Europe Today. The Age of Absolutism is here Written by Louis XIV. Do absolute monarchs govern alone? Absolutely not! Top stories from across Europe!

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1 All the news that fits, we print! Europe Today Top stories from across Europe! Table of Contents Rebellion in France! What the heck is a fronde? Pg. 2 Cardinal Richelieu: Villain or Savior? Pg. 2 Louis XIV: Good or Bad for France? Pg. 2 Will the wars of Louis XIV destroy France? Pg. 3 Peace of Utrecht: Is Europe saved from another major war? Pg. 3 Spain s Fall from Grace: What happened? Pg. 4 Royal absolutism declining in England: What on earth is constitutionalism? Pg. 4 How did England survive their Civil War? Pg. 5 Dutch Republic: 17 th c. World Power? Pg. 5 The Age of Absolutism is here Written by Louis XIV It has been many years in the making but the age of absolutism is finally here. The oppressive nobles and corrupt Roman Catholic Church have finally been put into their proper place. For too long nobles and the church robbed and corrupted the hard working French people. For too long the French people sat at the feet of the Roman Catholic Church and under the thumb of power-hungry nobles. Those days are gone! All power now resides in the benevolent monarch who will work tirelessly for the people of France. Together the French people will build a world empire to rival England, beautiful cities to rival Italy, and a massive army to defeat any enemy. Of course, the government needs your complete and total cooperation. In the interest of all French people we may need to raise taxes and slightly ignore the needs of some segments of the population. However, remember that this is all for the greater good of France. Please send your tax payments directly to the Palace of Versailles! Dutch East India Company: Was the World Changing? Pg. 6 Mercantilism: Here to stay or short-lived economic policy? Versailles Palace is Complete!! After many years of construction the palace of Versailles is finally complete. This palace was built outside Paris, because the trouble within this city had given Louis XIV a dislike for it. This royal palace is awe-inspiring for all those that witness its greatness. It even inspired Peter the Great to run back to Russia and build something very similar. This palace would soon become the backbone of state power under Louis XIV. Not only are nobles required to attend Versailles each year but visiting diplomats are stunned by the size and scale of this palace. If you ever visit the palace, please remember that knocking on doors is not allowed. Do absolute monarchs govern alone? Absolutely not! In order for an absolute monarch to exert almost total control over an area, they must have the support of a strong bureaucracy. A bureaucracy is a government run by bureaus, administrators, and petty officials. However, in an absolute monarchy all of these officials are accountable to the king and can be replaced or moved at any time. Especially in countries as big as France having a strong bureaucracy is key. Without a quick way to communicate or visit distant parts of the state, local bureaucrats can carry out the orders of the king. Absolute monarchs often have one or more extremely close advisors- but if you are one of these advisors, be warned not to become too powerful. Advisors that become too powerful sometimes find their heads have been disconnected from their bodies. 1

2 Rebellion breaks out in France! What the heck is a Fronde? Cardinal Richelieu: Villain or Savior? Massive Changes made by Louis Xiv: Good or bad for France? 2

3 Will the wars of Louis Xiv destroy France? Peace of Utrecht: Is Europe saved from another major War? 3

4 Spain falls from Grace: What happened? Royal absolutism declining in England: What on earth is constitutionalism? 4

5 How did England survive their civil war? Dutch republic: 17 th century World Power? 5

6 Dutch east India company: Was the world changing? Mercantilism: Here to stay or shortlived Economic policy? 6