Absolutism
Published on Nov 19, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Absolutism was a political theory in which ultimate authority rested in the hands of a king who ruled by divine right.
Photo by historic.brussels
The political theory of Absolutism promised stability, prosperity and order as an alternative to the disorder which preceded it.
Louis XIV was determined to impose religious unity on France (God would favor him). Protestant Huguenots (French Calvinists) were one of several groups targeted by Louis XIV. Protestant churches were destroyed and Protestants were banned from many professions (medicine and printing). In 1685 Louis revoked the Edict of Nantes and issued the Edict of Fontainebleau. Laymen were sent to the galleys as slaves and children were forcibly baptized as Catholics. Two hundred thousand Protestants fled to England, Holland, Germany, and America.
The Sun King at Versailles: Louis XIV
Became king at age 5
Took over leadership of France at age 23; convened a governing council daily
Photo by Djof
In 1660 Louis decided to convert a hunting lodge into a chateau. It was completed in 1688 after tens of thousands of workers labored incessantly. It contained a residence, a reception hall an office building and home for thousands of royal officials. It became a symbol of power of the French gov.t.
Photo by massonth
