[Absolutism]

Before class 
  
      * Read Palmer, 143-147, 167-186
  
      * Key terms

	balance of power
	Fronde
	intendant
	Colbert
	asiento
	War of the Spanish Succession
	Cardinal Mazarin
	Bishop Bossuet
	Versailles

      * Key concepts
  
	divine right of kings; absolutism 
  
      * Key questions

  
1. What was Jacques Bossuet's definition of absolutism? 

2. Why did many people welcome a strong monarch in France by the 1650s?

3. What general statements can be made about the nature of Louis XIV's rule in France?  About 
the role of France in European affairs during his reign?  What factors accounted for France's 
leadership during the age of Louis XIV? 

4. Explain the nature of the "balance of power" that was employed against Louis XIV.  Of what 
broad significance has the "balance of power" concept been in diplomatic history?

5. How did Louis XIV develop the "state" in its modern form? 

6. Discuss Louis XIV's military reforms, and economic, financial, and religious policies. 
  

[Absolutism]

In class 
  
      * Outline 
  
		1. Roots of absolutism 
	
		2. Absolutism in practice: reign of Louis XIV 

		3. Problems of French absolutism 
  
      * Key terms
  
	Cardinal Mazarin 
	Fronde 
	Jean Colbert 
	Michel Le Tellier, Marquis de Louvois
	intendant 
	Third Estate 
	First Estate 
	Second Estate 
	nobility of the sword 
	nobility of the robe 
	Versailles 
  
      * Key questions
  
	1. How well did absolutism work in practice? 

	2. How would you define absolutism? 
  
	3. What was Louis XIV trying to achieve?