Crisis and Absolutism in Europe 1550-1715

Crisis and Crisis and Absolutism in Absolutism in

EuropeEurope1550-17151550-1715

Monarchy

A system of governing through heredity leadership, headed by a king/queen or both.

Absolutism

What is Absolutism?

Absolutism is a system in which a ruler holds total power.

Tied to the idea of the divine right of kings– Rulers received their power from God

and were only to answer to God

Scope of Power for Absolutists

Rulers could:1. Make laws2. Levy taxes3. Administer justice4. Control officials5. Determine foreign policy

Europe’s Monarchies

Machiavelli’s Perfect Prince?

Machiavelli believed that a ruler must be stern, and feared over loved.

Rulers must always act in the best interest of the nation, not only morally.

Rulers must not fear becoming unpopular if the actions are justified.

Extending Spanish Power

Section 1

Charles V & the Hapsburgs

Spain was the first modern European nation

1519, Charles V became king of Spain & Hapsburg Empire (Germany & Netherlands)

Charles V’s Rule

Faced many difficulties in ruling 2 empires at the same time

Retired as king in 1556, Divided the empire into separate kingdoms with different rulers

Philip II

Ruled Spain for 42 years, Devoted to running the government Made himself and ABSOLUTE

monarch– He had total and complete control over

all aspects of running the nation

Philip II & Divine Right He believed he ruled by DIVINE

RIGHT God gave him the authority to be king

Focused on Religion:– Used the Inquisition to ensure

Protestants were punished and Catholicism was enforced

– Known as “most Catholic king” EVER

The Wars of Philip II

Fighting in the Netherlands over Protestant vs Catholic faiths

Attempted to invade England to punish Elizabeth I for problems caused in the Americas

Philip II’s Invasion of England

Philip II sent the powerful Spanish Armada (fleet of ships) to attack

A combination of weather and better English ships caused the Spanish fleet to be mostly destroyed

Philip II’s Problems and Legacy

Philip spent Spain’s treasury on colonial expansion, his palaces, spreading Catholicism but NOT on military.

Spanish power around the world began to lessen as a result.

Spain’s Golden Age

1550-1650 is called the Golden Age because of the support of art & literature– Painters: El Greco, Diego Velazquez– Writers: Miguel de Cervantes (Don

Quixote)

Spain’s Economic Decline

No strong leaders after Philip II Wars were expensive Taxes and inflation were high Skilled Jewish and Muslim artisans

were forced out of Spain

The Kingdom of France

Section 2

French wars of religion

The Valois Family:The Beginning of the End

The Valois Family:The Beginning of the End

Henri II was the last powerful Valois

Three weak sons followed: Francis II Charles IX Henri III

A Mothers Role?

Catherine de Medici controlled the sons:– Was mother to the boys– Played both sides in the civil war– Developed a reputation for cruelty

Catherine de MediciCatherine de Medici

The French Civil WarThe French Civil War There were two sides:

Guise family led Catholics in North Bourbon family led Huguenots in South Fighting for the royal inheritance

Catherine supported the Guises in the first phase.

St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre

St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre– August 24, 1572– 20,000 Huguenots were killed– Henri of Navarre, a Bourbon, survived

The French Civil WarThe French Civil War Catherine started supporting the Bourbons

(Catholic League).

Henri of Navarre defeated Catholic League & becomes Henry IV of France.

CatholicLeagueCatholicLeague

ProtestantUnion

ProtestantUnion

CIVILWAR

Effects of Civil War:

1. France was left divided by religion2. Royal power had weakened3. Valois family now replaced by

Bourbons

Religious tensions caused much violence

Henry IV attempted to please Protestants (Huguenots) and Catholics Henry IV was a Huguenot

but converted to Catholicism to appease majority

Issued the Edict of Nantes protected Protestant communities

Henry IV Rebuilds FranceHenry IV Rebuilds France

Henry IV’s Government Changes

Improved justice system Building projects roads, bridges,

etc. Reduced involvement of nobles in

government– Henry IV is assassinated

Louis XIII

Takes the thrown just before his 9th birthday, son of Henry IV

His mother Marie mismanaged the empire on his behalf causing him to take over as a child.

Cardinal Richelieu

Unofficially ran the French government from 1624-1642 for Louis XIII

Suppressed power of Huguenots and nobles by destroying their armies and castles

Gave nobles official positions to keep them loyal to the king

Louis XIV, The Sun King

Became king at age 5 (son of Louis XIII who took throne when his father died in 1643)

Used the sun as a symbol of his absolute power

Louis was supposed to appoint a regent to rule, but shocked everyone and rule alone.

