Age of Absolutism in Europe

During the Age of Absolutism, which group of people had the most power?

• Catholic Church

• Kings/Queens

• Nobility

• Peasants

What does the word "Monarch" mean?

• Commoner/Peasant

• In the order that it happened

• King/Queen

• Native or Original

During this era, what did Kings want to do?

• Answer directly to the Pope

• Create democracies and allow citizens to vote

• Increase the liberties of their citizens

• Raise their own power and wealth

What is "Absolutism"?

• All citizens can vote and participate in their government

• Government in which one Monarch has all of the power

• Small group of people rule over a country together

• When no government exists and there is anarchy

How did Kings rationalize their total power over their countries?

• Claimed that God chose them to rule over their land/people

• Fought anyone else who attempted to take their throne

• People elected them fairly into that position

• They called dibs on being the ruler

What is "Divine Right"?

• Belief that Kings/Queens were chosen by God to rule over their land

• Idea that the Church is corrupt and should be dissolved

• Law that the Pope is the Head of the Catholic Church

• Money people paid to forgive sins and earn salvation

Why were citizens not able to question the rule of Kings during the Age of Absolutism?

• Anyone who criticized the King was immediately imprisoned

• Everybody liked being ruled by absolute rulers (Kings)

• If they challenged Kings, they would be challenging God due to the idea of Divine Right

• Laws prohibited people to speak about the King

How did the Reformation lead to this era of Absolutism?

• Catholic Church lost power

• Countries gained wealth from their colonies

• Europeans claimed land in the New World

• Explorers discovered new trade routes to India

Which of the following was NOT a reason that Absolutism began in Europe?

• Catholic Church lost power during the Reformation

• Citizens attempted to rebel against the monarchs ruling them

• Countries were wealthy due to resources from their new colonies

• Europe's Kings were supported by very large armies

Which European philosopher argued that Absolutism was necessary?

• Bradford Emerson Festers

• John Locke

• Martin Luther

• Thomas Hobbes