major role in the government, but didn’t control the entirety of it. They had accepted a bill of rights, which made it so it was illegal for them to suspend laws, collect taxes, and maintain a standing army without the approval of parliment. They also supported the Toleration act, which helped people worship whoever they wanted to. Constitutional Monarchy.

What are the common characteristics of absolute rule?

• persecuted religious minorities, 

• Promoted religious magorities, 

• Lower classes ignored (farmers), 

• Killed Nobles like Ivan IV or brought them into their palace so they could know what they were doing at all times like Louis XIV because they have a say in govt and were considered a threat.

• War + conquest (build empire)

• Spent money on themselves (Louis spent money on fancy parties and giant palace)/ war

• Pushed one religion on ppl (Phillip II father made him marry the queen of england in an attempt to turn protestant england catholic)

• No separation of church and state (entire country was forced to be one religion only)

• They didn’t accept advice

• liked to make their own decisions or took advice from a select few/ distrustful (Ivan IV only took advice from the advisors submissive to his rule and banished the rest)