Characteristics of Absolutism
What belief system was central to absolutism?
divine right of kings
Who was among the first to provide a theoretical basis for absolutist states?
Jean Bodin
Who laid the foundation of absolutism under Louis XIII?
Cardinal Richelieu
Why was the Palace of Versailles considered a pleasure prison?
The nobility were forced to stay several months every year so Louis could keep an eye on them, but they were also subdued through entertainment
What principle did the Grand Alliance and the Treaty of Utrecht (1713) reinforce?
The Balance of Power
Who was the quintessential absolute monarch?
Louis XIV
Thomas Hobbes
What were Intendants?
Nobles of the robe who reported directly to the king
What was the effect of the Edict of Fountainbleau (1685)?
revoked the Edict of Nantes, Huguenots lost rights to practice religion, mass emigration
What is Balance of Power?
Making sure no one single country becomes overly dominant
How was sovereignty embodied in Western European absolutism?
In the person of the ruler
Who was the principle advocate for "divine right of kings" in France?
Jacques-Benigne Bossuet
What was the outcome of the Intendant System?
Weaken nobility, make gov't more efficient and centrally controlled
How did the French economy succeed and later falter?
Mercantilist policies of Colbert = industrial giant + merchant marine
Land wars became too expensive and unsustainable
Who was John Law?
Financial manager of French Kingdom, economic theorist
How was Western and Eastern European absolutism different in regard to nobles of the robe?
Western European nobles had less power
What did Hobbes say the common people should do to overcome their state of nature?
Give up some freedom to an absolute ruler in exchange for security
What was the outcome of the Peace of Alais (1629)?
Subdued Huguenots by taking away their fortified cities and armies, but they could still practice religion
What were 4 wars that were fought by Louis XIV?
War of Devolution (1667-1668), The Dutch War (1672-1678), Nine Years War (1688-1697), War of Spanish Succession (1701-1713)
What was the Mississippi Bubble?
Joint-stock company in Louisiana - share prices went up and the bubble burst, leading to financial disaster
What is the main difference between 17th century absolutism and 20th century totalitarianism?
lack of comparative financial, technological, and military resources
How did the Duke of Sully (Finance Minister of Henry IV) enhance the power of the French monarchy? (4)
Mercantilism, reduced royal debt, tax reform, improved transportation network
Why did France support Sweden during the Thirty Years War?
Weaken the Habsburg Empire (Spain/Austria) to restore balance of power
What were the costs of Louis XIV's wars?
Economy destroyed, disruption of trade, 20% pop. died, large debt
How can Louis XV's reign be characterized?
Ineffective ruler - many defeats in Europe and N.A., challenges from aristocracy