Absolutism

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Absolutism in Central Europe
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The Habsburgs the Holy Roman Empire
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Habsburg Family Crest
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Hapsburg Family line
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Austrian Empire 1657-1718
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Leopold I Holy RomanEmperor (r. 1658-1705)
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Schönbrunn Palace
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Schönbrunn Palace
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Schönbrunn Palace
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Charles VI
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Empress Maria Theresa

• In theory should have ruled in peace.
• Fought several wars
• Weakened the power of the nobility.
• Limited the labor of the serfs.
• Had many children.

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Maria Theresa Her Family

• Her Notable Children
• HRE Joseph II
• HRE Leopold II
• Queen Marie Antoinette (Fr.)

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Prussia the Austrian Empire 1721-72
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The Hohenzollerns Brandenburg-Prussia
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Prussian Family Crest
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Hohenzollerns
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Growth of Austria Brandenburg-Prussia to 1748
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King Frederick I of Prussia (r.1701-1713)

• Only way to protect their lands was to have a
  strong army.
• 80,000 man standing army
• Permanent taxation.
• Junkers (nobility) given exclusive right to be
  officers in the army.

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Frederick the Great (r. 1740-1786)

• Father worried that he was not tough enough to
  rule.
• Loved music and poetry.
• Continued military policies of his father.
• A father to his people. (New Absolute philosophy)
• Involved in several wars.

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Frederick the Great (r. 1740-1786)
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Frederick the Greats Court
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Europe in 1740