Louis XIV’s Ruling Strategy

Louis XIV used the middle class to give important jobs (so they stayed loyal)– Collected taxes, built the army, etc.– French army became strongest in

Europe

Louis XIV & Estates General

Estates General (French Parliament)– Never met and did not have a role in

government– This makes the Estates General useless,

just for show

French Economy

Increased farmland and mining industries

Encouraged trade of luxury items Taxed imported goods to take care of

French craftsmen Emphasis on trade with colonies

overseas

Result?

France became the richest European country

Louis XIV often needed more money to pay for extravagant lifestyle.

Versailles Palace

Massive Versailles palace was a symbol of Louis’s power and riches

L’ouis XIVL’ouis XIV

Versailles StatisticsVersailles Statistics

f

2,000 acres of grounds 12 miles of roads 27 miles of trellises 200,000 trees 210,000 flowers planted

every year 80 miles of rows of trees 55 acres surface area of the

Grand Canal 12 miles of enclosing walls 50 fountains and 620

fountain nozzles 21 miles of water conduits

3,600 cubic meters per hour: water consumed

26 acres of roof 51,210 square meters of floors 2,153 windows 700 rooms 67 staircases 6,000 paintings 1,500 drawings and 15,000

engravings 2,100 sculptures 5,000 items of furniture and

objects d'art 150 varieties of apple and

peach trees in the Vegetable Garden

Louis XIII’s Old Chateau

Louis XIII’s Old Chateau

Versailles TodayVersailles Today

Palais de VersaillesPalais de Versailles

Palais de VersaillesPalais de Versailles

Versailles Palace,Park Side

Versailles Palace,Park Side

Garden View of Versailles

Garden View of Versailles

Chateau de Versailles

Chateau de Versailles

Chateau de Versailles Gardens

Chateau de Versailles Gardens

The OrangeryThe Orangery

Hall of

Mirrors

Hall of

Mirrors

The Queen’s

Bed

The Queen’s

Bed

The King’s Bed

The King’s Bed

Louis XIV’s Chapel

Louis XIV’s Chapel

Louis XIV’s Chapel Altarpiece

Louis XIV’s Chapel Altarpiece

Organ in Louis XIV’s Chapel

Organ in Louis XIV’s Chapel

Louis XIV’s Opera Stage

Louis XIV’s Opera Stage

Cabinet with Views of Versailles, 19c

Cabinet with Views of Versailles, 19c

Louis XIV FurnitureLouis XIV Furniture

Louis’s Power

High ranking nobles were given prestigious jobs serving the king at Versailles

This kept the nobles under the king’s watch and limited any threat of them gaining power

Arts were encourage (plays, art, music, dance, etc.)

Louis’s Reign

Ruled as king for 72 years Monarchy defined by grossly

overspending on court life

French Failures

Costly wars led other European countries to create alliances against France

Religious persecution against Protestant Huguenots—also hurt the economy as they were a majority of the middle class who paid taxes

French social class structure

1st

Estate

2nd Estate

3rd Estate

The

Thirty Years

War (1618-1648)

The

Thirty Years

War (1618-1648)

1618-16481618-1648

The Holy Roman Empire was the battleground.

At the beginning it was the Catholics vs. the Protestants.

At the end it was HabsburgHabsburg power that was threatened.

Resolved by the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648.

Characteristics of the Thirty Years War

Characteristics of the Thirty Years War

Political Provisions: Each German prince became free from any

kind of control by the Holy Roman Emperor.

The United Provinces [Dutch Neths.] became officially independent southern part remained a Spanish possession.

France received most of the German-speaking province of Alsace *This will cause problems later!

The Peace of Westphalia (1648)The Peace of Westphalia (1648)

Provisions Continued– Sweden got lands in No. Ger. on the

Baltic & Black Sea coasts; won a voice in the Diet of the Holy Roman Empire; Brandenburg got important territories on North Sea & in central Germany.

– Switzerland became totally independent of the Holy Roman Emperor Swiss Confederation.

Religious Provisions: Calvinists would have the same

privileges as the Lutherans had in the Peace of Augsburg.

The ruler of each state could determine its official religion, BUT [except in the hereditary lands of the Habsburgs], he must permit freedom of private worship.

The Peace of Westphalia (1648)The Peace of Westphalia (1648)

1688-1700

Many Protestants felt betrayed.

