Age of Absolutism

What is absolutism in simple terms?

A system of government where one ruler (king or monarch) has total power, not limited by a parliament or laws.

Who was Jean Bodin and what did he believe?

A French thinker who said a ruler should have absolute and permanent power, only reponsible to God — this is known as “divine right”

What was the role of Cardinal Richelieu under Louis XIII?

Richelieu helped strengthen royal power by:

• Limiting noble influence

• Creating royal officials called “intendants”

• Tripling the property tax (taille)

What was the Fronde (1648-53)?

A revolt by French nobles against the centralization of power. It failed, and the royal court later moved to Versailles to keep nobles under control.

What made Louis XIV a symbol of absolute power?

He said, “L’etat, c’est moi” (“I am the state”), built Versailles, and controlled everything, including religion, nobles, and the economy.

What did Louis XIV do to French Protestants?

He revoked the Edict of Nantes (1685), which has protected Protestants. They were forced to convert or leave France.

What is mercantilism and how did Colbert use it?

Ann economic policy that focuses on exporting more than importing. Colbert (Louis XIV’s finance minister) used mercantilism to make France rich and self-sufficient.

Why was Versailles important?

Versailles became the center of government in 1682. Nobles had to live there, so Louis could watch them and stop rebellions.

How did other rulers copy France’s style?

• Palaces like Schonbrunn (Vienna), Sanssouci (Berlin), and the Winter Palace (St. Petersburg) were built to show power.

• This was called “palace envy”

What did Thomas Hobbes argue in Leviathan (1651)?

People are selfish and violent by nature. To avoid chaos, they must give all power to one ruler to maintain order.

What’s the difference between absolutism and constitutionalism?

In absolutism, kings rule without limits. In constitutionalism, power is shared with Parliament, and laws protect people’s rights.

What church system reflected absolutism?

The Episcopal system, where bishops are appointed top-down, like in monarchy. In contrast, Presbyterians chose elders (more democratic).

Why was Charles I executed in 1649?

He tried to rule without Parliament, promoted Catholic-syle practices, and ignored laws. This led to a civil war, and Parliament beheaded him for treason.

Who was Oliver Cromwell?

A Puritan leader who defeated Charles I and ruled England as “Lord Protector” (1653-1658) without a king.

What was the Glorious Revolution (1688-89)?

When James II (Catholic) was overthrown without bloodshed. His daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange became co-rulers.

What did the English Declaration of Rights (1689) do?

Limited the King’s power:

• No taxes without Parliament

• No standing army without consent

• Free elections

• No cruel punishments

What did John Locke argue in 1690?

Government exists to protect people’s rights. If it fails, people have the right to revolt.

What was the Dutch Republic like?

A confederation of 7 provinces (founded in 1588) with shared power and religious tolerance. They allowed Catholics, Jews, and Protestants to worship privately.

What made the Dutch economy powerful?

• Amsterdam was a trade hub

• First stock exchange

• Dutch East India Company controlled spice trade