8. Absolute Monarchy

For History 306.

1. History of Europe: Renaissance to 1815

2. It is legal because I wish it. ∼ Louis XIV, King of France

3. Absolute Monarchy Introduction

4. Absolutism What was Absolute Monarchy? System of government In which all power resided with king Or as Louis XIV said: I am the State . In Latin, “absolute” means “free of all restraints” Crises of 17 th & early 18 th c. weakened national governments Wars, inflation, demographic decline Monarchies begin to rebuild on a new model New approach to role of religion in governing

5. Absolutism Defining Absolutism All sovereignty resides in the king, meaning that King’s power virtually unrestrained, even by law Because king is above the law Not answerable to a legislature, or to the nobility or church King claims to embody the state And the only authority in the state Process does create opposition, but succeeds in number of countries

6. Absolutism Justifying Absolute Monarchy James I of England (VI of Scotland) Wrote The True Law of Free Monarchies Essay of political theory Setting out theory of Divine Right of Kings Political & religious of legitimate rule King or queen selected before birth Traced to story in 1 Samuel “Lord’s anointed” deemed inviolable

7. Absolutism James I in speech to Parliament, 1610: The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth, for kings are not only God's lieutenants upon earth and sit upon God's throne, but even by God himself they are called gods. … … In the Scriptures kings are called gods, and so their power after a certain relation compared to the Divine power. Kings are also compared to fathers of families; for a king is truly  parens patriae  [parent of the country], the politic father of his people. And lastly, kings are compared to the head of this microcosm of the body of man.

8. Absolutism Five Steps to Absolute Monarchy: Subjugate the Nobility Build a huge, all-pervasive bureaucracy Collect more & more tax money – need is unending Establish a large, standing army International defense, but also king’s internal police force Establish religious uniformity With king in control

9. Absolute Monarchy France: The Sun King

10. Absolutism France & the Ancien Regime Political & social system in Kingdom of France Late Middle Ages to French Revolution Focus on administrative centralization Replacing personal patronage systems organized around the King With institutional systems constructed around the state Much of this focused on raising money To conduct war, support territorial expansion, supporting the monarchy

11. Absolutism Henry IV (1553-1610) King of Navarre from 1572 Raised as a Protestant Marriage and St. Bartholomew’s Massacre King of France from 1589 “Paris is worth a Mass” Converted to Catholicism

12. Absolutism Henry IV: Edict of Nantes (1598) Public declaration granted substantial rights to Huguenots Calvinist Protestants in France (Huguenots) Opened a path for tolerance & secularism Significantly – the Edict signified Henry IV re-establishing power of the monarchy Over the challenge of the nobility During decades of conflict

13. Absolutism Henry IV Asserted control over the Parlements (high courts) Restored Paris as a great city Military – reorganized the army Pay raised, standing army maintained Under Finance Minister, Duke of Sully, able to raise money Eliminated national debt Actually able to set aside money in treasury Pont Neuf , completed in reign of Henry IV

14. Absolutism Henry IV & Sully, Finance Minister Raised taxes Created a bureaucracy through sale of public offices To avoid abuses, instituted the Paulette tax “Allowed” to pay the tax if they do what king wants while in office And can keep the office in the family, passed down to heirs Maximilien de Béthune , duc de Sully

15. Absolutism Henry IV & Sully, Finance Minister Mercantilism Export more goods than you import By encouraging domestic production of goods you have historically imported Maintain favorable trade balance, bring money into country Increasing the tax base for national treasury

16. Absolutism Louis XIII Assumed throne on assassination of Henry IV Relied heavily on Cardinal Richelieu Extremely capable minister One of the greatest builders of absolutism Louis XIII

17. Absolutism Louis XIII Cardinal Richelieu – sought to Secure absolute obedience to monarchy Subdue the rebellious nobility Gain control over the religious question Raise international prestige of France & its monarchy

18. Absolutism Cardinal Richelieu & Huguenots Edict of Nantes Huguenots could maintain armed fortresses Weakened King’s position, at home and abroad Richelieu – supremacy of Catholicism Embodied by the monarchy Cardinal Richelieu at the Siege of La Rochelle

19. Absolutism Cardinal Richelieu Crushed revolts of the nobility Including those led by king’s mother, Marie, & brother, Gaston Day of Dupes – attempt to eliminate Richelieu failed Ruthless reaction by Richelieu & Louis XIII Military action, arrests, executions