The pope denounced it.

Only merit it ended the fighting in a war that became intolerable!

For the next few centuries, this war was blamed for everything that went wrong in Central Europe.

Nobody Was Happy!Nobody Was Happy!

Triumph of Parliament in England

Queen Elizabeth I

Takes reigns in 1558 after death of Mary (Bloody Mary)

Dubbed “The Virgin Queen” because she refused to marry

Problems Elizabeth Inherited

The country was at war with France, drain on the royal treasury

Tension between Protestants & Catholics- Act of Supremacy & Act of Uniformity settled this

Famous for avoiding war by stirring trouble with enemies

Challenges to Power

She thwarted an invasion attempt by King Philip II of Spain’s armada

She eliminated a challenge to her power by her cousin Mary Queen of Scots – executed her

Problems in the Kingdom

country suffered from failed crops, unemployment and inflation. 

 riots over food shortages and rebellions in Ireland. 

One of her suitors betrayed her by leading a rebellion

The End of the Tudors

Elizabeth I died on March 24, 1603 Her death marked the end of the

Tudor monarchy in England Son of her biggest rival, Mary

Stuart’s ascended to the throne as James I.

James I [r. 1603-1625]

Wanted absolute power.

He quickly alienated a Parliament grown accustomed under the Tudors to act on the premise that monarch and Parliament TOGETHER ruled England as a “balance polity.”

James I [r. 1603-1625] He alienated the Puritans by his

strong defense of the Anglican Church.

Many of England’s gentry [mostly rich landowners below the level of the nobility] became Puritans.

These Puritan gentry formed an important and large part of the House of Commons.

It was NOT WISE to alienate them!

James I [r. 1603-1625]

Problems he faced:

1. Large royal debt.

2. He wasn’t English he didn’t understand English customs [esp. English law!]

3. Believed in Divine Right of Kings.

4. Pro-Catholic sympathies.

5. Clashed with Parliament

He raised money without Parliament’s consent!

Gunpowder Plot, 1605

An attempt by some provincial Catholics to kill King James I and most of the Protestant aristocracy.

Blow up the House of Lords during the state opening of Parliament.

Failed!Guy Fawkes

Charles I [r. 1625-1649]

2nd son of James I

Pro-ceremonies and rituals.

Uniformity of church services imposed by a church court.

Anglican Book of Common Prayer for both England AND Scotland.

Seen as too pro-Catholic by the Puritans.

Charles I & Parliament Constantly at war with Spain and France.

Always need £, but how to get it??

Usually Parliament would give Charles £ from taxes to fund his wars.

Periodically, Parliament would deny funds.

In return, Charles would dissolve Parliament and try to rule England without it find funds in other ways.

Forced “loans,” selling aristocratic titles, etc.

Ship Money Assessments, 1636[per square mile]

A medieval tax for coastal cities for defense.

Charles applied them to inland counties as well.

This got him around the need to call Parliament into session.

The Petition of Rights, 1628 In return for money to fund his wars, Charles I agreed:

No imprisonment without due cause.

No taxation without Parliament’s consent.

No putting soldiers in private homes.

No martial law during peacetime.

Charles signed it, and then ignored it, dissolving Parliament!

Sound familiar at

all?

The Civil War

(1642-1649)

The Civil War

(1642-1649)

Civil War (1642-1649)

Royalists(Cavaliers)Royalists

(Cavaliers)Parliamentarians

(Roundheads)Parliamentarians

(Roundheads)

House of Lords

N & W England

Aristocracy

Large landowners

Church officials

More rural

House of Commons

S & E England

Puritans

Merchants

Townspeople

More urban

Oliver Cromwell [1599-1658]† Officer of the Parliamentary army [cavalry] the

New Model Army.

† Led the army that defeated royal forces and now controlled the government.

The Battle of Naseby [re-

enactment], 1645a Charles I is

defeated at Marston Moor, Naseby, and Preston.

a He is handed over to Parliament.

Pride’s Purge, 1648Pride’s Purge, 1648

Cromwell purges the House of Commons of Cromwell purges the House of Commons of moderates [anyone who isn’t anti-moderates [anyone who isn’t anti-monarchy].monarchy].

The results is the “Rump” Parliament.The results is the “Rump” Parliament.

Regicide Regicide Beheading of Beheading of Charles I, 1649Charles I, 1649

The vote by the The vote by the Rump Rump Parliament was Parliament was 68-67.68-67.

