French Absolutism Big Picture In the wake of

French Absolutism

Big Picture • In the wake of disastrous Wars of Religion (see Ch. 14) in the late 16 th Century (1500’s), King Henry IV, the first of the French Bourbon kings, began restoring the power of the French monarchy. Then in the early 17 th Century (1600’s), Cardinal Richelieu, chief minister to Louis XIII, raised the authority of the French monarchy to new heights and increased France’s Power in Europe.

Big Picture (cont. ) • Cardinal Mazarin continued Richelieu’s work during the early years of the reign of King Louis XIV, further reducing the power of the nobility. After Louis XIV’s personal rule began in 1661, the French absolute monarchy stood at the height of its power both in France and Europe. The wars of Louis XIV proved extremely costly, however, and left France a burden of debt that would lead to the French monarchy to collapse int eh 18 th century (1700’s). Nevertheless, in the 17 th century, France was the most powerful country in Europe.

THE AGE OF ABSOLUTE MONARCHS

BACKGROUND • Theory of Absolutism – Sovereign power and ultimate authority of a state rests in the hands of a monarch – Who do they get that power? • GOD…. . DIVINE RIGHT – Not subordinate to any national assemblies – Weakening of the Nobility (West) • Nobility in the EAST remained strong

BACKGROUND • Theory of Absolutism – Bureaucracy • Career officials (lifetime terms) • Appointed by Monarch (Loyalty) – Many (bourgeoisie) middle class / or new nobility Purchased titles from king – Eager to play a loyal role while weakening power of old nobility – In order to enforce loyalty, professional, full time armies were raised (Military revolution)

BACKGROUND • Theory of Absolutism – CHURCH AND STATE • Gain control of Catholic Church and make it one with the crown • France/ Spain were best examples

BACKGROUND • Theory of Absolutism – MILITARY • Large standing Military • Conscripts / no more mercenaries from other states – SECRET POLICE • go after political opponents/ Fear!

BACKGROUND • Theory of Absolutism • ADVOCATES – #1 Jean Bodin- 1530 -1596 • First to write about this philosophy • During the Wars of Religion and Civil Wars in France (Chaos)

BACKGROUND • Theory of Absolutism • ADVOCATES – #2 Bishop Jacques Bossuet 1627 -1704 • Chief Theorist of “Divine Right” • Court preacher of Louis XIV • “Politics Drawn from the Very Words of Holy Scripture” • Govt. Was divinely ordained so Humans could live in an organized Peaceful society

BACKGROUND • Theory of Absolutism • ADVOCATES – #3 Thomas Hobbes 1588 -1679 • “State of Nature” p. 451 • Human beings are “Solitary, poor, nasty, brutish” • Prefer anarchy and chaos because of Greed • Thus society must submit to the “Great Leviathan”