Compare and contrast the extent of the power of two absolutist monarchs.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between two absolutist monarchs in terms of the extent of their power. Candidates may refer to their qualities as leaders and their identification with their states. Candidates may also consider their capacity to limit the political role played by medieval institutions like the Church, the feudal lords, and the customary law. Candidates may argue that both Louis XIV and Peter the Great gained greater control of the nobility by moving the royal courts to Versailles and St Petersburg, removing the nobility from their local power bases. Candidates may also compare and contrast the extent of their economic power and their success in expanding their kingdoms. The extent of their control of trade, the tax system, diplomacy, and their role as military leaders may also be considered. Some examples that candidates may compare and contrast are: Louis XIV of France, the Tsarist autocracy in Russia, and Philip V of Spain. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences of the extent of power of two absolutist monarchs. Few responses were seen to this question. Those that were seen tended to rely on generalisations.