The Puritan Commonwealth The Puritan Commonwealth [1649-1653][1649-1653]

Cromwell rules with the Rump Parliament.Cromwell rules with the Rump Parliament. Constitutional RepublicConstitutional Republic Created a constitution Created a constitution Instrument of Instrument of

GovernmentGovernment No monarch.No monarch. Europe is appalled Europe is appalled other nations don’t other nations don’t

recognize it.recognize it. Cromwell Dissolves the “Rump” Parliament in Cromwell Dissolves the “Rump” Parliament in

16531653

The Protectorate [1653-1660]The Protectorate [1653-1660] Cromwell tears up the ineffective Constitution.Cromwell tears up the ineffective Constitution. Dismisses the Rump Parliament and rules with Dismisses the Rump Parliament and rules with

the support of the military.the support of the military. Declares martial law; Military dictator.Declares martial law; Military dictator. Religious tolerance for all [esp. for Jews], Religious tolerance for all [esp. for Jews],

except for Catholics.except for Catholics. Crushes a rebellion in Scotland.Crushes a rebellion in Scotland. Crushes a rebellion among the Catholics of Crushes a rebellion among the Catholics of

Ireland Ireland kills 40% of all ethnic Irish! kills 40% of all ethnic Irish!

The Protectorate [1653-1660]The Protectorate [1653-1660] Cromwell tears up the ineffective Constitution.Cromwell tears up the ineffective Constitution. Dismisses the Rump Parliament and rules with Dismisses the Rump Parliament and rules with

the support of the military.the support of the military. Declares martial law; Military dictator.Declares martial law; Military dictator. Religious tolerance for all [esp. for Jews], Religious tolerance for all [esp. for Jews],

except for Catholics.except for Catholics. Crushes a rebellion in Scotland.Crushes a rebellion in Scotland. Crushes a rebellion among the Catholics of Crushes a rebellion among the Catholics of

Ireland Ireland kills 40% of all ethnic Irish! kills 40% of all ethnic Irish!

The R estoration

(1660-1688)Parliament could no more exist without the Crown than the Crown without Parliament. This was the

most important lesson of the English Civil War!

King Charles II [r. 1660-1685King Charles II [r. 1660-1685 Had charm, poise, & political Had charm, poise, & political

skills [unlike his father!].skills [unlike his father!]. Restored the theaters and Restored the theaters and

reopened the pubs and brothels reopened the pubs and brothels closed during the Restoration.closed during the Restoration.

Favored religious toleration.Favored religious toleration. Had secret Catholic sympathies.Had secret Catholic sympathies. Realized that he could not Realized that he could not

repeat the mistakes his father repeat the mistakes his father had made.had made.

King Charles II [r. 1660-1685King Charles II [r. 1660-1685

1661 1661 “Cavalier” Parliament [filled with “Cavalier” Parliament [filled with Royalists]Royalists]

Disbanded the Puritan army.Disbanded the Puritan army. Pardoned most Puritan rebels.Pardoned most Puritan rebels. Restored the authority of the Church of Restored the authority of the Church of

England.England.

King Charles II [r. 1660-1685King Charles II [r. 1660-1685

1662 1662 Clarendon Code [Act of Uniformity] Clarendon Code [Act of Uniformity] All clergy & church officials had to conform to All clergy & church officials had to conform to

the Anglican the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.Book of Common Prayer. It forbade “non-conformists” to worship publicly, It forbade “non-conformists” to worship publicly,

teach their faith, or attend English universities.teach their faith, or attend English universities.

King Charles II [r. 1660-1685King Charles II [r. 1660-1685

1673 1673 Test Act Test Act Parliament excluded all but Anglicans from Parliament excluded all but Anglicans from

civilian and military positions.civilian and military positions.[to the Anglican gentry, the Puritans were [to the Anglican gentry, the Puritans were considered “radicals” and the Catholics were considered “radicals” and the Catholics were seen as “traitors!”]seen as “traitors!”]

King Charles II [r. 1660-1685King Charles II [r. 1660-1685

1679 1679 Habeas Corpus Act Habeas Corpus Act Any unjustly imprisoned persons could obtain a Any unjustly imprisoned persons could obtain a

writ of writ of habeas corpushabeas corpus compelling the govt. to compelling the govt. to explain why he had lost his liberty.explain why he had lost his liberty.

