Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Absolute Monarchies

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to introduce students to the topic of absolute monarchies, providing a solid foundation for them to understand how these regimes were formed and consolidated in Europe between the Middle Ages and Modernity. This stage is crucial to prepare students for a more in-depth analysis of the historical factors and key figures involved in the development of absolute monarchies.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the concept of absolute monarchy.

2. Identify the main historical factors that contributed to the formation of absolute monarchies in Europe.

3. Recognize the main absolute monarchs and their impacts on European society.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to introduce students to the topic of absolute monarchies, providing a solid foundation for them to understand how these regimes were formed and consolidated in Europe between the Middle Ages and Modernity. This stage is crucial to prepare students for a more in-depth analysis of the historical factors and key figures involved in the development of absolute monarchies.

Context

To begin the lesson on Absolute Monarchies, it is essential to understand the historical context in which these monarchies emerged. During the Middle Ages, Europe was composed of various fragmented kingdoms, where power was diluted among feudal lords. However, over time, especially after the crisis of feudalism and the centralization of power, some monarchs were able to consolidate their power and form more cohesive states. Thus, the absolute monarchy arises, a political system in which the king holds almost unlimited power, often justified by divine right, that is, the belief that the monarch was chosen by God to rule.

Curiosities

Did you know that the Palace of Versailles in France is one of the greatest symbols of monarchical absolutism? Built by King Louis XIV, also known as the 'Sun King', the palace was not only a royal residence but also a tool for control over the nobility. Louis XIV compelled nobles to live in Versailles, where he could supervise them closely.

Development

Duration: (40 - 50 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide a detailed and comprehensive understanding of absolute monarchies, including their historical context, main characteristics, key figures, and impacts. This stage aims to consolidate students' knowledge through clear explanations, concrete examples, and questions that encourage critical reflection on the topic.

Covered Topics

1. Historical Context of Absolute Monarchies: Explain how the crisis of feudalism and the centralization of power contributed to the emergence of absolute monarchies in Europe. Detail the transition from feudal fragmentation to more centralized and cohesive states. 2. Characteristics of Absolutism: Describe the main characteristics of absolutism, such as the concentration of power in the hands of the monarch, the absence of a system of checks and balances, and the justification of power by divine right. Provide specific examples of how these elements manifested in different European monarchies. 3. Key Absolute Monarchs: Present key figures such as Louis XIV of France, Philip II of Spain, and Peter the Great of Russia. Explain their policies, achievements, and impacts on society at the time. Use images or portraits of these monarchs to illustrate the explanation. 4. Social and Economic Impacts: Address how absolutism affected society and the economy. Discuss administrative centralization, the creation of permanent armies, and the relationship between the monarch and the nobility. Explain how these changes influenced the daily lives of common people and the development of cities. 5. Decline of Absolutism: Explain the factors that led to the decline of absolute monarchies, such as revolutions and independence movements. Mention the French Revolution and the Glorious Revolution in England as examples of reactions against absolutism. Briefly discuss how these changes paved the way for new forms of government, such as constitutional monarchies and republics.

Classroom Questions

1. What were the main factors that contributed to the formation of absolute monarchies in Europe? 2. How was divine right used to justify the power of absolute monarchs? 3. What were the social and economic impacts of the absolutist policies implemented by monarchs like Louis XIV and Peter the Great?

Questions Discussion

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to consolidate students' knowledge through discussion and reflection on the presented questions, promoting a deeper and more critical understanding of the topics addressed. By engaging students in questions and reflections, this stage aims to stimulate active participation, analytical thinking, and argumentative skills, which are fundamental for historical learning.

Discussion

• Discussion of Questions:

• What were the main factors that contributed to the formation of absolute monarchies in Europe?

• During the Middle Ages, Europe was fragmented into various fiefs, where feudal lords held local power. With the crisis of feudalism, there was a centralization of power, facilitated by monarchs who consolidated control over larger territories. The growing administrative centralization, the need for permanent armies to defend territories, and the pursuit of greater economic and social control were crucial factors in the formation of absolute monarchies.

• How was divine right used to justify the power of absolute monarchs?

• Divine right was a political and religious theory that stated kings were chosen by God to rule. This meant that the authority of the monarch was sacred and unquestionable, as challenging the king would be the same as challenging divine will. This concept was widely used by absolute monarchs like Louis XIV, who called himself the 'Sun King' and believed himself to be God's direct representative on Earth.

• What were the social and economic impacts of the absolutist policies implemented by monarchs like Louis XIV and Peter the Great?

• Absolutist policies had significant impacts on society and the economy. Louis XIV centralized administration, reduced the power of the nobility by requiring them to live under his supervision in Versailles, and developed a permanent army that reinforced his control. Peter the Great modernized Russia, reformed administration, and encouraged economic and industrial development. These policies resulted in greater centralization of power, stricter economic control, and changes in social structure, affecting the daily lives of common people and the dynamics of cities.

Student Engagement

1. Questions and Reflections for Students: 2. 1. What were the main differences between feudal systems and absolute monarchies? 3. 2. How do you think the justification of divine right influenced the acceptance of absolute power by subjects? 4. 3. How did the centralization policies of absolute monarchs affect the lives of non-noble social classes? 5. 4. In your opinion, what was the most significant legacy left by absolute monarchs in modern Europe? 6. 5. How did revolutions (such as the French Revolution) change perceptions about the absolute power of monarchs?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to review and consolidate the knowledge acquired by students throughout the lesson, ensuring they have a clear and cohesive understanding of the main points addressed. This stage also aims to show the practical relevance of the content and its connection to the real world, in addition to preparing students for future discussions and studies on the topic.

Summary

• Historical context of absolute monarchies: crisis of feudalism and centralization of power.
• Characteristics of absolutism: power concentrated in the hands of the monarch, divine right.
• Main absolute monarchs: Louis XIV, Philip II, Peter the Great.
• Social and economic impacts of absolutist policies.
• Decline of absolutism: revolutions and independence movements.

The lesson connected theory with practice by using concrete historical examples, such as the policies of Louis XIV and Peter the Great, to illustrate the characteristics and impacts of absolutism. Additionally, the discussion about the decline of absolutism and the transition to new forms of government highlighted the practical applications and social transformations resulting from these historical changes.

The study of absolute monarchies is relevant for understanding the foundations of modern political systems. Knowing how absolute monarchs centralized power and implemented policies that shaped society helps us understand the fundamentals of public administration, the importance of the separation of powers, and the effects of authoritarian regimes. Curiosities like the construction of Versailles also illustrate how power and architecture were used as tools of political control.