20. Absolutism Louis XIII Cardinal Richelieu – impact Crucial period of reform for France Local, even religious, interests subordinated to those of nation And the embodiment of the nation: the King In foreign policy, kept the Habsburgs at bay And minimized impact of Thirty Years War on France

21. Absolutism Cardinal Richelieu: taxation Created the position of the intendant Venal tax collectors had bought their office Held back some of taxes collected – cheating the government Intendants appointed by the king, paid salaries Fired if they do the job of tax collection poorly Used “tax farmers” & backing of army Result: another step toward greater central control of country

22. Absolutism Cardinal Mazarin Chief minister to King of France 1642-1661 Acted as co-ruler during regency for Louis XIV Continued Richelieu’s anti-Habsburg policies Laid foundation for Louis XIV’s expansionist policies Instrumental in negotiations for Peace of Westphalia Ended Thirty Years’ War Left France most powerful state in Europe

23. Absolutism Thirty Years War (1618-1648) Backdrop to era of emerging absolute monarchy One of most destructive conflicts in human history 8 million fatalities: military engagements, plague, famine, violence German-speaking territories especially hard hit Part religious, part political Struggle between France and the Hapsburgs Intervention of other European states led to full-scale war

24. Absolutism Peace of Westphalia - 1648 Series of treaties signed across Europe Reiterated Peace of Augsburg of 1555 Ruler’s religion was territory’s religion Most important outcome: “Westphalian Sovereignty” Principle of international law Each nation-state has sovereignty over its territory, affairs Non-interference in other nation’s affairs Ratification of one of the Westphalian peace treaties

25. Absolutism Peace of Westphalia Europe after 1648

26. Absolutism The Fronde Series of civil wars in France, 1648-1653 Combined princes, nobility, law courts, most of French people In opposition to new policies that took power from nobility & increased taxes on the bourgeoisie Louis XIV & Mazarin prevailed Increased trend toward absolutism King Louis XIV Crushes the Fronde, 1654

27. Absolutism Louis XIV – “The Sun King” Most powerful ruler in French history Ruled without a Chief Minister Upon death of Cardinal Mazarin in 1661 Personal control of the reins of government Launched series of governmental reforms Fiscal, administrative, military, & religious In all respects, changes worked to bolster power of monarchy

28. Absolutism Louis XIV – Centralization of Power Religion: limiting power of Pope in France Declaration of the Clergy of France 1682 Bishops couldn’t leave France without royal approval No appeals to the Pope allowed No excommunication of government officials for acts as part of their duties Church law invalid unless approved by the King

29. Absolutism Louis XIV – Centralization of Power Nobility: increased control over aristocracy Moved court to Versailles Nobility wanting access to King had to come to Versailles Elaborate court ritual centering around the king Favors and positions distributed according to attendance at court and to Louis XIV

30. Absolutism Louis XIV – Role of Versailles As a child, witnessed events of the Fronde Distrust of Paris & higher aristocracy Hunting lodge & chateau of Louis XIII Became palace, court for Louis XIV Renovation 1661-78 Enlargement 1678-1715 Top, Chateau of Louis XIII at Versailles, 1660-1663; Bottom, During 1 st Reconstruction, 1668

31. Absolutism Versailles

32. Absolutism Louis XIV Court & government moved to Versailles Extract more control of government from the nobility Distance himself from the population of Paris Required nobles of a certain rank & position to spend time each year Prevented development of regional powers If nobles consumed with extreme court etiquette, wouldn’t have time to plot and overthrow the government

33. Absolutism Louis XIV Etiquette at court Like a carefully choreographed dance Restricted to where one could stand, how to enter/exit a room, type of chair to sit on Everything – even private part of the King or Queen’s day – was ruled by protocol and etiquette Specific ways to approach one’s superiors, even knock on a door Hint – don’t knock! Scratch door quietly with little finger

34. Absolutism Louis XIV and Ballet Dance a part of court etiquette for decades For Louis, means to control the nobility Ready to join in any of a dozen dances Intricate, challenging to remember them all Especially fond of ballet Age 15 – staged a 12 hour series of mini-ballets that he starred in Le Ballet de la Nuit

