Western Civilization 102: Lecture on Absolutism

Review of Previous Lectures

• Focus on the Renaissance and the Reformation.
• Key figures: Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, John Wycliffe.
• Protestant Reformation's impact on religion in Europe.

Introduction to Absolutism

• Focus on politics and government in Europe from 1610 to 1789.
• Absolutism: Monarchs with absolute power, minimal reliance on assemblies.
• Key concept: Monarchs hold absolute power and are not bound by advice from assemblies.

Key Assemblies in Europe

• England: Parliament
• France: Estates General
• Holy Roman Empire: Diet

Growth of Absolutism in Europe

• Absolutist governments seen in France, England, Russia, Austria, Prussia.
• France as a key example, influenced by religious wars.

Important French Figures and Events

Catherine de'Medici

• Pro-Catholic, involved in St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre.

Henry IV of France

• A politique promoting national unity over religious divisions.
• Converted to Catholicism to unify France ("Paris is worth a mass").
• Issued the Edict of Nantes (1598) granting rights to Huguenots.
• Strengthened central government, bypassing nobility.
• Key advisor: Duke of Sully focused on economic reforms.

Cardinal Richelieu

• Chief minister under Louis XIII.
• Addressed three key issues: Huguenot disarmament, reduction of noble power, increased French prestige.

Louis XIII

• Became king at nine, relied heavily on Cardinal Richelieu.

Louis XIV

• Succeeded as a child, became famous for his absolute monarchy.

The Concept of Sovereignty

• Every state had a monarch (prince) considered a sovereign ruler.
• Sovereign rulers made laws in their name.
• Estates: Assemblies with representatives from clergy, nobility, commoners.

Political System and Changes

• Estates originally advised monarchs, became less relevant under absolutism.
• Princes began ignoring estates, demonstrating absolute rule.

Religious and Civil Unrest in France

• Civil wars between Catholics and Huguenots weakened France.
• Politicians (politiques) pushed for stronger centralized power to restore order.

Key Conflicts and Resolutions

• War of the Three Henrys: Involves King Henry III, Duke of Guise, Prince Henry of Navarre.
• Henry IV's Edict of Nantes aimed to resolve religious conflicts.
• Richelieu's policies secured national allegiance and reduced noble power.

Richelieu's Goals

1. Disarm Huguenots: Ensured allegiance to the King of France.
2. Reduce Noble Power: Eliminated threats with decisive actions.
3. Enhance French Power: Used diplomacy and espionage against rivals.

Conclusion

• Introduction of absolutism was pivotal in shaping modern governments, increasing governmental influence.
• France under Louis XIV will be further explored in future lectures.
• The Thirty Years' War as the next topic, focusing on its religious aspects.