ABSO - The Age of Absolutism Module Overview

 

The Age of Absolutism

Introduction

As a natural progression, the concept of Divine Right of Kings evolved into the acceptance of political absolutism. Absolutism was characterized by a nation-state literally identified by the personality and whims of its kings. Louis XIV, The Sun King, became the personification of this concept. 

As the political theory of absolutism flourished throughout Europe, wars waged, and an economic revolution of commerce developed around the fruits of the Age of Exploration. In a sense, nations became much more competitive economically and politically on a basis of ego (national as well as personal). Louis XIV was so significant in the wars of the period that many historians refer to them as the "Wars of Louis XIV" of which the War of Spanish Succession is considered the last. As the Age of Louis XIV drew to a close, a new German state, Prussia, emerged as major European power. 

England went through tremendous changes from the early 17th century to the late 18th century. Due to the unique role Parliament played in the English political system, English monarchs were not able to fall as comfortably into the Age of Absolutism as other European states. The Tudors, particularly Elizabeth I, worked well with Parliament making the absolutist rule of the Stuarts controversial. In the end, the English were not willing to accept the idea of Divine Right of Kings, the central philosophy of James I and his son Charles I. A series of wars with Holland, Spain, and the Dutch virtually bankrupted England creating the catalyst for the English Civil War. Religious issues also caused friction between the king and Parliament. 

Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles

 

Essential Questions

• What are the four primary features of absolute monarchies?
• Describe the strategies of Louis XIV in consolidating power and developing an absolute regime. How was Versailles critical in his political ambitions?
• What are the structural differences between an absolute monarchy with centralized political power in one person (the king) and a constitutional form of government with shared political authority between a king and a legislature?
• Compare and contrast French Absolutism with Russian Absolutism. To what degree were Louis XIV and Peter the Great successful in achieving absolutism?
• Compare and contrast the varying views and theories of government and how they can be seen in the competing forms of Constitutional Monarchies v. Absolutism.
• What is limited government?

 

Textbook Assignment and Unit Review Form

As you work through this module, be certain to read the Absolutism chapter in your textbook. As you are reading you may wish to jot down notes in the unit review form. Please pay close attention to the political changes that develop during this period. This is for your notes, not to submit.

Click here to download a copy of the unit review form. Links to an external site.

 

Key Terms and People

There are several people and items you need to look over for this module. Be sure to download the ID list (linked below) - EVEN if you do not plan on defining them for your notes. This is for your notes, not to submit. You need to look over the list of terms to see what you will need to pay particular attention to in this module.

Click here to download a copy of the ID List for this module. Links to an external site.

The presentation below is helpful in seeing some of the more important people and terms, but is by no means a definitive list.

 

 

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.