module 3 Flashcards
name some areas that absolute monarchs had control over once they centralised their authority
lawmaking
taxation
administration
military
describe the relationship between the nobility and absolute monarchies
the monarch would try curtailing the power of the nobility to prevent anyone becoming too powerful. the nobility may be given a role within the government or given a role that is dependent upon the monarchy
describe how the rise of professional bureaucracies benefitted the monarch
allowed monarchs to maintain control over vast areas and complex administrations.
essential in france under louis xiv and russia under peter the great, where loyal administrators would make sure that the monarchs edicts were implemented
describe the relationship between absolute monarchs and art
monarchs like louis xiv of france and frederick the great of prussia would sponsor artists, musicians, writers and architects
palaces such as the palace of versailles served as royal residences and symbols of power and centres of court life
describe some financial policies of absolute monarchs
often geared towards centralising revenue collection to enhance the monarch’s control.
state monopolies and direct taxes meant monarchs could enhance their wealth independently of the nobility
describe the role of absolute monarchs within the legal system
would often serve as the highest judge
royal courts and tribunals were established to enforce the monarch’s laws.
monarchs could override local customs and judicial decisions to impose their will
describe the role of absolute monarchs within religion
often sought to regulate religious affairs to ensure the church supported their will
evident in france with the practice of gallicanism
henry viii making himself supreme head of the church also demonstrated monarchic control over religious matters
louis xiv
sun king
1643-1715, king of france
palace of versailles
established a professional standing army
efforts to control the nobility by involving them in court life, reducing regional influence
peter the great
ruled russia from 1682-1725
aimed to modernise russia
travelled to western europe to learn about shipbuilding, military organisation and other technologies
reformed the russian government, military and economy
centralised power, reduced power of traditional noble families
founded st petersburg, making it the capital and a symbol of his efforts to modernise russia
expanded russias territory and influence
charles v
holy roman emperor from 1519-1556
also ruled over areas of the spanish empire and territories in the americas
reign marked by warfare, religous conflict and efforts to centralise authority
faced challenges with the protestant reformation and conflicts with france and the ottoman empire
worked hard to expand his empire
abdicated in 1556, dividing his empire between his son phillip ii of spain and his brother ferdinand i, ensuring the continuation of habsburg dominance
frederick william
great elector of brandenburg-prussia
1640-1688
centralised authority, established a strong army and promoted economic development
laid efforts for the rise of prussia, which would become a formidable european power under his descendants, particularly frederick the great
phillip ii
ruled spain in 1556-1598
peak of habsburg absolutism
ruled over areas of europe, asia and the americas
centralised the administration, strengthened the military and defended catholicism
challenges: dutch revolt, financial difficulties due to costly wars and maintenance
king gustavus adolphus
exemplified absolutism
sweden, 1611-1632
lion of the north
transformed sweden into a major military power through the 30 years war
military innovations, administrative reforms
