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Understanding Sovereignty and Power in Australia and the Rule of Louis XVI**

This article delves into the concept of sovereignty, exploring its origins and implications within the political systems of Australia. It examines with whom sovereignty resides and how political authority is derived. The discussion extends to the reign of Louis XVI as a Divine Right Absolute Monarch, highlighting the elements that supported his rule, including absolutism, divine right, and military power. The portrayal of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette offers insights into the complexities of their reign and the factors that ultimately led to revolution.

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Understanding Sovereignty and Power in Australia and the Rule of Louis XVI**

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Long term causes: number 2 Political and administrative system

  2. Sovereignty • What is it? From what does any political regime draw its power and authority? • With whom does Sovereignty reside in Australia?

  3. sov·er·eign (säv′rən, -ər in; occas. suv′-) adjective • above or superior to all others; chief; greatest; supreme • supreme in power, rank, or authority • of or holding the position of ruler; royal; reigning • independent of all others a sovereign state • excellent; outstanding • very effectual, as a cure or remedy • Etymology: ME soveraine < OFr < VL *superanus < L super, above, over noun • a person who possesses sovereign authority or power; specif., a monarch or ruler

  4. sov·er·eignty (-tē) nounpl.sovereignties -·ties • the state or quality of being sovereign • the status, dominion, rule, or power of a sovereign • supreme and independent political authority • a sovereign state or governmental unit

  5. Look carefully at the next picture. • (Also on page 7 of Adcock) • Think about: • How does the painting convey the immense personal power of the king, Louis XVI? • Messages communicated through his pose and expression? • Anything else of note about the painting.

  6. Pretty impressive, huh? • Louis XVI was what is known as a Divine Right Absolute Monarch (DRAM)

  7. Louis XVI’s rule as a DRAM rested on the following elements: • Absolutism • Absolute authority • Documents and practise support • Power to pass laws, appoint ministers, declare war and peace, impose taxes, control currency, etc • Divine Right • Religious belief (devout country) • Power from God – think of significance? Modern equivalent? • Can one criticise/challenge God? • Dynasty • Tradition – long line of rulers • Military power • Supreme commander

  8. Thus, think: • What needs to occur for a revolution to occur???

  9. The King is generally well respected…

  10. …but is generally regarded as a weak character, particularly by those who know him.

  11. Marie-Antoinette, however… • Austrian royalty • Promised to Louis XVI as a child – peace process between traditional enemies, Austria and France • Marries Louis in 1770, aged 14. • Bizarre initiation ceremony • Young couple unable to conceive for seven years – largely as a result of Louis’ unfortunate “problem” – inability to produce a male heir does not endear her to the French public.

  12. Actually, the fault lay with Louis’ • In the words of Simon Schama, sexual relations were “complicated” • Letter from Joseph II, emperor of Austria and Marie-Antoinette’s brother, 1777: [Louis] has strong, well-conditioned erections, introduces the member, stays there without moving for perhaps two minutes and withdraws without ejaculating but still erect and says good night; this is incomprehensible because he sometimes has nightly emissions but once in place and going at it, never – he says plainly that he does it from a sense of duty. • Poor Marie-Antoinette! • Louis’ “Problem” finally corrected through minor surgery. Able to conceive a child (a daughter, mind you…)

  13. Marie-Antoinette • But her reputation slides for a number of reasons: • Apparent financial recklessness – she regularly runs up large debts – and indifference to the suffering of others • ‘Let them eat cake’ • 1785 - Diamond Necklace Affair • Labelled “Madame Deficit”

  14. Also… • Subject to vicious rumour and innuendo. For example... • Scandal sheets • Political pornography • Accuse her of sexual misadventure (eg. affairs with Artois and Lafayette), infidelity, lesbianism, even incest. • She becomes known as the ‘Austrian Whore’ • Louis is ridiculed as a cuckold (cheated-upon husband).

  15. Marie-Antoinette as a harpy (1793)

  16. Remember: Louis XVI’s rule as a DRAM rested on the following elements: • Absolutism • Absolute authority • Documents and practise support • Power to pass laws, appoint ministers, declare war and peace, impose taxes, control currency, etc • Divine Right • Religious belief (devout country) • Power from God – think of significance? Modern equivalent? • Can one criticise/challenge God? • Dynasty • Tradition – long line of rulers • Military power • Supreme commander

  17. Again, think: • What needed to happen for a revolution to occur?

  18. View the following clip • What is the film maker trying to say about life in the court of Louis XVI? • If accurate, how might this lifestyle weaken the elements that make up the king’s authority? • Is this accurate? Is this fair??? [Go find out!]

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