17th Century: Age of Crisis and Achievement

A period in Europe (17th century) marked by challenges like population decline, economic hardship, and social unrest due to factors like the Little Ice Age, the Thirty Years' War, and widespread poverty.

Form of government where the ruler (king or queen) holds absolute power, with no checks or balances from other institutions or individuals.

French minister under King Louis XIII who worked to strengthen the king's power by appointing intendants, suppressing Protestantism, and weakening the Habsburgs.

French minister who continued the policies of Cardinal Richelieu, further consolidating the king's power and centralizing authority.

A lavish palace built by Louis XIV, used to control the nobility and consolidate his power by turning them dependent on him for social status and wealth.

An economic policy aimed at increasing national wealth by maximizing exports and minimizing imports.

A French economic policy designed to increase exports and protect domestic industries through tariffs and subsidies.

A political situation where no single power dominates, ensuring stability and preventing a single entity from gaining too much control.

The French monarch who ruled from 1643 to 1715, known for constant warfare and expansionist policies.

A coalition of European powers that formed to counter Louis XIV's expansionist policies and maintain the balance of power.

A period of conflict in Europe (1701-1714) triggered by the death of Charles II of Spain and the succession of Philip V, grandson of Louis XIV.

A treaty signed in 1713, ending the War of Spanish Succession and ensuring the separation of France and Spain, thus preserving the balance of power.

The Russian Tsar (1682-1725) known for his extensive reforms to modernize Russia, particularly in its military and bureaucracy.

The period when European powers like Russia and the Ottoman Empire underwent significant changes in their political systems, military strategies, and cultural practices.

Peter the Great's ambitious series of changes aimed at modernizing Russia and strengthening its military capabilities and infrastructure. These reforms led to a significant shift in Russian power and influence on the European stage.

These reforms targeted Russia's military, education, and infrastructure, aiming to modernize the nation and make it a formidable player in European affairs.

Peter the Great's reforms were driven by his desire to elevate Russia's standing in the international arena and make it comparable to Europe's leading powers.

A political doctrine that asserts monarchs derive their authority directly from God, making them above earthly laws and accountable only to God. It justifies absolute rule and rejects any limitation on the king's power.

The Ottoman Empire's system of governing, where diverse religious communities were granted a degree of autonomy under religious leaders, with the Sultan as the supreme authority.

Under the Millet System, individual religious communities were granted the power to govern themselves, guided by their own religious law and customs.

A system of government where the monarch's power is restricted by laws and a parliament, ensuring a balance of power and preventing absolute rule.

A conflict in England (1642-1651) between the supporters of King Charles I and those advocating for Parliament's authority. It resulted in the execution of Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

In exchange for granted autonomy, religious leaders were expected to ensure their communities remained loyal and obedient to the Sultan, who ultimately held supreme power over the entire empire.

A form of government where elected representatives hold power instead of a monarch, as seen in the Dutch Republic.

A period in English history (1653-1659) where Oliver Cromwell, following the English Civil War, ruled as Lord Protector, effectively a military dictatorship.

The political and cultural transformation in England that marked the end of absolute monarchy and ushered in a constitutional monarchy. This shift resulted in the establishment of the English Bill of Rights, which limited the power of the monarchy and protected individual rights.

A ruler known for his support of Enlightenment ideas and his sponsorship of intellectuals like Voltaire. His approach to governing was influenced by reason and progress.

A period in English history (1660-1685) where Charles II was restored to the throne after the interregnum of the Commonwealth. This marked the return of the monarchy.

A document that established and protected individual rights, limited the power of the monarchy, and affirmed the power of Parliament in English governance.

The English monarch ruling in the late 17th century, known for his Catholic faith and attempts to increase royal power. His actions led to the Glorious Revolution.

A bloodless revolution in England (1688) where James II was replaced by William of Orange and Mary, establishing a constitutional monarchy and the Bill of Rights.

A document establishing fundamental rights and liberties for English citizens. It limited the King's power and ensured Parliament's role in government.

A political system where the power of the government is limited by law, ensuring individual rights and freedoms and requiring the ruler to share power with a legislative body.

A system of government where the ruler holds absolute power, unconstrained by law or legal opposition.

King Louis XIV of France employed mercantilist strategies to enhance national wealth, promoting French exports, protecting domestic industries from foreign competition, and acquiring colonies for resources.

Spain's over-reliance on silver from its colonies (Potosí mines) led to economic decline when production dwindled, followed by an economic crisis triggered by the pandemic and costly wars.

The Prussian rulers, particularly Frederick William and Frederick William I, consolidated their power by establishing a strong military state.

The Prussian rulers successfully reduced the power of the nobility (Junkers) by offering them positions in the military and control over serfs in exchange for accepting royal control of taxation.

Frederick William I implemented a policy of building a highly disciplined and powerful military force, making Prussia a leading absolutist state.

The Habsburg emperors in Austria suppressed the nobility, re-established Catholic dominance in Bohemia, and created a standing army to defend against the Ottoman Empire.

The Tsar, the Russian monarch, held absolute power in Russia, centralizing control by diminishing the nobility's influence.

The Russian tsars created a new service nobility, whose status and lands were dependent on loyalty to the Tsar, further strengthening their control.