How does this portrait exemplify the characteristics of Absolutism?

1
How does this portrait exemplify the
characteristics of Absolutism?
2
Absolutism at Work?

• In 1689, King William and Queen Mary became the
  monarchs of England. Before they were crowned,
  they accepted the English Bill of Rights which
  required the monarchy to work with Parliament to
  govern the country. The monarchs were required
  to regularly call on Parliament to meet and they
  lost their power to suspend or revoke laws. The
  responsibility of coordinating Englands finances
  and the power to tax were given to the lower
  house of Parliament, known as the House of
  Commons.
• Would you classify King William and Queen Mary as
  Absolute Monarchs? Why or why not?

3
Absolutism at Work?

• Saudi Arabia houses one of the last remaining
  monarchies in the word today. Monarchs are
  chosen by members of the royal family and are
  approved by Muslim legal scholars in accordance
  with Islamic law. State issues are decided by
  the King, in conjunction with the Council of
  Ministers and the Consultative Council. With no
  elections or political parties, it is up to the
  King to appoint and dismiss members of both
  councils. At any time the King can choose to
  dissolve both government bodies. The Council of
  Ministers is responsible for internal, external,
  financial, economic, educational, and defense
  policies, but the King maintains final authority
  over all State affairs.
• Would you classify the Monarchy of Saudi Arabia
  as an Absolute Monarchy? Why or why not?

4
Absolutism at Work?

• According to the Mandate of Heaven, the right to
  rule in Ancient China was granted by the gods.
  The Chinese believed that since there was only
  one Heaven, there could only be one ruler.
  Chinese Emperors that were part of the Han
  Dynasty referred to themselves as Sons of
  Heaven, and commanded respect from all of their
  subjects. Chinese law dictated that the
  Emperors position could not be challenged by
  anyone. Emperors handpicked governors and
  officials in order to both centralize their
  authority and spread their power. Each Emperor
  served as Head of State and Commander of the
  Army. They chose whether or not to listen to
  their advisors, and had no legislative body to
  monitor their power or prevent abuse.
• Would you classify the rule in Ancient China as
  an Absolute Monarchy? Why or why not?

5
Divine Right and the Absolute Monarch
6
Absolute Monarchs
OR

• Hold all power within a nations boundaries

7
Divine Right

1. Theory that supports concept of Absolute Rule
2. Theory states that God created the Monarchy
   therefore, the Monarch was chosen by God to lead
   his people
3. As a result, Monarchs are required to answer only
   to God, not their people
4. Citizens do not question the decisions made by
   the Monarch because this would be like
   questioning the decisions of their God

8
How Do Monarchs Become Absolute?

• Decline of Feudalism leads to the growth of
  cities increasing the need for strong leadership
• The authority of the Church, then, is replaced by
  the authority of a centralized government

9
Changes in the Era of Absolutism

• Absolute Monarchs work to increase their power
  AND the power of their nation
• Absolute Rulers create large armies to
• 1. Defend the nation
• 2. Expand the nations borders
• Absolute Rulers regulate church services
  to ensure the support of Priests and
  their Parishioners
• Absolute Rulers carefully establish relationships
  with the nobility to secure their power and
  authority

10

• Review the concept of Absolutism and the
  examples of Absolute Rule we discussed in class.
  Now, do you have any additional questions? If
  so, write them down and schedule a time to meet
  and discuss them.