35. Absolutism Louis XIV and Ballet Masculine displays of athleticism, virility Louis often danced lead roles in the ballets At Versailles – elaborate affairs More than court politics - way to show rest of Europe France the center of high culture It pretty much worked – everything French popular at other courts

36. Absolutism Versailles & Absolutism Palace itself was propaganda Meant to reflect wealth, power of France King: embodiment of that wealth, power Even in materials used for construction Reflection of France’s greatness Hall of Mirrors – French, not Italian, mirrors used

37. Absolutism Versailles The Sun King France revolved around Louis XIV As the planets revolved around the Sun

38. Absolutism Versailles

39. Absolutism Absolutist France Expansion of Territory Religious suppression Revoked protections for Huguenots Continued centralization of power At expense of nobility & church With tax exploitation of lower & middle classes

40. Absolute Monarchy Sweden & Absolutism

41. Absolutism Swedish Empire Emerged as a great power by mid-17 th c. King Gustavus Adolphus The Golden King and The Lion of the North Brilliant military commander Led to military supremacy in Thirty Years War Arguably, domestic reforms just as brilliant Including establishing modern autocratic bureaucracy

42. Absolutism Sweden: Development of Central Bureaucracy Required when Sweden entered Thirty Years War Able to govern at home & fight major war abroad Under Gustavus Adolphus: “Form of Government of 1634” Gave Sweden modern, efficient central government Creation of the Supreme Court Establishment of Treasury & Chancery as permanent administrative boards Admiralty Office & War Office

43. Absolutism Woodcut of Stockholm, 1570-80 Sweden: Development of Central Bureaucracy “Form of Government of 1634” Stockholm became a true capital With permanent population of civil servants In terms of local government, thorough reform Creating professional local governments under control of crown For 1st time, Council of State a permanent organ of government Able to continue governing when king off to war

44. Absolutism Sweden: Development of Central Bureaucracy Revitalization & improvement of Stockholm Reflection of the power & strength of the nation Administrative reforms to bring about the rebuilding Office of the Governor of Stockholm established 1634 Increased regulations on city building, projects Increased state involvement in commerce & trade But incorporated nobility, educated class

45. Absolutism Sweden: Development of Central Bureaucracy The Riksdag of the Estates : national legislature Limited number of estates represented to four Nobles, clergy, burghers, peasants Regulated its procedures Identified with policies of the monarch Especially under Gustavus Adolphus Swedish House of Nobility, 18 th c.

46. Absolutism Sweden: Development of Central Bureaucracy Axel Oxenstierna, Chancellor Senior minister & advisor Aristocrat Working relationship with Gustavus Adolphus Avoided conflict with nobility Contributions key to modern Swedish state Continued under Queen Christina

47. Absolutism Sweden: Development of Central Bureaucracy Queen Christina (1626-1689) Less cooperation with Axel Oxenstierna But institutions provided continuity Abdication in 1654 Conversion to Catholicism

48. Absolutism Sweden: Development of Central Bureaucracy Peace of Westphalia - 1648 Sweden granted territories as war reparations Third largest area of land control in Europe Under reign of Charles XI, overthrow of high nobility And establishment of “bureaucratic absolutism”

49. Absolutism Charles XI of Sweden Reign divided into two periods Regency (1660-1672) Monopolized by members of high nobility Internal feuds on Privy Council, period of near anarchy Personal Rule (1672-1697) Charles XI uses Scanian War to declare need for firm leadership

50. Absolutism Sweden: Development of Central Bureaucracy 1680: Charles XI targeted the High Nobility Had acquired land, power, wealth This was a threat to Sweden’s monarchy Allied himself with “lesser” classes Lower nobility, clergy, burghers, peasants Made legal & constitutional changes in 4 areas Land, government, army, bureaucracy

51. Absolutism Sweden: Development of Central Bureaucracy Appeared before the Riksdag of the Estates Asked the Estates if he was still bound to the Privy Council Response: "he was not bound by anyone other than himself” Formal establishment of absolute monarchy in Sweden 1693: Riksdag of the Estates officially proclaimed king was sole ruler

52. Absolutism Sweden: Central Bureaucracy Charles XI reforms: policy of resumption “Great Commission” established Former royal land sold cheaply to nobility to raise money Returned to the crown By end of Charles’ reign in 1697, crown owned 30% of land Compared to 1% when he became king Läckö Castle, one of many mansions reclaimed by the Crown.

