While both the French and English empires were growing overseas, the modern system of great powers was evolving in Europe itself. France became Europe's superpower in the 1600's. Louis XIV, the "Sun King," served as a model of absolute royal power. England in the 1600's, by contrast, provided an early example of more democratic rule as Parliament limited the power of monarchs.

From the 1560's to the 1590's, religious wars between Huguenots (French Protestants) and the Catholic majority tore France apart. Leaders on each side used the war to make themselves look better. Two of the lead families (one from each side) wanted to replace the declining Valois dynasty. The worst of the fighting began on St. Bartholomew's Day, August 24, 1572. At a wedding, violence erupted that lead to 3,000 Huguenot deaths. In the coming days, many more were murdered. St. Bartholomew's Day stood for the breakdown of France. In 1589, Henry of Navarre inherited the throne and became known as Henry IV. He became Catholic so the French population would support him in his efforts. When he dies in 1610, his nine year

From 1485 to 1603, England was ruled by the Tudor dynasty. Although the Tudors believed in divine right, they recognized the value of having a strong Parliament. When Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church, he sought the approval of the Parliament. Parliament went ahead with the Act of Supremacy, making him the head of the Church of England and allowed him to seize monastery lands. A constant need for money also kept Henry going back to Parliament frequently. Although he inherited a swollen treasury, he wasted it fighting overseas wars. To levy new taxes, the king had to seek Parliamentary approval. Parliament members often voted as instructed, but were used to being consulted on important matters. Elizabeth I used Parliament and controlled it to her advantage. Her aides expressed her wishes to Parliament and outlawed certain topics, including her marriage. Her skill in controlling the Parliament made her a popular and successful ruler. King James repeatedly clashed with Parliament over money and foreign policy. Leaders in the House of Commons fiercely resisted the king's claim to absolute power. Charles I inherited the throne in 1625. He behaved like an absolute ruler. He imprisoned foes for no reason and squeezed the nation of money. In his search for capital, he went to the Parliament. Parliament forced him to sign the Petition of Right, forbidding him from imposing any new taxes without Parliament

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Approximate Word count = 960
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)