Absolute Monarchy and Its Characteristics

What is Absolute Monarchy?

• King or queen

• Powerfull

• A person who is power

• King or Queen with complete, unlimited power

Characteristics of Absolute Monarchs

• They made all the laws.

• They were not a subject to the laws.

• They started all the wars.

• They steal everyones ideas.

"What were the implications of ruling by 'Divine Right''?

• They belived that they they derived their right to rule directly from God.

• Not the people.

• They are Christians.

• Accountable only to God.

What are the Absolute Monarchies in Europe.

• Spain

• France

• England

• Austria

• Prussia and Russia

What led to the rise of Absolute Rulers?

• Decline of feudalism and growth of cities / middle class – monarchs promised peace and growth so which helped them maintain power.

• Monarchs used colonial wealth during the Age of Exploration to pay for their ambitions and empire-building.

• Church’s authority weakened – monarchs could gain additional power that the Church had lost

• Growth of national unity and pride- want your nation to be the best

• The Church's authority got stronger- Monarchs could gain powers from what the Church has gained.

What are some "reasons" about accumulated vast sums of wealth?

• By seizing new territories in the New World and Far East.

• Expanding trade overseas and within Europe.

• Taxing the growing wealth of their people

• Church gain followers.

Types of Control?

• Political Controls

• Religious Controls

• Money Controls

• Economic Control

• Social Controls

Political Controls

• • This also include decisions with the MILITARY.

• This is ABSOLUTE authority in making laws and decisions. Decisions are make quickly because they’re the only ones making the decisions. 

• ALL of the Legislative, Executive, & Judicial powers all vested in

      ONE person. There is no separation of powers…

• Religion, like education, is used shape the beliefs and thoughts of the people. If you can control what the people think, you can control the people…

Religious Controls

• Religion, like education, is used shape the beliefs and thoughts of the people. If you can control what the people think, you can control the people…

• Enforcing a specific religion on the people, based on the leaders beliefs.

• Think about the Church pre-Luther, controlling the people

• This is ABSOLUTE authority in making laws and decisions. Decisions are make quickly because they’re the only ones making the decisions.

Religious Control

• Complete control of the country’s financial “books.”

• Usually practice the philosophy of MERCANTILISM! Remember, there’s a limited amount of wealth so they want to grab it all. They establish colonies to help do this.

• Religion, like education, is used shape the beliefs and thoughts of the people. If you can control what the people think, you can control the people…

• This typically also includes taxing the people as a way to get money for the Monarch to do what they want.

      - Taxing people also “puts them in their place.”