Answer:
Louis XIV and Peter the Great both rose to and consolidated power through a combination of military force and political savvy. Louis XIV expanded the power of the French monarchy through a series of wars, while Peter the Great centralized and strengthened the Russian government by introducing new laws and reforming the bureaucracy. Both rulers also relied on advisors and ministers to help them in their efforts to consolidate power. In addition, Louis XIV and Peter the Great both sought to increase their countries' international standing by engaging in diplomatic relations with other nations.