Absolutism Webquest

Introduction: The small country of Beblijan, through a series of political controversies and internal

power struggles, has deteriorated into chaos. Only you have the ability to save the country from the political and social turmoil that threatens to overrun your country.

As the newly appointed human resources chancellor, it is your responsibility to find a truly absolutist ruler to claim the throne of Beblijan and lead your country back to its previously known order and prosperity.

You have narrowed your list of potential applicants to the rulers listed below. You are currently waiting to receive their resumes and interview answers so that you can choose the monarch that best fits the needs of your country.

THE FUTURE OF BEBLIJAN DEPENDS ON YOU!

Monarchs:Group #1 - DANLouis XIV of France & Tupac Inca Yupanqui of the Incan Empire

Group #2 - FIONAJames I of England / VI of Scotland & Montezuma (or Moctezuma) II of the Aztec Empire

Group #3 - STEPHANIECharles I of England & Huayna Capac of the Aztec Empire

Group #4 - VINCENTPhilip II of Spain & Suleiman the Magnificent of the Ottoman Empire

Group #5 - TOSKACzar Peter the Great of Russia & Akbar the Great of the Mughal Empire

Group #6 - PHOENIXFrederick II of Prussia & Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty

Background Information:Absolutism is “a form of government in which all power is vested in one ruler or other

authority.” The main strengths of an absolute monarchy include that of efficiency and stability, which Beblijan desperately needs. Although most absolute monarchies were centered in Europe, or at least Eurasia, we will also focus on rulers of the Inca, Aztec, and Mughal Empires as well as the Ming Dynasty.

Absolutism, or absolutist tendencies, has long been a tradition and occurrence in global history. From the world powers of Europe, to the “savage” civilizations of the Americas, people have long placed their trust and faith in their divinely-appointed, all-knowing, and all-powerful leader. While often viewed as “undemocratic”, many have accepted this type of rule in order to ensure order and stability. Modern day examples of absolute monarchies include the governments of Brunei, the Kingdom of Swaziland in Southern Africa, the State of the Vatican City, and Saudi Arabia.

Process:

1. RESEARCH your assigned monarch.

2. Use this researched information to write resumes for each candidate.a. Resume #1 DUE AT START OF CLASS ON FRIDAYb. Resume #2 DUE BEFORE START OF CLASS ON MONDAY

3. Job Resume Instructions: You are to create a resume for your assigned monarch in preparation for an absolute monarch job interview in another country. Your resume should include all of the following:

a. Name of Monarch b. Nickname of Monarch c. Background (location of birth, date of birth, important family members) d. “Words to Describe Me” e. Goals of Monarch f. Actions / Accomplishments (this will be the most detailed section)g. Photo: you wouldn’t normally include a photo on your resume; however, for this

project, you need to include a small picture of your monarch on your resume. h. Optional:

i. Special Skills, Interests, Etc. ii. References [names and titles of people that could talk about your qualities

as a ruler]

4. Tips:a. Remember resumes are clear, concise, and to the point b. A typical resume is no longer than two pages – 1 page recommendedc. Remember to be creative! A resume is supposed to highlight you as the

BEST CANDIDATE FOR THAT JOB.

5. Interview Questions: Answer the following questions after the last page of your resume.

a. By what ideas or philosophies will you rule?

b. What qualities do you possess that would make you a perfect Absolute Monarch?

c. As an Absolute Monarch how would you control your subjects?

d. How would the kingdom benefit from your Absolute rule?

e. What previous experiences have you had and learned form that would help you in your role as absolute monarch for this country?

6. The class, as a whole, will then work to eliminate 1 candidate from each group, until there are only 6 resumes remaining. MONDAY IN CLASS

7. FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEWS: The eligible candidate from each group can be asked to answer questions from the class. In order to be able to do this, you must really know your candidate so read over the resumes a few times for homework. These interviews, combined with the resumes, will be used to narrow the pool down to only 2 candidates. TUESDAY IN CLASS

8. You will then write a position paper explaining who you are choosing as Beblijan’s ruler and why. If your candidate is one of the finalists, you MUST write your paper on the opposing candidate. These papers must be full of historical evidence and strong logic. DUE AT START OF CLASS ON FRIDAY