Absolute Monarchs in Europe

The period from 1520 to 1566, when Suleyman I, also known as Suleiman the Magnificent, ruled the Ottoman Empire. He is considered to be the most powerful sultan and is credited with the Empire's Golden Age.

The King of Spain who inherited Spain's American colonies, parts of Italy, lands in Austria and the Netherlands, and was elected Holy Roman Emperor. This marked a period of significant power consolidation in Europe.

A political system where a ruler has absolute power and authority, unchecked by any other institution or body. Kings and queens wielding absolute power ruled their kingdoms with little to no limitations.

A period in European history characterized by religious and economic instability. This period saw major shifts in power, and many monarchs took on new responsibilities to deal with the challenging conditions.

The ruler of Spain from 1520 to 1566, known for his powerful rule and strong leadership. He was also a significant figure in the Habsburg dynasty.

A European ruler who controlled a vast territory, encompassing Spain, American colonies, parts of Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands. This marked a time of immense power and influence.

The first European ruler since Charlemagne to control such a vast territory across Europe. This period marked a shift in European power dynamics and marked a period of significant influence for the Habsburg Dynasty.

The period following the reign of Suleyman I, where European monarchs sought to match his power and control. This marked a transition towards absolutism in European politics.

A period in the Netherlands during the 17th Century where people became obsessed with tulips, causing prices to rise significantly.

The United Provinces of the Netherlands, unlike most European nations of the time, practiced religious toleration, was a republic, and had elected governors.

A Dutch artist known for masterful use of light and shadow in his paintings, especially visible in his famous work, "The Night Watch."

A famous group portrait by Rembrandt van Rijn, depicting a group of city guards. It's notable for the stark contrasts in light and shadow, which highlight the individuals within the group.

A Dutch artist known for his mastery of light and shadow, particularly in his paintings depicting domestic scenes.

The golden age of Dutch art in the 17th century. It was a period of economic prosperity and cultural flourishing, similar to the Italian Renaissance.

The practice of allowing and accepting people to hold different religious beliefs without persecution.

A form of government in which the head of state is not a monarch but a chosen official, usually elected by the people.

A diplomatic strategy where power is balanced between countries to prevent one from dominating others.

An alliance formed by European countries to counter the growing power of France under Louis XIV.

The War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was a conflict sparked by the death of King Charles II of Spain and the controversy surrounding his successor.

A treaty signed in 1714 that ended the War of the Spanish Succession, establishing a balance of power in Europe.

The French Bourbon dynasty's rule over both France and Spain, which sparked concerns about the concentration of power.

A fortress in Gibraltar, strategically important for controlling the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.

A period of hardship for the French people due to poor harvests and constant war.

King of Spain who died childless in 1700, triggering the War of the Spanish Succession.

A region in Central Europe encompassing modern-day Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of neighboring countries.

A period in European history when monarchs gained significant control over their kingdoms, leading to 'absolutism.'

The reign of Suleiman I, considered the most powerful Ottoman sultan, marked a 'Golden Age' for the empire.

A time of economic prosperity and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands during the 17th century, marked by advancements in art, science, and trade.

The United Provinces of the Netherlands practiced religious toleration, had a republican government with elected officials, and were unlike most European nations at the time.

A period in European history characterized by the expansion of empires (primarily the Ottoman Empire), the rise of powerful rulers, and significant changes in religious and political landscapes.

The first European ruler since Charlemagne to control such a vast territory, encompassing Spain, the Americas, parts of Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands. He played a significant role in the Habsburg Dynasty's rise to power.

The United Provinces of the Netherlands was unique during this period, practicing religious toleration, having a republic form of government with elected governors, and experiencing significant economic growth.

During the Dutch Golden Age, the Netherlands flourished economically and culturally, particularly in the art world. This period saw the emergence of renowned artists like Rembrandt van Rijn and Jan Vermeer.

The practice of allowing and accepting people to hold different religious beliefs without persecution, which was prominent in the United Provinces of the Netherlands during this period.

A form of government in which the head of state is not a monarch but a chosen official, usually elected by the people. The United Provinces of the Netherlands provided an example of this in Europe during this time.

Rembrandt van Rijn was a Dutch artist known for his masterful use of light and shadow, prominently displayed in his famous work 'The Night Watch,' a group portrait depicting city guards.

Jan Vermeer was a Dutch artist famous for his mastery of light and shadow, particularly in his paintings depicting domestic scenes, often showcasing the interplay of light and shadow in everyday life.

A political system where a ruler has absolute power and authority, unchecked by any other institution or body. Kings and queens wielding absolute power ruled their kingdoms with little to no limitations.

The recognition of European states as independent entities, capable of governing themselves and having their own armies. This emerged after the Thirty Years’ War.

A state that controls a defined territory, has a government, an army, and governs on behalf of its people within its borders.

The Thirty Years’ War was a conflict fought in Europe from 1618 to 1648, primarily over religion. It resulted in significant changes to the political map of Europe, including the rise of nation-states.

The Holy Roman Empire was a loose federation of states in central Europe during this time period. It wasn't as powerful as the emerging nation-states in Western Europe.

The Ottoman Empire was a powerful empire that controlled parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa during this period. It was centered in modern-day Turkey and was a rival to the newly forming nation-states in Europe.

Poland, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Ottoman Empire were important powers in central Europe. However, they were not as strong as the emerging nation-states in Western Europe.

While Western Europe embraced nation-states, Central Europe saw slower development of strong states. This led to a difference in power dynamics in Europe.

The development of the modern state system, which emphasized nation-states as the main actors in international relations.

They were motivated by both religion and politics. While they were cardinals, they held political power and acted in their own interests. Conflicts like the Thirty Years War, where religious differences were often a major factor, played a role in these actions.