Peter the Great and Louis XIV both ruled as absolute monarchs during the Age of Absolutism. Peter modernized Russia by adopting Western customs like fashion and education to make Russia more like Western Europe. He built a new capital, St. Petersburg, to connect Russia to the West. Louis XIV ruled France for over 70 years and centralized power around himself, weakening the nobility. He built the grand palace of Versailles to demonstrate his absolute power and France's cultural dominance in Europe, though his costly wars left France in debt.
Peter the Great and Louis XIV both ruled as absolute monarchs during the Age of Absolutism. Peter modernized Russia by adopting Western customs like fashion and education to make Russia more like Western Europe. He built a new capital, St. Petersburg, to connect Russia to the West. Louis XIV ruled France for over 70 years and centralized power around himself, weakening the nobility. He built the grand palace of Versailles to demonstrate his absolute power and France's cultural dominance in Europe, though his costly wars left France in debt.
Peter the Great and Louis XIV both ruled as absolute monarchs during the Age of Absolutism. Peter modernized Russia by adopting Western customs like fashion and education to make Russia more like Western Europe. He built a new capital, St. Petersburg, to connect Russia to the West. Louis XIV ruled France for over 70 years and centralized power around himself, weakening the nobility. He built the grand palace of Versailles to demonstrate his absolute power and France's cultural dominance in Europe, though his costly wars left France in debt.
• SSWH14 Analyze the Age of Revolu6ons. • 14a. Examine absolu6sm through a comparison of the reigns of Louis XIV and Tsar Peter the Great. The First Czar • Ivan the Terrible – In 1533, Ivan the Terrible becomes king of Russia – Struggles for power with boyars—landowning nobles. – Seizes power and is crowned czar, meaning “caesar” • Rule by Terror – In 1560, Ivan turns against boyars, kills them, seizes lands • Rise of the Romanovs – Ivan’s heir is weak, leading to period of turmoil – In 1613, Michael Romanov becomes czar Peter the Great Comes to Power • The Rise of Peter – Peter the Great becomes czar in 1696, begins to reform Russia • Russia Contrasts with Europe – Cut off geographically from Europe – Culturally isolated, little contact with western Europe – Religious differences widen gap Peter Rules Absolutely • Peter Visits the West – In 1697, Peter visits western Europe to learn European ways • Peter’s Goal – Goal of westernization—using western Europe as a model for change • Peter’s Reforms – Brings Orthodox Church under state control – Reduces power of great landowners – Modernizes army by having European officers train soldiers Peter Rules Absolutely (continued) • Westernizing Russia – Introduces potatoes – Starts Russia’s first newspaper – Raises women’s status – Adopts Western fashion – Advances education Peter Rules Absolutely (continued) • Establishing St. Petersburg – Peter wants a seaport that will make travel to West easier. – Fights Sweden to win port on Baltic Sea – In 1703, begins building new capital called St. Petersburg. – Building city takes many years, many serfs die in process. – By the time of Peter’s death, Russia is force to be reckoned with in Europe “English Embankment,” St. Petersburg, Russia Palace Square, St. Petersburg Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia The Reign of Louis XIV Louis XIV Comes to Power • A New French Ruler – Louis XIV is the most powerful ruler in French history. • Louis the Boy King – Hatred of Cardinal Mazarin, Louis’ minister while he was a boy, leads to riots. • Louis Weakens the Nobles Authority – Louis takes control of the government in 1661. – He appoints intendants—government agents— to collect taxes. • Economic Growth – Jean Baptiste Colbert—finance minister—helps the economy grow. He believes in mercantilism. – In 1685, Louis cancels Edict of Nantes; Huguenots flee France. The Sun King’s Grand Style • A Life of Luxury – Louis lives very well, with every meal a feast. • Louis Controls the Nobility – Louis keeps nobles at palace to increase his power over them. – Builds magnificent palace at Versailles • Patronage of the Arts – Versailles is a center of arts during reign of Louis XIV – Purpose of the arts is to glorify Louis Panoramic view of Versailles Palace Another view of Versailles Palace Drawing of Versailles from above Louis Fights Disastrous Wars • Attempts to Expand France’s Boundaries – Louis fights wars in the 1660s and 1670s to expand France. • 1667-Invades Spanish Netherlands. • 1672-Invades Dutch Netherlands. – In 1680s, many countries unite against him in League of Augsburg – France is weakened by poor harvests, warfare, and high taxes. Louis Fights Disastrous Wars • War of Spanish Succession – War of Spanish Succession begins in 1701 – This war attempts to prevent the union of the French and Spanish throne. – War ends in 1714; France and Spain lose some possessions. Louis Fights Disastrous Wars • Louis’s Death and Legacy – Louis dies leaving mixed legacy – Rule makes France a major military and cultural power in Europe – His wars and palace leave France with heavy debts.