PROMPT• By 1700 it had become evident that Western Europe & Eastern Europe were moving in opposite directions in terms of basic social structure. Discuss.

• As the Black Plague swept across Europe in the 15th century, a distinct change between Eastern and Western European societies rapidly emerged. Each civilization recuperated from its sudden labor shortage in contrasting ways; western peasants were free from serfdom and able to pursue economic liberties. However, the oppressive nobility in the East exploited the peasantry with high, unreasonable taxes, driving them backwards to serfdom. Monarchs in the West were compelled to protect their subjects, while the eastern kings undermined the lower classes and hampered their economic success. And the existing Bourgeoisie either gained political and economic influence or declined on the social ladder due to domineering aristocrats.

• Thesis: Because of the contrasting political ideals, new roles of classes, and economic instability of the developing nations, it was apparent that the societies of the East and West began to diverge in terms of structure by 1700.

Introduction

Western Europe

Louis XIVAs France’s first absolute monarch, Louis XIV piloted

France’s to the peak of national glory, defining it as the most powerful nation in Western Europe at

the time.• “The Sun King”

– Consolidated power so it could rest solely in the monarch’s hands

– Earth revolves around the Sun just like France revolves around the King• “I am the State”

• 1st Absolute Monarchist – All kings that preceded set foundations for

him to flourish upon– strict medieval monarchy and strong royal

bureaucracy– Restricted power of aristocracy/nobles – Controlled all aspects of society – Unified nation under one French language

• Became international language of Europe and language of well-educated

Nobility in Western Europe

• Henry IV– “Nobility of the Robe” vs.

“Nobility of the Sword”• NotS, old nobility, could no

longer influence royal council• NotR, new nobility (rich middle

class), could purchase high positions from the monarchy (i.e. Sully)

Successful revolutionary policies that were implemented within French society during the 17th

century aimed at suppressing the power and presence of the nobility.

Cardinal Richelieu – Intendant System• Used to weaken nobility• Replaced local officials with civil

servants of the middle class or minor nobility (NotR)-reported back to king • Helped centrally control government

King

Itnendant Province

Intendant Province

Intendent Province

Intendent Province

• Louis XIV– Continued

Intendant System– Versailles

• Invited nobility to live in Versailles and partake in extravagant feasts, balls etc.– Kept nobilities

minds off of plotting against him

– “keep your friends close but your enemies closer”

– Chief ministers were from middle class• Prevent nobility

from having influence in government

Middle Class and Peasantry in Western Europe

During the spread of Absolutism throughout Western Europe, the members of the lower and middle

classes benefited politically and socially from the decline of the nobility.

• Middle Class– The noble’s loss of power resulted in the middle

class’ uprise in politics (i.e. Indendants)– Wealthy middle class merchants formed bonds

with the king who favored them over nobles

Nobility Middle Class

• Peasantry (95% of the pop.)

– Kept as little as 20% of their cash crops because they had to pay their landlords, government and church taxes

– Corvée: forced peasants to work one month of the year on public projects like road building

– Idle peasants were forced into conscription or work houses

– Rebellious peasants were executed or shipped off as slaves on galleys

EASTERN EUROPE

Peter the Great of Russia(r. 1682 – 1725)

With Peter the Great, absolutism reached its height in EasternEurope because complete monarchial control was establishedand societal reforms were implemented.

• Monarchial absolutism – A long series of practical but far-reaching

military measures designed to increase state power, strengthen his armies, and gain victory.• Determined to continue the tsarist tradition

of territorial expansion.• Increased the service requirements of

commoners– Constant warfare consumed 80 – 85% of

revenues – Reformed military and education

• Established a military-civilian bureaucracy• Measures gradually combined to make the

army and the government more powerful and efficient

– Western ideas entered Russia for the first time. • Paved the way for Russia to move much

closer to the European mainstream in thoughts and institutions during the Enlightenment.

Nobility in Eastern Europe

In opposition to the nobility of Western Europe, the

nobility of Eastern Europe gained supremacy as they

experienced an increase in power, authority, and control.

• Nobles gained more power over the peasantry

• Monarchs needed the nobles → nobles having greater authority

• Constant warfare and political chaos resulted in nobles having more power at the expense of the monarchs.

• In Prussia, the prince had little power over the nobility. • However, the Prussian

nobility was not exempt from heavy taxes.

Peasantry & Serfdom in Eastern Europe

• Russian serfdom became more oppressive under the reforms of Peter the Great– Poor and weak strongly disliked Peter’s

reign. – The tsar alone decided what the common

good was. • Serfdom intensified in the Hapsburg lands• Under “Ivan the Terrible” serfdom

intensified to keep peasants tied to noble lands.

• Serfdom in Europe was monopolized by local lords. – Robot – in some regions, it was required

that peasants work 3-4 days per week with no pay.

• Serfdom did not occur in Western Europe due to the labor shortages resulting from the Black Death since these shortages helped laborers gain more power.

Serfdom existed in Eastern Europe and not Western Europe due to the devastation Western Europe experienced from the Black Death and the supremacy of the noble landlords.

Conclusion• Due to divergent political principles,

different roles of classes, and unsteady economic situations of emerging nations, the 18th demonstrated how Western Europe and Eastern Europe were moving apart as seen by different approaches in terms of basic social structure. The 1700’s saw different methods absolutism and mercantilism implemented as different rulers attempted to make their nations elite – a common goal that created competition that threatened the balance of power as Europe approached the Age of Reason.

Work Cited

• "Europe in 1700." Europe 1700-1914. Web. 12 Oct. 2010. <http://europetransformed.blogspot.com/2006/10/europe-in-1700.html>.

• McKay, John P., Bennett D. Hill, and John Buckler. A History of Western Society. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2006. Print.