Similarities Between Louis Xiv And Peter The Great

Absolutism is viewed as having the absolute power over a state. For these rulers, Louis XIV and Peter the Great, one may argue over the other of who has the greatest absolute power. Louis XIV, in my opinion, was one of the greatest examples of an Absolutist.
Louis XIV was viewed as the ideal man whose qualities shined on the inside and outside. His exterior physique was sculpted through all sorts of exercise and time spent outdoors (Accounts of Louis XIV). While his beauty shined on the outside, most commented that his personality shined brighter. Not only was Louis XIV to speak with such confidence, but was a patient listener with quick comprehension (Accounts of Louis XIV). Between his internal and external beauty, he was able to persuade

Although he had many great ideas, Peter the Great was considered to be an alcoholic man with a short fuse. Physically, Peter the Great was not too appealing; he had strange convulsions that happened throughout his entire body (Bishop Burnet on Peter the Great). He was viewed by many to be mechanically inclined, but would better suffice as a carpenter rather than a ruler (Bishop Burnet on Peter the Great). Not only do I feel that he is not worthy of being labeled as an Absolutist, but that he was not physically or mentally stable enough to guide other people due to his alcoholism and hot temper. Although I do not visualize him as an Absolutist, I feel that he had the right idea of visiting other countries to compare to see what he could do for Russia to make it better for his people (Bishop Burnet on Peter the

Louis XIV’s weakness was that when being approached, he required to be spoken to in nothing but a flattery tone. He enjoyed hearing the love of his own praises, and that people adored him for everything that he was in a ruler (The Court of Louis XIV). This love of being praised by his people is what drove him to continue to fight for them in serious wars (The Court of Louis XIV). Once the war is over though, he was the one to take credit for it all rather than sharing his successes among his team. Although this behavior was frowned upon from him, the good outweighed the bad, and everyone still admired him. Then again, he was one of the best Absolutist rulers in the history of France. In the readings, it was clear to me that Louis XIV was the better Absolutist because of the way he carried himself. Although a bit selfish at times, he cared for everyone and would fight many wars for his people. Louis XIV was known to be one of the greatest rulers in the history of France because of his grace. Even with his single flaw of wanting constant appraisal, his people abided by this because they respected him as their