In comparing the policies and activities of many of the great absolutist monarchs, you begin to notice several tendencies. For example, Louis XIV, Peter the Great, and the “Great Elector” all had many similarities that reflected each others actions.
Louis XIV was an absolute monarch to define absolutism. He honestly believed that he was God’s chosen representative. Louis took his power to extremes, dissolving France’s only assembly, the Estates General, and even acting as his own prime minister. Louis had a passion for fame (he wanted to make himself supreme in Europe) and a desire to increase French territory in Europe. During this attempt, he