Question

1. CHOOSE AN ABSOLUTE MONARCH FROM THE LIST BELOW
2. CREATE A PLAYING CARD POSTER WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
A. NAME OF THE KING OR QUEEN
B. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN/ETHNICITY (JUST BECAUSE THEY WERE THE KING OF
ENGLAND DOES NOT MEAN THEY WERE ENGLISH)
C. COUNTRY THEY RULED OVER
D. WHEN DID THEY REIGN
E. WHO WAS THE RULER OF THAT SAME NATION BEFORE THEM AND AFTER:
F. WHAT WAS THEIR RELIGION (TRY TO BE SPECIFIC):
G. HOW DID THEY RULE ABSOLUTE (BE SPECIFIC WITH YOUR EXAMPLES, THIS
IS THE BIGGEST PART OF THE PROJECT AND WHERE YOU WANT TO FOCUS
THE MOST TIME, AT LEAST 1 PARAGRAPH): DISCUSS IMPACT OF THEIR
REIGN
H. INCLUDE A PICTURE OF THEM IN THE STYLE OF A PLAYING CARD
I. COMPARE AND CONTRAST THEM TO ANOTHER ABSOLUTE RULER (BE
SPECIFIC, AT LEAST 1 PARAGRAPH)
INDIA - AKBAR THE GREAT
SPAIN - CHARLES V, PHILLIP II,
FRANCE - LOUIS XIV
RUSSIA - IVAN THE TERRIBLE, PETER THE GREAT, CATHERINE THE GREAT
ENGLAND ­ JAMES I, CHARLES I, OLIVER CROMWELL, CHARLES II, JAMES II
AUSTRIA ­ MARIA THERESA, JOSEPH II
PRUSSIA ­ FREDERICK THE GREAT

Answer 1

### Playing Card Poster: **Louis XIV**

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#### A. Name of the King:
**Louis XIV**

#### B. Country of Origin/Ethnicity:
**France / French**

#### C. Country They Ruled Over:
**France**

#### D. When Did They Reign:
**1643 - 1715**

#### E. Who Was the Ruler of That Same Nation Before Them and After:
- **Before:** Louis XIII
- **After:** Louis XV

#### F. What Was Their Religion:
**Catholicism (Roman Catholic)**

#### G. How Did They Rule Absolute:
Louis XIV, often referred to as the "Sun King," epitomized the concept of absolute monarchy. He believed in the divine right of kings, asserting that his authority was granted directly by God. To consolidate power, he famously centralized government operations in the Palace of Versailles, forcing nobles to live there so he could monitor and control their activities. Louis XIV took direct control of the state's administration and military, sidelining the traditional nobility. His ability to dictate governmental decisions was evident in his appointment of ministers who were loyal to him rather than from noble families. He also controlled French culture and politics, symbolically emphasizing his power through lavish court ceremonies and patronage of the arts. His reign is marked by significant territorial expansion through wars (such as the War of the Spanish Succession) aimed at increasing French influence in Europe. However, these wars drained the treasury and planted seeds of discontent among the populace, leading to economic instability that would later challenge the monarchy.

#### H. Picture:
*Insert image of Louis XIV in the style of a playing card, usually portrayed wearing luxurious clothing and the crown, with the sun symbolizing his nickname.*

#### I. Compare and Contrast Louis XIV with Peter the Great:
While both Louis XIV of France and Peter the Great of Russia exercised absolute power during their respective reigns, they had distinct approaches to governance and cultural transformation. Louis XIV focused primarily on centralizing authority and establishing a strong identity for France through cultural patronage and military power. He emphasized the glory of the monarchy and the arts, making France a leader in European culture. In contrast, Peter the Great sought to modernize Russia and bring it into the fold of European powers. He implemented sweeping reforms in military structure, governance, and cultural practices, often at the expense of traditional Russian customs. While Louis XIV's rule was characterized by opulence and the splendor of Versailles, Peter's reforms often came with a harsher hand, including the enforcement of Westernization policies that alienated many traditionalists. Ultimately, both left profound impacts on their nations, shaping their identities and legacy, but through differing methods and cultural priorities.