Overview and Objectives:

• The absolute ruler Louis XIV of France imposed taxes to pay for the construction of a magnificent palace and to finance wars. His government provided security and enforced laws, but the people had no say in what the laws were. In this painting, you can see Louis’s lavish clothing, which demonstrated to others his power and status. The gold flowers on his robe are the symbol of French kings.

Essential Question:

Why do you think absolute monarchs came to power in many different regions, and what caused their demise?

In this module you will learn about absolute monarchs ruling in Europe. As feudalism declined, stronger national kingdoms in Spain, France, Austria, Prussia, and Russia emerged under the control of absolute rulers.

As you read the module, look for evidence showing how absolute rulers controlled their countries and how new ideas about human rights and government led to political revolutions in many countries during the late 1700s and the 1800s. When you are done, you may be assigned to write a short essay answering the Essential Question for this module.

The Big Idea

During a time of religious and economic instability, Philip II ruled Spain with a strong hand.

Why It Matters Now

When faced with crises, many heads of government take on additional economic or political powers.

Setting the Stage

From 1520 to 1566, Suleyman I exercised great power as sultan of the Ottoman Empire. A European monarch of the same period, Charles V, came close to matching Suleyman’s power. As the Hapsburg king, Charles inherited Spain, Spain’s American colonies, parts of Italy, and lands in Austria and the Netherlands. As the elected Holy Roman emperor, he ruled much of Germany. It was the first time since Charlemagne that a European ruler controlled so much territory.