The Rise of Royal Power In this lesson

The Rise of Royal Power In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: Divine Right Theory Absolute Ruler Louis XIV Thomas Hobbes E. Napp

The Protestant Reformation led to conflict between Catholics and Protestants. E. Napp

Religious wars frequently followed. E. Napp

Kings were able to increase their standing armies and increase taxation during the Reformation to restore peace. E. Napp

In addition to the Reformation, increased trade created a new class of people: the Middle Class. The Middle Class frequently allied with kings for protection and stability. E. Napp

Monarchs also gained power due to the belief in Divine Right. E. Napp

Divine Right of Kings • Divine Right Theory was the idea that a monarch’s power came from God. • It was the belief that the King or Monarch was God’s Deputy on Earth. • It was the belief that God had appointed the King and the people had to obey the King. E. Napp

Louis XIV was a divine ruler in France. He was an absolute ruler. E. Napp

Absolutism • Absolutism refers to a monarch’s total control over his subjects. • An absolute ruler has absolute power. • The monarch or king makes every decision for the nation. E. Napp

Thomas Hobbes was a British philosopher. E. Napp

Hobbes believed that only kings could maintain order. E. Napp

The Protestant Reformation changed life in many European societies. One significant change was the rise of powerful kings. E. Napp

It was an age of powerful monarchs. E. Napp

Questions for Reflection: • What changes in European society increased the power of kings? • Define Divine Right Theory. • Who was a divine ruler in France? • What did Thomas Hobbes believe? • Define absolutism. • How does absolutism differ from democracy? E. Napp