Absolutism in Europe
The main factor that strengthened European monarchs between 1500–1800 was because the Church’s power slowly decreased, feudalism slowed, cities grew, middle class traded and the paying for overseas colonies were provided with wealth which allowed the powerful monarchs to unify countries, protect subjects and improve the economy. The monarchs believed themselves to be the representatives of God, thus taking control of people and giving themselves unlimited power.
The steps Louis XIV took to establish absolute control of France was called “One King,” “One Law,” and “one Faith.” Some things he did to make this possible was, to claim the Divine Right, convert himself to the Catholic faith and make it the official state religion, did not keep an advisor, established a law code and did much more.
The legacies of Louis XIV, the Sun King, was establishing France to have majority of the power in Europe, having French wars, which led to debt, and the French resentment in royalty which eventually led to the Age of Revolution.
Frederick changed forever. Something that happened in Frederick the Great’s early life that shaped who he became as a leader later, was that his father saw how he had talent for the arts, philosophy and music. His father didn’t call this talent but, instead called him “weak.” He forced him to live with Military discipline and later, he became known for his strong military and triumphant wars.
Frederick the Great was able to expand Prussia’s’ territory by waging two wars with Austria. He won the “seven years’ war” against five other powerful armies. With only the British as his allies. He led the military personally, and they were named the best in all of Europe. He earned the title “The Great.”
Historians consider Frederick the Great to be one of the first enlightened despots. This is because he won almost every war he fought in, and he was known for his vicious military and smart tactics. The monarchs formed alliances with Prussia, which highly benefitted them. He sought to use his absolute powers to improve the lives of his subjects by building dams and canals, an opera house, expanding territories, increase his religious tolerance, open schools for commons and train government officials, and add some freedom to a few of the harsh laws.
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Peter the Great sought to modernize Russia by making a strong military, encouraging trade, make new roads, and cities and canals. The ideas that he got from the European nations he visited was to make Russia “Westernized,” have education, and modernize Russian economy and the Navy.
Louis XIV:
- Didn’t have another advisor after the one he already had, died.
- Sold positions of nobility and spent the money for wars.
- Nobles had to compete for his favor.
- Never called the legislative branch.
- Created “Code Louis.”
- Converted to Catholic faith and made it the state religion.
- Claimed divine right.
Peter the Great:
- Promoted commoners to positions of authority for their loyalty.
- Replaced the church’s’ patriarch.
- Gained power through warfare.
- Kept a military with strong weapons.
- Took care of his trade with others.
- Expanded his territory.
- Claimed divine Right.
Frederick the Great
- Protected Russia through military strength.
- He had a strong military.
- Improved living conditions for his people.
- He had a likeable personality.
- Created harsh laws, have more freedom.
- Had religious tolerance.
- Claimed divine right.
The monarchs decisions were all similar in that they they all had claimed to have Divine Right, which is when a a person claims to have superiority above all from God. All monarchs also needed to overcome Russian nobility and fight in wars to achieve something they wanted to gain power for.
The monarch’s actions differed as they each fought with different people and nations because they lived in different locations or time periods. Peter replaced the patriarch of the church, while Louis made the state religion Catholic, and Frederick practiced religious toleration.
The most enlightened person out of the three absolute monarchs is Frederick the Great. I think this because Frederick was a very successful man and gave up the things he loved like music, philosophy, and art. By listening to his father about being more involved in the military, it turned out to be a major success for him, and he earned the title “the great.” His military was the best in all of Europe, and his strategies were always well executed and planned out. I think this is because enlightenment can mean many things. It can mean that someone has reached an understanding of one’s life or situation. Or it can mean that someone has led a righteous life and has done good deeds for others. Frederick has proved to have enlightenment in his life through both ways.
