HISTORY - Absolute Monarchy

Question 1

Absolutism

Answer 1

The political belief that only one ruler should hold all of the power within the boundaries of a country.

Question 2

Time Period of Absolutism

Answer 2

1550-1800

As church power declined, political power increased

Question 3

Causes of the rise in Absolutism

Answer 3

1. Religous/Territorial conflicts
2. Growth of armies led to rise of taxes
3. Heavy taxes led to unrest/revolt

Question 4

Key Factors of an Absolute monarchy

Answer 4

1. Strong central government
2. Strong army
3. Mercantilism

Question 5

Divine Right

Answer 5

Idea that God created the monarchy and the monarch played the role of God’s representative on Earth.

Monarchs only answered to God, not to his subjects

Question 6

French Absolute monarchs (Bourbon dynasty 1586- 1848)

Answer 6

1. Henry IV
2. Louis XIII
3. Louis XIV

Question 7

Henry IV (1589-1610)

Answer 7

• First Bourbon monarch
• Edict of Nantes
• Previously protestant
• Limited power of Estates General

Question 8

Louis XIII

Answer 8

• Second Bourbon monarch
• Appointed Cardinal Armand Richelieu as cheif administer

Question 9

Cardinal Richelieu

Answer 9

• Goal of making France the most powerful country in Europe
• Weakened the powers of French nobles and huguenots to secure absolute power of France
• Strengthened French army/economy
• Appointed Cardinal Mazarin as successor

Question 10

Louis XIV (1643-1715)

Answer 10

• Third Bourbon monarch
• Mazarin acted as regent until 1661
• Wanted to control government; excluding nobles from his counsils, increasing power of intendants
• “Sun King”
• “I am the state”
• Funded contruction of Palace of Versailles