King James II [r. 1685-1688]King James II [r. 1685-1688]

Was a bigoted convert to Catholicism without any of Was a bigoted convert to Catholicism without any of Charles II’s shrewdness or ability to compromise.Charles II’s shrewdness or ability to compromise.

Alienated even the Tories.Alienated even the Tories. Provoked the revolution thatProvoked the revolution that

Charles II had succeeded in avoiding!Charles II had succeeded in avoiding!

King James II [r. 1685-1688]King James II [r. 1685-1688] Introduced Catholics into theIntroduced Catholics into the

High Command of both theHigh Command of both thearmy and navy.army and navy.

Camped a standing army a fewCamped a standing army a fewmiles outside of London.miles outside of London.

Surrounded himself with Surrounded himself with Catholic advisors & attackedCatholic advisors & attackedAnglican control of theAnglican control of theuniversities.universities.

King James II [r. 1685-1688]King James II [r. 1685-1688]

Claimed the power to suspend or dispense with Claimed the power to suspend or dispense with Acts of Parliament.Acts of Parliament.

1687 1687 Declaration of Liberty of Conscience Declaration of Liberty of Conscience He extended religious toleration without He extended religious toleration without

Parliament’s approval or support.Parliament’s approval or support.

King James II [r. 1685-1688]King James II [r. 1685-1688]

Claimed the power to suspend or dispense with Claimed the power to suspend or dispense with Acts of Parliament.Acts of Parliament.

1687 1687 Declaration of Liberty of Conscience Declaration of Liberty of Conscience He extended religious toleration without He extended religious toleration without

Parliament’s approval or support.Parliament’s approval or support.

The Glorious

R evolution

1688

The “Glorious” Revolution: The “Glorious” Revolution: 1688]1688]

Whig & Tory leaders offered the throne jointly to Whig & Tory leaders offered the throne jointly to James II’s daughter Mary [raised a Protestant] & her James II’s daughter Mary [raised a Protestant] & her husband, William of Orange.husband, William of Orange.

He was a vigorous enemy of Louis XIV.He was a vigorous enemy of Louis XIV. He was seen as a champion of the Protestant cause.He was seen as a champion of the Protestant cause.

English Bill of Rights [1689]English Bill of Rights [1689]

It settled all of the major issues between King & It settled all of the major issues between King & Parliament.Parliament.

It served as a model for the U. S. Bill of Rights.It served as a model for the U. S. Bill of Rights. It also formed a base for the steady expansion of It also formed a base for the steady expansion of

civil liberties in the 18civil liberties in the 18cc and early 19 and early 19cc in England. in England.

English Bill of Rights [1689]English Bill of Rights [1689]Main provisionsMain provisions::

1.1. The King could not suspend the operation of laws.The King could not suspend the operation of laws.

2.2. The King could not interfere with justice.The King could not interfere with justice.

3.3. No taxes or army maintained in peacetime without Parliament’s No taxes or army maintained in peacetime without Parliament’s consent.consent.

4.4. Freedom of speech in Parliament.Freedom of speech in Parliament.

5.5. Sessions of Parliament would be held frequently.Sessions of Parliament would be held frequently.

English Bill of Rights [1689]English Bill of Rights [1689]Main provisions( Continued)Main provisions( Continued)::

6.6. Subjects had the right of bail, petition, and freedom from Subjects had the right of bail, petition, and freedom from excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishment.excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishment.

7.7. The monarch must be a Protestant.The monarch must be a Protestant.

8.8. Freedom from arbitrary arrest.Freedom from arbitrary arrest.

9.9. Censorship of the press was dropped.Censorship of the press was dropped.

10.10.Religious toleration.Religious toleration.

Rise of Austria & Rise of Austria & PrussiaPrussia

Hapsburg AustriaHapsburg Austria

Expanded Hapsburg Empire from Austria to Expanded Hapsburg Empire from Austria to include Bohemia, Hungary, Poland & Northern include Bohemia, Hungary, Poland & Northern ItalyItaly

Empire was diverse– many cultures, languages, Empire was diverse– many cultures, languages, laws were different to unite, official laws were different to unite, official religion=Catholicreligion=Catholic

Maria TheresaMaria Theresa Ruled the Empire despite difficulty in getting Ruled the Empire despite difficulty in getting

people to recognize that she was the ruler people to recognize that she was the ruler (because she was a woman)(because she was a woman)

Made government more efficient, lowered taxes Made government more efficient, lowered taxes for the poor, had support of the common peoplefor the poor, had support of the common people

