Transcript Absolutism In Europe - Walker World History

Chapter 16
Key Terms
 Absolute Monarchy
 Unlimited power in the hands of the King and his advisors. The
ruler’s power was not limited by having to consult with nobles,
common people, or their representatives
 Divine Right
 The political idea that monarchs receive their power directly from
God and are responsible only to God for their actions. This allowed
monarchs to go unchallenged by their subjects
 Balance of Power
 Each nation helps to keep peace and order by maintaining power
that is equal to rival nations
 Dynasty
 A family that governs a country based on the idea of divine right
passed down from one generation to the next
Age of Absolutism
 The term absolutism represents the way monarchs
changed their central governments to increase their
power
 Who’s involved?
 Spain
 France
 Austria
 Prussia
 Russia
Why did absolutism occur?
 This period occurs after the age of exploration (1500-
1700’s)
 Kingdoms have increased trade and wealth
 King profits from new trading companies
 Reformation had weakened the church, allowing kings
to gain more power
 One stable ruler
 Lead to stable economy
Assignment
 History is a tangled web of cause and effect. Use your
prior knowledge to analyze how these events in Europe
are connected.
 How did ideas during the Renaissance and
Reformation lead to the development of Absolutism in
Europe?
 Look back through your notes at the reasons why
Absolutism occurred as well as the key terms to help
you answer this question. Your answer should be a 1
page essay.