Which statement best compares the absolutism practiced by Louis XIV and Peter the Great?(1 point) Responses Louis XIV created the illusion of absolute power, while Peter the Great was closer to a true absolute ruler. Louis XIV created the illusion of absolute power, while Peter the Great was closer to a true absolute ruler. Louis XIV needed to work constantly to expand his power, while Peter the Great was the unquestioned ruler of Russia. Louis XIV needed to work constantly to expand his power, while Peter the Great was the unquestioned ruler of Russia. Louis XIV ruled by relying on a large bureaucracy, while Peter the Great was independent of all administration. Louis XIV ruled by relying on a large bureaucracy, while Peter the Great was independent of all administration. Louis XIV and Peter the Great were both successful absolute rulers.
Louis XIV created the illusion of absolute power, while Peter the Great was closer to a true absolute ruler.
The statement "Louis XIV created the illusion of absolute power, while Peter the Great was closer to a true absolute ruler" best compares the absolutism practiced by Louis XIV and Peter the Great.
To determine the correct statement that best compares the absolutism practiced by Louis XIV and Peter the Great, we need to understand some key facts about their reigns.
Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, ruled France from 1643 to 1715. He believed in the divine right of kings and worked to centralize power under his control. To project the image of absolute power, Louis XIV carefully curated his royal court at the Palace of Versailles, where nobles were both physically and emotionally dependent on him. He successfully promoted himself as the ultimate authority and maintained a large bureaucracy to manage the affairs of the state.
Peter the Great ruled Russia from 1682 to 1725. He too was an absolute ruler who aimed to modernize and westernize Russia. Peter implemented various reforms in areas such as the military, administration, and culture. He established a strong central government and embarked on an ambitious agenda of territorial expansion and modernization. Peter the Great's rule was characterized by his relentless drive to transform Russia, often by embedding himself in the daily lives of his subjects and personally overseeing reforms.
Now, let's evaluate each statement against these facts:
1. "Louis XIV created the illusion of absolute power, while Peter the Great was closer to a true absolute ruler."
This statement correctly acknowledges that Louis XIV projected an image of absolute power, but it incorrectly suggests that Peter the Great was closer to a true absolute ruler. In reality, both Louis XIV and Peter the Great were absolute rulers.
2. "Louis XIV needed to work constantly to expand his power, while Peter the Great was the unquestioned ruler of Russia."
This statement inaccurately portrays Louis XIV as constantly needing to expand his power. Although Louis XIV did work to centralize power in France, by the later part of his reign, his authority was firmly established. On the other hand, Peter the Great did face opposition and challenges to his rule, but he still maintained strong control over Russia.
3. "Louis XIV ruled by relying on a large bureaucracy, while Peter the Great was independent of all administration."
This statement correctly highlights Louis XIV's reliance on a large bureaucracy to govern France, but it wrongly suggests that Peter the Great was independent of all administration. While Peter the Great was known for his hands-on approach to governance and frequently took an active role in decision-making, he also relied on a bureaucratic system to manage affairs in Russia.
4. "Louis XIV and Peter the Great were both successful absolute rulers."
This statement correctly recognizes that both Louis XIV and Peter the Great were successful absolute rulers. They each exercised significant control and authority over their respective realms, leaving lasting legacies.
Therefore, the correct statement that best compares the absolutism practiced by Louis XIV and Peter the Great is:
"Louis XIV ruled by relying on a large bureaucracy, while Peter the Great was independent of all administration."