http://www.tomrichey.net This PowerPoint presentation was created to assist with an introduction to the rise of royal absolutism in early modern Europe. The bulk of the lecture focuses on the obstacles that monarchs faced when trying to create sovereign, absolutist states.

1. Photo by chriskongs
Photo by Chiew Pang

2. It’s not easy
being KING
Photo by jbelluch

3. CHECK!
Medieval kings
faced many
challenges.
Photo by Ahd Photography

4. CHECK!
They competed in a real
life game of chess.
Some rights reserved by OmarC

5. CHECK!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Church
Nobility
Representative Bodies
Towns
Universities
These groups kept medieval kings in check…
Some rights reserved by OmarCabout the game of chess.
think

6. The Church
The Church was not just
a religious institution in
early modern Europe –
bishops held considerable
wealth and influence.
Photo by angeloangelo

7. Interior of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Photo by Eivind K. Døvik

8. The Nobility
Medieval kings were heavily
dependent on the hereditary
warrior aristocracy.
Photo by DaleKav

9. Feudalism
Lord/Vassal Contracts
Some rights reserved by merwing✿little dear

10. The Feudal Contract
The King provides
LAND
to his vassal.
The Vassal swears
FEALTY
to his king.

11. Feudal
France

12. Banners
Medieval soldiers fought
under the banners of their
lords – not the king.
Some rights reserved by foamcow

13. Castles
The most powerful lords were
protected behind the walls of
fortified castles.
Some rights reserved by Lee Jordan

14. CHECK!
Representative Bodies
Taxation by
CONSENT
A medieval depiction of a meeting of Parliament

15. CHECK!
Representative Bodies
England: Parliament
France: Estates General
Prussia: Junkers
A medieval depiction of a meeting of Parliament

16. CHECK!
Towns and Cities
Independent Charters
Special Privileges
Royal charters granted privileges and
exemptions from certain taxes and laws.
Photo Credit: Sönke Rahn

17. WALLS
Medieval towns often had fortifications.

18. CHECK!
Universities
Universities
typically controlled
by the Church.
(NOT by the king)

19. Photo by Jonathan_W (@whatie)

20. Photo by Jonathan_W (@whatie)

21. The Absolutists
Louis XIV
Peter the Great
The Fredericks
of France
of Russia
of Prussia