Absolutism

Absolutism is a political system in which a single monarch, usually a king or queen, holds complete and unrestrained power over a country. The power of an absolutist government may not be challenged or limited.

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​What is Absolutism?

• England

• France

• Spain

• Russia

• Austria

• and more...

What led to this?

• Catholic Church's power was weakened and absorbed by the Monarchs

• Noble's power was weakened by Monarchs

• Trade around the world increased and people craved the economic and political stability that came with Absolutism.

​The belief that God gave Monarchs the power to rule.

During Marie Antoinette's reign as queen, people were taxed heavily by the monarchy and combined with poor harvests, many peasants, about 90% of the population, were starving

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​What was the rest of France like at this time?

​The scientific revolution and Enlightenment that were happening at this time encouraged people to use reason to understand the world and improve life

​Bringing it back to the scientific revolution & Enlightenment

Enlightenment thinkers began to spread the idea that people had natural rights that belong to people at birth. Like the right to life, liberty, and property.

​Natural Rights

These ideas and the people's frustration with Absolutism will lead to many revolutions across the world. Some of the revolutions we will talk about are: The American Revolution, The French Revolution, and the Haitian Revolution.