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- Pictures and information on Versailles
- Internet access
- Video on Peter the Great
NOTE: The following Web resources may be helpful in teaching this session:
- Review content from the previous session.
- Ask students to make a list of those characteristics that they think an absolute monarchy would have. Record their responses on the board or overhead. Provide prompts to guide student responses. Answers may include the fact that all power is centralized in the monarch and a belief in the divine right of kings.
- Discuss Louis XIV and the obstacles he had to overcome to attain absolutism. Include information on the following attainments of Louis XIV:
• Subdued his nobles
• Controlled the Church
• Eliminated the legislative body (Estates General)
- Explain why each of the above three powers would be an obstacle to absolutism. For example, the nobles had their own taxes, and courts; the king could not be absolute if this practice continued. Also, the Church had its own courts and taxes; these forms of control would limit the king if they were allowed to continue. Next, a legislature with powers over the ability to raise money or to pass laws would prevent the power of the king from becoming absolute.
- Schedule a research session for students to research Versailles and prepare a brief essay on how it became a symbol of Louis XIV's absolutism. If the media center or computer lab is not available, provide resources in class. This could possibly be a graded activity.
- Display a picture of Versailles. Instruct students to suggest elements or characteristics of the palace that illustrate power. Provide information on the size, cost, and length of time it took for completion, as well as other facts that suggest power.
- Ask students to explain how Frederick the Great of Prussia created absolutism. Answers may include the fact that Frederick the Great mainly relied on a strong military to achieve absolutism.
- Discuss with students the dual task of Peter the Great of Russia to achieve absolutism and westernize Russia at the same time. Explain that for decades Russia closed her western borders and picked up eastern characteristics such as wearing long robes, growing beards, and eating with their hands. Peter, who had traveled to the west as a young man, admired western society. When he became Czar, he began the process of forcing his people to adopt the culture of western societies. He also built western-like cities such as St. Petersburg.
- Show a video on Peter the Great. Prepare a questionnaire or viewing guide for students to complete as they view the video.
- Direct students to write a brief essay explaining why they think Peter had "Great" as part of his title. Responses may include that he created a more modern nation, expanded land size, expelled Sweden from the continent, and westernized Russia.
- Ask students to suggest what impact absolute monarchy had on the countries at that time period. Responses may include the following:
• Conflicts with other countries for power
• Conflict over trade throughout the world
• Desire for power on the part of certain groups
• Little say by the people
• Large bureaucracies to run the country
• More centralization
• More unity
• Large armies
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