Absolutism and Constitutionalism
1. Why did monarchs in the late 16th/early 17th centuries need new sources of income?
Why did monarchs wish to get their income without the permission of the nobility?
2. Explain the role that each of the following played in the failure of England achieving absolutism, as well as the success of the French:
England France
· Religion - Religion
· Parliament/Tradition - Estates General
· Personalities of Leaders - Personalities of Leaders
· Trust of Nobility - Trust of nobility 3. Henry IV came to the throne and helped to end the French Wars of Religion. After over 30 years of civil war, France was a wreck politically and economically. To set the stage for absolutism, he and his finance minister, the duke of Sully, needed to strengthen certain aspects of the nation and weaken others. Explain where the following fell into their plans, using the terms in parenthesis in your answer:
· power of nobility (parlements)
· increased money for crown (monopolies)
· increased opportunity for economic success (canals, corvee)
4. After Henry IV’s assassination, his 9 year old son Louis XIII became king. Too young to rule, his mother named a brilliant official to serve as his regent. Explain how the following policies show the nature of Richelieu’s “raison d’etat”:
· Use of intendants
· Actions in the 30 Years War (1618-1648)
· Treatment of nobles
· Treatment of Huguenots
5. Describe the factors that led to the revolt (known as the Fronde) of the French nobility against the young Louis XIV and Cardinal Mazarin (1649-1652). What lesson did the Fronde teach Louis XIV? How did it help prepare the French people for absolutist rule?
Helpful Hints for Reading this Section: o The first part of
Why did monarchs wish to get their income without the permission of the nobility?
2. Explain the role that each of the following played in the failure of England achieving absolutism, as well as the success of the French:
England France
· Religion - Religion
· Parliament/Tradition - Estates General
· Personalities of Leaders - Personalities of Leaders
· Trust of Nobility - Trust of nobility 3. Henry IV came to the throne and helped to end the French Wars of Religion. After over 30 years of civil war, France was a wreck politically and economically. To set the stage for absolutism, he and his finance minister, the duke of Sully, needed to strengthen certain aspects of the nation and weaken others. Explain where the following fell into their plans, using the terms in parenthesis in your answer:
· power of nobility (parlements)
· increased money for crown (monopolies)
· increased opportunity for economic success (canals, corvee)
4. After Henry IV’s assassination, his 9 year old son Louis XIII became king. Too young to rule, his mother named a brilliant official to serve as his regent. Explain how the following policies show the nature of Richelieu’s “raison d’etat”:
· Use of intendants
· Actions in the 30 Years War (1618-1648)
· Treatment of nobles
· Treatment of Huguenots
5. Describe the factors that led to the revolt (known as the Fronde) of the French nobility against the young Louis XIV and Cardinal Mazarin (1649-1652). What lesson did the Fronde teach Louis XIV? How did it help prepare the French people for absolutist rule?
Helpful Hints for Reading this Section: o The first part of