Date: October 22, 2012

Topic: Thematic Essay – Organizing the Essay.

Aim: How can we successfully organize our thematic essay?

Do Now: Write your name on the handout.

FIRST LOOK HERE. THESE ARE YOUR BODY PARAGRAPHS

Absolutism – a government where one ruler has complete control over the government and the lives of the people.

Characteristics of absolutist rule:1. All powerful king/monarch. 2. Divine right (some countries).3. Absolute monarchies often hereditary.4. No constitution to limit the kings power.

BULLET 1 – FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH

Select a nation or empire that we studied that was ruled according to the principles of absolutism: FRANCE UNDER LOUIS XIV (1643-1715)

Identify the specific characteristics of absolutist government that existed in this nation or empire.

1. Sun as symbol of his power.

2. I am the state.

3. Divine Right.

4. Did not call meeting of Estates General.

5. Intendants – tax collectors and ensured a following of French law. Intendants also wealthy middle class men who formed a bond between middle class and monarchy.

6. Palace of Versailles – symbol of power and wealth.

7. Elaborate ceremonies that emphasized his wealth and importance. Also kept nobles attending ceremonies at Versailles to maintain his own power.

8. Nobles did not pay taxes – keeping them happy and maintaining Louis’s power.

Positive and/or negative effects that absolutism had on France:

1. Positive – the development and spread of French culture and the arts.

2. Positive - French Academies – set artistic standards.

3. Positive – Ballet.

4. Negative – unsuccessful wars – The War of the Spanish Succession.

5. Negative – Treatment of the Hugenots – 100,000 left the country devastated the French economy.