The Rise of ABSOLUTISM, Explained [AP Euro Review—Unit 3 Topic 7]

Summary

The video explores the rise of absolutist rulers from 1648 to 1850, highlighting how monarchs consolidated power by diminishing the influence of nobility, church, and local governance. It discusses key figures like Louis XIV of France, Philip II of Spain, and Peter the Great of Russia, emphasizing their tactics such as bureaucracy, religious control, and military expansion. Through colorful comparisons, like likening monarchs to Pokémon evolutions, the video explains the factors behind absolutism's rise, including weakened religious influence and growing merchant classes, while also mentioning limitations like England's parliamentary resistance.

Takeaways

• 👑 Absolutism emerged in the period between 1648 and 1850, where political power shifted away from the nobility and the church, consolidating under the monarch.
• 💡 One key factor behind the rise of absolutism was the weakened influence of the Catholic Church, especially after the Peace of Westphalia, leading to more tolerance for Protestant practices.
• 📈 The expansion of the merchant class during this period also fueled the growth of absolutist monarchs, as they desired political stability to support their economic interests.
• ⚔️ Absolute monarchs weakened the power of the nobility by creating large bureaucracies where officials were directly accountable to the monarch, rather than to local lords.
• 🇬🇧 In England, James I attempted absolutism by asserting the divine right of kings, but his efforts were ultimately thwarted due to parliamentary power and the Magna Carta, leading to the English Civil War.
• 🇪🇸 Spain’s Philip II reached the height of absolutism by uniting the Iberian Peninsula and fighting off the Ottomans, but his reign ended with setbacks like the failure of the Spanish Armada.
• 🇫🇷 Louis XIV of France is the epitome of absolutism, famously declaring 'I am the state.' He centralized power through systems like the intendants, keeping nobles close at Versailles and controlling religious affairs by revoking the Edict of Nantes.
• 🛡️ Louis XIV’s bureaucratic system of 'intendants' undermined the power of local governors, ensuring that all of France obeyed his will directly.
• 🏛️ The construction of Versailles allowed Louis XIV to control the nobility, forcing them to compete for his favor through elaborate court rituals, consolidating power further under himself.
• 🇷🇺 Peter the Great modernized Russia by westernizing its institutions, requiring nobles to serve in the army or civil administration and even enforcing a 'beard tax' to encourage cultural changes.

Q & A

What is the significance of the comparison between Pokémon evolution and the rise of monarchs in terms of power?

The comparison illustrates the progression of monarchical power from the Middle Ages to the peak of absolutism. Just as Charmander evolves into Charmeleon and then into Charizard, indicating an increase in strength and capability, the monarchs evolved from having limited power to near-absolute power by the period of 1648 to 1850.

How did the weakened influence of the Catholic Church contribute to the rise of absolutism?

The weakened influence of the Catholic Church, due to the acceptance of Protestant practices and a lack of interest in religious warfare after the Peace of Westphalia, allowed monarchs to consolidate power without the interference of the Church.

What economic factors led to the rise of absolutism?

The expansion of the merchant classes during the period of global trade desired absolute monarchs for the economic and political stability they could provide, which contributed to the rise of absolutism.

How did absolute monarchs weaken the nobility to consolidate power?

Absolute monarchs weakened the nobility by creating large bureaucracies that handled administration directly under the king, thus reducing the power and influence of the nobility.

Why was James I's attempt at absolutism in England considered a failure?

James I's attempt at absolutism in England was a failure because the Magna Carta limited the monarch's power, and Parliament pushed back against his attempts to rule absolutely.

What was the peak of absolutism in Spain under Philip II?

The peak of absolutism in Spain under Philip II was marked by his unification of the Iberian Peninsula and resistance against the Ottomans. However, the rebellion in the Spanish Netherlands and the failure of the Spanish Armada led to a decline in Spain's power.

What was Louis XIV's catchphrase that symbolized his view on absolutism?

Louis XIV's catchphrase was 'L'état, c'est moi', which translates to 'I am the state', symbolizing his belief that all power belonged to him.

How did Louis XIV use the Palace of Versailles to consolidate his power?

Louis XIV mandated that the nobles live at Versailles, allowing him to monitor their behavior and create competition for his favor through elaborate court rituals, thereby consolidating his power.

What was the impact of Louis XIV's revocation of the Edict of Nantes on France?

The revocation of the Edict of Nantes led to the migration of hundreds of thousands of Huguenots, depriving France of a significant portion of its merchant class.

How did Peter the Great westernize Russia and what were the consequences?

Peter the Great westernized Russia by requiring nobles to serve in the army or civil administration, creating a series of ranks, shaving beards, and reorganizing the Russian Orthodox Church. These reforms brought Russia into the mainstream of European development but were met with disdain by the peasantry due to increased taxes.