Thomas HobbesLived through violent English Civil War – a fight between the monarch with absolute power and Parliament, who wanted more power for the people. Was a tutor to the English King. Had a pessimistic view of human nature.

Thomas Hobbes, English political philosopher

John LockeAlso lived through the English Civil War. Was a writer, but also a government official and political activist.

John Locke, political philosopher

Bossuet

BishopAppointed to tutor Louis XIV – absolute monarch

What does this painting tell you about French Absolutism?

Absolute monarch definition:

Kings and Queens who held all the power within their state boundary and controlled all aspects of society.•Control of religion•Control of nobility•Use of beaureacracyThey believed they were representatives of God on Earth. (DIVINE RIGHT)

Monarchs

• Head of army• Head of church• Made laws• Controlled economy• Controlled social life

French Absolutism: Tour of Versailles

What IS Versailles? Lavish French royal palace built by King Louis XIV (1638-1713)

As you take the tour, think about…

What does Versailles say about the role of the absolute monarchy?

1. Tour of Versailles: map

Write: What does each aspect of Versailles tell you about

French Absolutism?

2. Tour of Versailles: New Chateau

3. Tour of Versailles: Hall of Mirrors

Fun Fact – Treaty of Versailles

4. Tour of Versailles: Queen’s Bedchamber

4. Tour of Versailles: “Grand Apartment”

4. Tour of Versailles: King’s Suite

5. Tour of Versailles: Chapel Royal

6. Tour of Versailles: Statue of Louis XIV

7. Tour of Versailles: Gardens Formal…

7. Tour of Versailles: … and Gardens Fanciful

7. Tour of Versailles: … and Gardens Fanciful

7. Tour of Versailles: Map & Grand Canal

How We Got Here...

Feudal TimesNoblemen and landowners supreme

Serfs tied to the LandKing has little or no power

“New” MonarchiesCentralization

Control of militaryPartnerships with nobility to retain status

Royal courts, laws and taxesPower struggle with the Church

French Absolutism

France:A Bundle of

Regions UnderA King

The Reign of Henry IV

The Reign of Louis XIII1610-1643

Cardinal Richelieu

Who was really ruling France?

The Reign Of Louis XIV 1643-1715

Begins rule in 1651

Julius Mazarin 1643-1661

Growing unrest…a call for absolute rule?

“ One Rule, One Law, One Faith”

The Economic Mindof France

Jean BaptisteColbert

mercantilism