Absolutism France 1589 a Huguenot prince Henry IV

Absolutism

France • 1589, a Huguenot prince (Henry IV) inherits the French throne. – Issues the Edict of Nantes- grants religious toleration, freedom. • Louis XIV (1638 -1715) – Took thrown at age 5 (Cardinal Richelieu ruled temporarily). – Believed in his divine right to rule (sun was his symbol). – Expanded authority of royal power • Intendants- wealthy middle-class men appointed to collect taxes, recruit soldiers, and carry out policies. – Did this to create ties to the middle class and check the power of nobles. • Had nobles live in the Palace of Versailles with him. – Fought costly wars (enemies united to balance his power). – Persecuted Huguenots- wanted religious unity. • 100, 000 Huguenots flee (make up the wealthiest and hardest working part of the population).

Enlightened Absolutism • Absolutism – The acceptance of or belief in absolute principles in political, philosophical, ethical, or theological matters. – One ruler with complete control • During the Enlightenment, there is a change in the form of absolutism. – Traditional Absolutism- “I am the state. ” – Enlightened Absolutism- “I’m a servant of the state”

France • Louis XV (1715 -1774) – Great grandson of Louis XIV – Nobles regain power (Parliament of Paris) – Louis orders 5% tax increase on everyone to pay off war debt- even nobles (enlightened idea) • Hires Rene Maupeou to crush Parliament. – Successful and send members to obscure places. – Reinstate Parliament with members favorable to the king • Louis XV succeeded by Louis XVI in 1774 – Louis XVI would be behead after French Revolution

England • Hanoverian Dynasty – Hanoverians took throne in 1714 – George I (1714 -1727) – George II (1727 -1760) • Neither spoke good English (German) – Gave Parliament chance to gain more power » Hanoverians were concerned with continental possessions – George III (1760 -1820) • Born in England very well assimilated. • Wanted to strengthen royal authority, power over the sea’s, American colonies, & Ireland. – Used differences in Ireland to keep them from uniting.

Prussia • Frederick II (Frederick the Great) – Asserted extreme control over subjects – “first servant of the state” and his duty to work for the common good. – Praised Voltaire and invited French intellectuals to Prussia. – Reduced use of torture and allowed a free press. – Tolerated religious differences. • “In my kingdom, everyone can go to heaven in his own fashion. ” – Did not want to give up power for himself though.

Austria • Joseph II – Succeeded his mother Maria Theresa. • She did not push for reforms but is considered an enlightened monarch. • Wanted to modernize Austria- Joseph II continued later – Disguised himself to walk among his subjects and learn their problems. – Supported religious equality for Protestants and Jews despite opposition • Attempted to bring Catholic Church into royal control – Allowed free press – Sold property of monasteries and gave proceeds to those involved in education and caring for the sick. – Abolished serfdom

Russia • Catherine the Great – Greatly influenced by the philosophes • Exchanged letters with Voltaire and Diderot – Believed strongly in equality and liberty. – Made limited reforms in the government. • • Abolished torture Established religious tolerance. Granted nobles a charter of rights Criticized serfdom – Did not want to give up power though