European Absolutism in the Eighteenth Century

I. Introduction: The Growing Power of European Monarchies

II. Absolutist Solutions in Individual States

A. France and Louis XIV (ruled 1643-1715)

1. Banning Points of Resistance

2. Controlling the Army and Bureaucracy

3. Versailles

B. Prussia in the Holy Roman Empire

1. Frederick William (ruled 1640-1688)

2. Consolidating Brandenburg-Prussia

C. England: Absolutism Resisted

1. Designs of the Stuarts

2. The Glorious Revolution (1689)

III. Justifications for Absolutism

A. ‘Divine Right of Kings’

B. Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan (1651)

V. Conclusion: The Example of Poland

Key Terms

Absolutist monarchy

Louis XIV

Estates General

Versailles

Great Elector Frederick William

Brandenburg-Prussia

James II

England’s Glorious Revolution

‘Divine Right of Kings’

Thomas Hobbes

Leviathan

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