Question

This source supports the claim that Peter I was similar to Louis XIV in that both...

A) Were proponents of constitutional monarchy
B) Enforced strict religious policies
C) Acted as autocrats having unlimited power
D) Initiated widespread educational reforms

Answer 1

Peter I of Russia and Louis XIV of France both acted as autocrats with absolute power, centralizing their governments around their thrones and ruling by divine right, without establishing constitutional reforms.The correct option is c).

Step-by-step explanation:

This source supports the claim that Peter I of Russia was similar to Louis XIV of France in that both acted as autocrats having unlimited power. Louis XIV, known as the 'Sun King', epitomized an absolute monarchy, where the monarchs ruled with absolute power, free from checks such as a parliament. There was a clear belief in divine right, where the King's power was seen to come from God. Similarly, in the context of Russia under Peter the Great, efforts to modernize and Westernize were often curtailed by the autocracy's unwillingness to relinquish absolute control, which also stood in the way of economic development. Thus, both monarchs demonstrated autocratic tendencies, centralized power around their thrones, and resisted sharing power or establishing constitutional reforms.