Compare two absolutist monarchs in terms of governance.

Louis XIV of France and Peter the Great of Russia were both absolutist monarchs, but their governance styles varied significantly.

Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, reigned over France from 1643 to 1715. His governance was characterised by centralisation of power and the establishment of an absolute monarchy. He believed in the divine right of kings, asserting that his authority was directly from God. Louis XIV implemented policies that reduced the power of the nobility and increased the power of the monarchy. He built the Palace of Versailles, moving the royal court there and requiring the nobility to spend part of the year there, effectively keeping them under his control. He also expanded the bureaucracy, appointing officials who were loyal to him, thus consolidating his power.

In contrast, Peter the Great, who ruled Russia from 1682 to 1725, was a reformist monarch. He sought to modernise Russia and make it a major European power. Peter implemented a series of reforms aimed at westernising Russia. He reorganised the Russian army along European lines, introduced new administrative and territorial divisions, and promoted education and industry. He also moved the capital from Moscow to the newly built city of St. Petersburg, symbolising a shift towards the West. Peter's rule was marked by a strong hand and often brutal methods, including the suppression of rebellions and the execution of opponents.

While both monarchs were absolutists, their approaches to governance were different. Louis XIV focused on centralising power and reducing the influence of the nobility, while Peter the Great focused on modernising and westernising Russia. Both monarchs, however, used their absolute power to implement significant changes in their respective countries. They also both used architecture - the Palace of Versailles and the city of St. Petersburg - as symbols of their power and their visions for their countries. Despite their different approaches, both Louis XIV and Peter the Great left lasting legacies and significantly shaped the histories of their respective nations.