53. Absolutism Sweden: Central Bureaucracy Modernization & Reform Table of Ranks (1680) Revised in 1696 Promotion dependent on service & merit, not birth Civil Service increasingly open to commoners Impact Government both answerable to king And working regardless of king Stabilizing nation, enhancing security

54. Absolute Monarchy Russia & Absolutism

55. Absolutism Tsar Peter the Great (1672-1725) Dynamic, imposing, ruthless Intelligent & extremely capable ruler Russia – still in Middle Ages Feudal economy, with land farmed by impoverished serf class Became entrenched under Peter the Great While Renaissance swept Europe, Russia remained underdeveloped And resisted westernization

56. Absolutism Peter the Great Built Russian Empire Most profound influence: opens Russia to Western ideas Injected European culture into Russia Transforms Russia into European-style absolute monarchy Opens Russia up to international commerce Trade meant wealth, wealth would improve lives of Russian people Makes Russia major military power Peter contemplating building St. Petersburg on shore of Baltic Sea

57. Absolutism Peter the Great Early in reign, traveled throughout Europe Visited shipyards, workshops, factories Gain knowledge of shipbuilding, clockmaking, copperwork Returned with 260 chests of Weapons, scientific instruments, tools Recruited military & technical experts to teach skills to Russians

58. Absolutism Peter the Great Reforms to modernize Russia: the Military Reorganized along modern western examples From large, irregular, low-quality & ill-prepared To a standing army Nobility in the officer corps, after going through the ranks New training for military Heavily Russian, through draft – not mercenaries

59. Absolutism Peter the Great Dream of access to the Sea More maritime outlets for trade, security Baltic Sea Mostly enclosed sea of the Atlantic Ocean Controlled by Sweden to North of Russia Black Sea Controlled by Ottoman & Safavid Empires to South

60. Absolutism Peter the Great Reforms to modernize Russia: Building a Navy Brought in foreign advisors with naval expertise By 1725, had 48 ships and 800 galleys Officers in Navy were foreign Crews were Russian Ships built in Russian shipyards Fleet of Peter the Great, 1709

61. Absolutism The Great Northern War (1700-1721) Russia vs. Sweden Ending with Swedish defeat Leaving Russia new dominant power in Baltic region Ports on shores of Baltic New major force in European politics Death of Charles XII of Sweden at Siege of Fredriksten , 1718

62. Absolutism Peter the Great 1 st Tsar to seek access to Black Sea Ultimately Straits of Constantinople Gained access to Turkish port of Azov Forced to surrender back to Turks But victories in the conflict important Russia on radar of European nations, began to fear Russia As they feared Sweden previously Capture of Azov, 1696

63. Absolutism Peter the Great Modernization cost money Upgrading military Including building a navy Creating new capital at St. Petersburg Western-style educational institutions Support for industrialization to increase Russia’s economic role Wars expanding Russian territory, getting outlet to sea

64. Absolutism Peter the Great Administrative Reforms Reducing the power of Russia’s nobility “Table of Ranks” – created educated class of noble bureaucrats Formal list of positions and ranks in military, government, and court of Imperial Russia Service became basis for standing in society Not birth or wealth Nobility could be achieved through service to the State

65. Absolutism Peter the Great Religious Reforms Deeply religious individual, but low regard for Church hierarchy Refused to replace Patriarch, leader of the Church in Russia Replaced position with a Holy Synod Eliminated potential Patriarch with more power than Tsar Tsar appointed all Bishops Limits on the clergy St. Basil’s Cathedral

66. Absolutism St. Petersburg Peter’s new capital Russian outlet to West Part of attempt by Tsar Reduce power of Church Take spiritual leadership of Russia away from Moscow Nobles ordered to move there Build own homes To strict architectural designs

67. Absolutism Peter the Great Peterhof Palace Russian version of Versailles Reflection of the power and magnificence of the Tsar French-style interior, elaborate gardens

68. Absolutism Peter the Great Tax reform to raise revenues Abolished land tax and household tax Replaced with “poll tax” – shifted tax base from just property owners All individuals, including serfs and paupers Penalties for those opposing westernization “Beard tax” – targeted “ slavophiles ” sticking with Russian customs Stamp tax – on paper goods Russian beard token, 1705