During the 1600s and 1700s a new type of monarch emerged known as an absolute ruler. Some of these rulers were Louis XIV, the Fredericks of Prussia, and Peter the Great. These rulers believed that a monarch had a divine right to rule and should only listen to God. All these rulers had characteristics that defined them as absolutists. Louis XIV was constantly at war during his reign which resulted in a powerful army. Also, during this time period, Frederick William I transformed Prussia into a military state. To become an absolute ruler, Peter the Great made many reforms throughout Russia. However, all these absolute leaders had the same goal. Even though they reigned over different countries, they all strengthened their armies, raised taxes, and unified religion. One thing that all absolute rulers did was increase the strength of their army. King Louis XIV had a goal to expand France’s borders, and he did that with a powerful army. He standardized the uniforms, weapons, and training. This was the peak of Louis XIV’s success in reforming the government. Similarly, Frederick William I, the Soliders’ King, made Prussia one of the largest militaries in Europe. He was constantly wearing his military uniform and lived a very disciplined life. His army amazed other countries with its precision, skill