Absolute Monarchy: Crash Course European History #13

1. What are some events that have occurred in the 17th century thus far and how are things changing for monarchs in
Western Europe?
the 30 Years War has ended with the Treaty of Westphalia, and the Scientific Revolution is producing amazing new universal laws,
but life is still pretty terrible for the vast majority of people. For kings, though, things were changing, with the advent of absolutism,
in which the king is said to have a divine right to the throne and the divinest divine right monarch of them all, Louis XIV, led
Western Europe's most powerful kingdom for more than 70 years.

2. Who was the model for kingship and absolute power in late 17th century Europe?
The model for kingship and absolute power in late 17th century Europe was Louis XIV of France, also known as the Sun King. Louis
XIV embodied the principles of absolutism, which held that the monarch possessed divine right to rule and wielded absolute
authority over his realm. Louis XIV's reign, which lasted for more than 70 years, showcased the pinnacle of absolutist rule in Western
Europe.

3. Describe the strains on French society around and slightly before 1643. Include the relationship between the French
monarch and their subjects.

Before and around 1643, French society faced strains such as heavy taxation, famine, and economic hardship. The relationship
between the monarch and subjects was marked by discontent and resistance, with protests against policies and governance.

4. Which individuals were highly influential at the beginning of Louis XIV’s reign, and why were they?
At the beginning of Louis XIV's reign, Anne of Austria, his mother, and Cardinal Mazarin were highly influential. They played key
roles in governance due to Louis XIV's young age, with Anne serving as regent and Mazarin as her advisor. They navigated challenges
and maintained stability during a tumultuous period.

5. What effect did the last years of the 30 Years War have on France and the relationship between the monarchy and the
ordinary people of France? Make sure to identify any notable dissatisfied groups.
The last years of the 30 Years War strained France economically, leading to heavy taxation and famine. This caused discontent among
the common people, who resented the monarchy's policies. Additionally, the nobility opposed attempts to centralize power, and
judges and bureaucrats resisted efforts to limit their influence.

6. How had an elite class of bureaucrats become immune from oversight earlier in the 17th century? Include who this
group had done this, this group’s name, and why they couldn’t be gotten rid of.
In the earlier 17th century, an elite class of bureaucrats became immune from oversight through a system called the Paulette,
established by Henry IV of France. This group, known as the Nobles of the Robe, purchased their positions within the government
and gained immunity from dismissal by paying a tax known as the Paulette. They couldn't be gotten rid of because Henry IV needed
the revenue from the Paulette to finance ongoing wars.

7. What two major movements in the mid 17th century challenged the absolute authority of the French monarchy?
Discuss the movement’s core ideas and reason for the protest.
The Fronde: The Fronde comprised various groups, including the old nobility and courts, opposing arbitrary taxation and
governance by the monarchy, protesting heavy taxation and centralization of power.

Jansenism: Jansenism, a religious movement, emphasized spiritual purity and criticized the Catholic Church's practices, challenging
the church hierarchy and advocating for spiritual independence, posing a threat to the monarchy.

8. What were some of the urgent tasks for the young Louie XIV?

Some of the urgent tasks for the young Louis XIV included organizing the administration of his kingdom, raising funds, and uniting
his subjects in loyalty to him. These tasks were essential for maintaining stability and consolidating his power as the monarch of
France.

9. Describe Louie XIV’s court. Where was it often held and what were the most coveted roles?
Louis XIV's court was often held at the Palace of Versailles, located outside of Paris. The most coveted roles at his court included
serving the king and queen directly, overseeing the monarch's children, and managing various aspects of court life. These roles
allowed for proximity and influence over the king's decisions.

10. What was Louie XIV’s nickname and how did he obtain it?

Louis XIV's nickname was the "Sun King." He obtained this nickname due to the symbolism associated with the sun, which
represented power, radiance, and authority. Louis XIV adopted the sun as his personal emblem and incorporated it into his royal
imagery, portraying himself as the central source of light and warmth for his kingdom, much like the sun is for the solar system. This
portrayal emphasized his absolute authority and divine right to rule, making the nickname "Sun King" fitting for his reign.

11. What idea was embraced by monarchs across Europe during this time and what notable line is often attributed to
Louie XIV that expresses this idea?
During this time, monarchs across Europe embraced the idea of absolutism, which held that the monarch possessed divine right to
rule and wielded absolute authority over their realm. One notable line often attributed to Louis XIV that expresses this idea is
"L'État, c'est moi," which translates to "I am the state" in English. This statement reflects the concept of absolutism, suggesting that
the king's authority is inseparable from the state itself, and that his will is equivalent to the will of the nation.

12. How and why did Louie XIV crackdown on religious freedom? What was the result? What groups of bureaucrats
really made Louie XIV’s reign effective? Who was the most notable of these bureaucrats and what were some of his
noteworthy policies?
Louis XIV cracked down on religious freedom by revoking the Edict of Nantes in 1685, viewing Protestant presence as disorderly.
This led to persecution and Protestant emigration. The most effective group of bureaucrats in his reign were the Intendants,
overseeing tax collection and administration. Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the most notable, implemented mercantilist policies to
strengthen the economy, including tariffs, infrastructure investment, and colonial expansion.

13. What was the major economic theory of the time? Describe how this theory works.
The major economic theory of the time was mercantilism. Mercantilism emphasized a nation's wealth and power through the
accumulation of precious metals, primarily gold and silver. This theory advocated for state intervention in the economy to promote
exports, minimize imports, and maintain a favorable balance of trade. Measures such as tariffs, subsidies, and colonial expansion were
used to achieve these goals.

14. What wars did Louie XIV wage and what were their results?
Louis XIV waged several wars during his reign, including the War of Devolution, Dutch War, War of the League of Augsburg, and
War of the Spanish Succession. These wars resulted in territorial gains for France but also led to economic strain and loss of life.

15. What are some flaws of absolutism discussed at the end of the episode?
Flaws of absolutism discussed at the end of the episode include economic strain from heavy taxation and constant warfare, loss of life
in wars, resistance and criticism from various social groups, and concerns about tyranny and lack of accountability.