Absolute Rulers
I ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566, overseeing its golden age. Known for my military conquests, I expanded the empire’s territory significantly, especially in Europe and the Mediterranean. My reign marked the peak of Ottoman power and influence.
Who is Suleiman the Magnificent?
Things absolute rulers did to consolidate/maintain power.
What is establish a strong military, weaken the nobility, create strong alliances, control propaganda, control religion, expand territory, etc.
I believed that all individuals are born with natural rights to life, liberty, and property. In my work, "Two Treatises of Government," I argued that government’s primary role is to protect these rights, and if a government fails to do so, the people have the right to overthrow it. I also advocated for the idea of a limited government based on consent of the governed.
Who is John Locke?
Certain fundamental rights, like life, liberty, and property that all people are believed to be born with. This idea was famously developed by John Locke, who argued that the government's role is to protect these rights.
What are natural rights?
This was the only country in Europe that did NOT have absolute rule during the Age of Absolutism because the monarchy was checked/limited.
What is England?
I ruled as Empress of Russia from 1762 until my death in 1796, becoming one of the most successful and enlightened monarchs in Russian history. I am known as an "enlightened despot" because even though I had absolute power, I embraced the ideas of the Enlightenment.
Who is Catherine the Great?
I was the King of France from 1774 until my execution in 1793 during the French Revolution. My reign saw France embroiled in financial crisis, exacerbated by involvement in the American Revolution and lavish royal expenditures. My inability to manage these crises and my perceived lack of decisive leadership contributed to the revolution. I was arrested, tried for treason, and executed by guillotine, marking the end of the monarchy in France
Who is Louis XVI?
I advocated for the separation of powers in government. I argued that dividing government into distinct branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—would prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and help preserve liberty. My ideas greatly influenced the structure of modern democratic governments, including the U.S. Constitution.
Who is Baron de Montesquieu?
A political idea developed by Montesquieu, which advocates dividing government into three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to protect individual liberties.
What is the separation of powers?
A system of government in which the monarch’s powers are limited by a constitution or laws, often in favor of parliamentary authority. In England, this system emerged gradually, especially after the Glorious Revolution, where the monarch became largely ceremonial, and real political power rested with elected representatives in Parliament.
What is Limited/Constitutional Monarchy?
I modernized Russia in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, transforming it into a major European power. I sought to westernize the culture, the military, and the economy. My most significant reforms included building a new capital and expanding Russia’s territory. I also implemented a "beard tax" to encourage my people to shed their Russian ways and adopt Western ones.
Who is Peter the Great?
I was the third emperor of the Mughal Empire in India, ruling from 1556 to 1605. I am known for my policy of religious tolerance, promoting dialogue among different faiths and building a diverse empire.
Who is Akbar the Great?
I believed in the importance of freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and separation of church and state. I was an outspoken advocate for civil liberties and social reform.
Who is Voltaire?
The right to express opinions without government censorship or punishment. This was advocated for by Voltaire.
What is freedom of speech?
A legislative body in a country, typically consisting of elected representatives, that is responsible for making and passing laws, debating policies, and overseeing the actions of the government. Think about England.
What is a parliament?
I am known as the Sun King and ruled France for 72 years, one of the longest reigns in European history. I centralized power in the monarchy, famously declaring “L'État, c'est moi” (I am the state). Under my rule, France became the dominant European power, but my lavish lifestyle and endless wars drained the royal treasury, contributing to France’s financial troubles.
Who is Louis XIV?
I was the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 until my execution in 1649. My belief in the divine right of kings led to constant conflicts with Parliament, which I tried to rule without. This tension eventually led to the English Civil War. I was defeated by Parliamentarians and, as a result, I was executed for treason. My death marked the end of the monarchy for a time.
Who is Charles I?
I was a Scottish economist and philosopher, best known for my work "The Wealth of Nations" (1776). I am considered the father of modern economics and a key figure in the development of capitalism. I argued that individuals acting in their own self-interest, within a free market, would unintentionally promote the public good through the “invisible hand.” I advocated for minimal government intervention in the economy, believing that free trade and competition would lead to greater prosperity.
Who is Adam Smith?
An economic theory, promoted by Adam Smith, that advocates for minimal government interference in economic affairs. The idea is that free markets, where supply and demand dictate prices and production, lead to prosperity and economic growth.
A series of armed conflicts between the monarchy, led by King Charles I, and Parliament. The war was sparked by disputes over royal authority, taxes, and the role of Parliament. The conflict ended with the execution of Charles I and the temporary abolition of the monarchy, leading to the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.
What is the English Civil War?
I was the King of Spain during the 16th century. Known for my Catholicism, I waged wars to defend and expand the faith, including the Spanish Armada’s failed attempt to invade England. My reign saw the height of Spanish power, but also financial troubles and conflicts
Who is King Phillip II?
I was the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. I established a feudal system that brought stability to Japan after a century of civil war. I centralized power under the shogunate and kept Japan isolated from foreign influences for over two centuries, creating a strong, isolated, and peaceful society.
I was a French philosopher and writer, best known for my book "The Social Contract" (1762). I argued that in an ideal society, people would govern themselves directly, forming a collective “general will.” I believed that civilization corrupts human beings, and that people should be free and equal. I emphasized the importance of direct democracy and the idea that legitimate political authority comes from the will of the people.
Who is Jean-Jacques Rousseau?
A theory, most notably proposed by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, that suggests individuals consent to surrender some of their freedoms to a governing authority in exchange for protection of their remaining rights and the preservation of social order.
What is the social contract?
A peaceful revolution in which King James II of England was overthrown and replaced by William and Mary. This event marked the end of absolute monarchy in England and the beginning of a constitutional monarchy, as William and Mary accepted the Bill of Rights and agreed to share power with Parliament.
What is the Glorious Revolution?