Problems in AustriaProblems in Austria Never became highly centralized or absolutistNever became highly centralized or absolutist Too large of an empireToo large of an empire Ruler had a different title depending on where Ruler had a different title depending on where

he washe was No common patriotism to link the empireNo common patriotism to link the empire Each area had its own laws and political lifeEach area had its own laws and political life

The Rise of PrussiaThe Rise of Prussia

Emerges as a Protestant power in 1600s in Emerges as a Protestant power in 1600s in northern Germanynorthern Germany

Strong Central government and very well trained Strong Central government and very well trained militarymilitary

Under Frederick the Great, Prussia added new lands Under Frederick the Great, Prussia added new lands from Austriafrom Austria

Frederick William the Great Frederick William the Great ElectorElector

Ruling Strategies:Ruling Strategies: Maintained the 4Maintained the 4thth largest standing army in largest standing army in

Europe (40,000 men)Europe (40,000 men) General War Commissariat raised taxes to fund General War Commissariat raised taxes to fund

army and oversee expansionarmy and oversee expansion Junkers (aristocracy) ran the bureaucracyJunkers (aristocracy) ran the bureaucracy

Absolute Monarchy in Absolute Monarchy in RussiaRussia

Peter the GreatPeter the Great

Russia czar /tsar (emperor) from 1689-1725Russia czar /tsar (emperor) from 1689-1725 Interested in the advanced nations in Western Interested in the advanced nations in Western

Europe:Europe:– Began Russian policy of Westernization—adopting Began Russian policy of Westernization—adopting

western ideas, technology, and culture.western ideas, technology, and culture.– Not all Russians accepted this change, Peter had to Not all Russians accepted this change, Peter had to

force reformsforce reforms

Peter the AutocratPeter the Autocrat

Sought control of all aspects of Russia under his own Sought control of all aspects of Russia under his own control (military, church, government)control (military, church, government)

Forced landowning nobles (boyars) to serve in Forced landowning nobles (boyars) to serve in government or military jobsgovernment or military jobs

Forced serfdom –peasants (called serfs) tied to land Forced serfdom –peasants (called serfs) tied to land belonging to nobles could never leave landbelonging to nobles could never leave land

Forced nobles to dress in Western stylesForced nobles to dress in Western styles Brutally punished those who resistedBrutally punished those who resisted

Peter the ReformerPeter the Reformer

Imported western technologyImported western technology Improved education system by establishing Improved education system by establishing

schoolsschools Improved waterways/canals, manufacturing and Improved waterways/canals, manufacturing and

tradetrade Ended separation of men and women by Ended separation of men and women by

encouraging fancy partiesencouraging fancy parties

Expansion Under PeterExpansion Under Peter

Created the largest army in EuropeCreated the largest army in Europe Wanted a warm-water port to have access to Wanted a warm-water port to have access to

waterways/trade in the winterwaterways/trade in the winter Defeated Sweden in 1709, gained new landsDefeated Sweden in 1709, gained new lands Built city of St. Petersburg– modern, European city Built city of St. Petersburg– modern, European city

built by serfsbuilt by serfs Expanded across Siberia all the way to the Pacific Expanded across Siberia all the way to the Pacific

Ocean—became largest country in the world.Ocean—became largest country in the world.

Peter’s LegacyPeter’s Legacy

Russia is now more involved in European Russia is now more involved in European mattersmatters

Expanded land, built strong armyExpanded land, built strong army Used terror to rule, increase gap between rich Used terror to rule, increase gap between rich

and poorand poor

Catherine the GreatCatherine the Great

Ruled from 1762-1796Ruled from 1762-1796 Capable leader:Capable leader:

– Reorganized government to make more efficientReorganized government to make more efficient– Rewrote Russian law codeRewrote Russian law code– Provided education to all childrenProvided education to all children– Encouraged Western IdeasEncouraged Western Ideas Allowed nobles to govern serfs harshly, suppressed peasant Allowed nobles to govern serfs harshly, suppressed peasant

revoltsrevolts Expanded the size of RussiaExpanded the size of Russia

Looking AheadLooking Ahead

Four of Europe’s five leading powers were ruled Four of Europe’s five leading powers were ruled by absolute monarchs by the mid-1700sby absolute monarchs by the mid-1700s Spain, France, Austria, Russia (NOT England)Spain, France, Austria, Russia (NOT England)

Often fought each other for powerOften fought each other for power New ideas will soon change the ways of New ideas will soon change the ways of

thinking across Europethinking across Europe