Core Structure WS #28

FRQ #28

In the time period of 1650-1750, absolutism affected the power and status of European nobility to a great extent in various different ways. In countries like France and other parts of Western Europe, the monarch made sure that the nobility was weakened from taxes and other things so that the monarch itself had absolute power. Absolute rulers
would work with the nobility, but assure that they maintained more power than them. In the east, absolute monarchs would maintain ties with the nobility and focus more on enforcing serfdom.


In the country of France, Louis XIV used his power to weaken the nobility. He claimed “L’etat, c’est moi” (the state is me), and meant it. Louis XIV sold titles to create new nobility, and would have the nobility stay at his palace for most of the year. Once there, Louis would use spies and gossip to make sure the nobility was loyal.

The eastern countries of Russia and Austria were more focused on working with the nobility. Maria Theresa, who became queen of Austria, taxed the nobility more than others. Russian absolute monarchs weakened obligations on the nobility.Peter the Great was focused on building a powerful army, and he forced the sons of nobles to attend military and engineering schools. They were not permitted to marry until they did so.

Overall, absolute monarchs worked with the nobility to help gain power, but assured that the nobility did not gain too much power. The nobility’s power was weakened in some areas of Europe, but they maintained enough power and had a high status to still be referred to as “nobility”.