Films can be powerful tools for helping high school World History students better understand the era of Global Absolutism, also known as the Age of Absolute Monarchy. This period, which spanned the 16th to 18th centuries, saw monarchs across Europe and beyond centralize power, often claiming divine right to rule. Quality films can bring this complex historical era to life by dramatizing the political, cultural, and personal aspects of absolute rulers and their societies.
For example, The Madness of King George offers insight into the limitations of royal power and the pressures faced by monarchs, while Elizabeth (1998) and its sequel portray the consolidation of authority under Queen Elizabeth I of England. Marie Antoinette (2006) gives students a stylized look at the opulence of the French monarchy before the Revolution, emphasizing the disconnect between the crown and the people. Cromwell (1970) is also useful for examining the conflict between monarchy and Parliament in England.
These films help students visualize court life, royal rituals, and the everyday experiences of both rulers and subjects. Through costumes, settings, and character-driven storytelling, students can grasp how absolutist governments operated, the challenges monarchs faced, and how their rule was both supported and contested. When paired with classroom instruction, discussion, and critical analysis, films can deepen understanding, foster empathy, and enhance engagement with historical content. They allow students to connect emotionally with historical figures and events, making abstract political concepts more relatable and memorable.
|
