Introduction

Before the Age of Enlightenment and Reason, rulers governed by birth right and decree. These rulers often ruled with little regard for the subjects in their kingdoms. Although some religious authority may be able to discourage the monarch from some acts and the ruler is expected to act according to custom, in an absolute monarchy there is no constitution or body of law above what is decreed by the king or queen. Several rulers have been labeled Absolute Monarchs. These rulers governed at different times and regions but they all had one thing in common, they ruled over all. Rulers like Louis XIV, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Catherine the Great were very effective at using their powers to control every aspect of the societies they governed.

Each student will be assigned one of the following monarchs:

1. Louis XIV

2. Henry VIII

3. Elizabeth I

4. Philip II

5. Frederick the Great

6. Peter the Great

7. Catherine the Great

8. Ivan the Terrible

You will analyze your monarch's fascinating personality, their concept of power, political and economic vision, religious views, as well as personal whims and charms. At the same time, you will explore the great products of their age: science, architecture, literature, theatre, music and even fashion.

To get you started and keep you on track, SUMMARIZE and CLARIFY the following topics during the rule of your monarch:

1. their concept of power including where and when they ruled

2. economy and trade

3. colonization and expansion

4. religion

5. cultural and technological advancements

6. internal (domestic) problems

7. external problems

The following questions may help you summarize and clarify your information

SUMMARIZING:

• What happened?

• What is essential to remember?

• What was the outcome?

• Who was involved?

• Why did this happen?

• What was the main point?

• What should other people know and remember about this event/person?

CLARIFYING:

• What do you not understand?

• What is confusing?

• Words or phrases that need to be defined or that you need more information to understand?

Lists of Acceptable Sites

1. http://www.geschichte.fb15.unidortmund.de/fnz/absolutism.html

2. http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ENLIGHT/ABSOLUTE.HTM

3. http://schools.fwps.org/tj/library/monarchs.htm

4. http://www.omnibusol.com/mediev2.html#absolut

5. www.google.com

6. www.yahoo.com

7. www.history.com

Each student must complete a summary table for each of the categories listed above. Due dates are listed below:

Summary table 1-Tuesday, November 13

Summary table 2-Wednesday, November 14

Summary table 3--Thursday, November 15

Summary table 4--Thursday, November 15

FINAL PRESENTATION

Each student will use their research to develop a 5-10 minute presentation that will list and explain the 5 greatest accomplishments of this ruler. Use the presentation rubric for clarifying details.

View Mr. Sullivan's example