Absolutism and Constitutionalism

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Questions and Answers

What did Louis XIV mean by adopting the title 'The Sun King'?

It symbolized that everything revolved around him. (correct)

It represented France's agricultural success.

It indicated his openness to public opinion.

It referred to his interest in astronomy.

What was the purpose of the Edict of Nantes when it was issued?

To grant Catholics special privileges.

To establish a new monarchy.

To allow Huguenots to fortify cities. (correct)

To ban Protestantism in France.

What was a significant outcome of Louis XIV's reign upon his death?

France had a surplus of resources.

France was in significant debt. (correct)

The monarchy was reinstated.

The military forces were at their peak.

What was the primary reason for the calling of the Model Parliament of 1295?

To approve taxes for a war in Scotland. Signup and view all the answers

What conflict did James I and Charles I have with Parliament primarily revolve around?

Absolute monarchy versus parliamentary power. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Petition of Right establish?

The king must seek Parliament’s permission to raise taxes. Signup and view all the answers

Which right was guaranteed by the Bill of Rights of 1689?

Free elections for Parliament members. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'The Restoration' refer to in English history?

The return of the Stuart monarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What was the event that initiated the general uprising of the French nobility during Louis XIV's reign?

The Fronde Signup and view all the answers

What did the term 'Divine Right' refer to in the context of monarchy?

The belief that monarchs are directly answerable to God Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Roundheads in the English Civil War?

Opponents of King Charles I Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Armada dispatched by Philip II of Spain?

To conquer England Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Duma in Russia?

The equivalent of the Russian parliament Signup and view all the answers

Which significant document limited the powers of the English monarchy in 1215?

The Magna Carta Signup and view all the answers

What was the period of governance known as the Commonwealth in England?

Rule under Oliver Cromwell and Parliament Signup and view all the answers

What key strategy did Richelieu implement to strengthen royal authority in France?

Minimizing the power of Huguenots and nobles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Absolutism and Constitutionalism

Ivan the Terrible: Ruthlessly fought Russian Boyars to gain absolute power as Tsar.
Philip II and the Armada: Sent a powerful fleet (Armada) to conquer England, but failed.
Fronde: A French noble uprising at the beginning of Louis XIV's reign.
Sea Dogs: Daring English sailors authorized by Elizabeth I to attack Spanish treasure fleets.
Duma: Russian equivalent of Parliament.
Magna Carta (1215): Established the principle of limited monarchy, forcing King John of England to sign it.
Versailles: Louis XIV built it and compelled nobles to reside there during winter.
Streltsy Rebellion: A 1698 rebellion brutally crushed by Peter the Great.
Divine Right of Kings: Belief that monarchs derive power directly from God, answerable only to God.
Roundheads: The Puritans who opposed King Charles I in the English Civil War.
Cavaliers: Supporters of King Charles I in the English Civil War.
Commonwealth: Period of English history (under Oliver Cromwell and Parliament) when the monarchy was abolished.
Huguenots: French Protestants.

Key Factors Limiting Medieval Monarchs

Church and powerful Popes
Nobility
Charters/contracts with towns, regions, or nobles (e.g., Magna Carta)
Lack of sufficient funds

Modern Innovations Freeing Kings

Centralized Bureaucracy
Standing Armies
Taxation
Economic Revolution
Enlightenment ideas

Philip II of Spain

Concentrated power and built a strong, centralized Spanish state.

Richelieu and Mazarin's Role in French Absolutism

Richelieu weakened Huguenots and nobles resisting royal authority, tying them to the king through royal posts and armies.
Mazarin continued Richelieu's work to increase royal power.

Louis XIV's "Sun King" Title

Symbolized how France revolved around him and his control over every aspect of life.

Edict of Nantes

Issued by Henry IV in 1598, granting religious toleration to Huguenots, allowing them to fortify towns.
Revoked by Louis XIV to consolidate power and achieve religious unity.

Louis XIV's Legacy

France left in debt with a weakened military.

Model Parliament of 1295

Called to request approval for taxes for war, especially with Scotland.

James I and Charles I's Conflicts with Parliament

Belief in absolute monarchy contradicted Parliament's authority.
Conflicts over taxation and finances.

Petition of Right

Limited the king's power by requiring Parliament's consent for taxation.

Bill of Rights (1689)

Guaranteed freedoms such as free election of Parliament members, limits on excessive fines, prevention of cruel punishments, and Protestants' right to bear arms.

Matching

Oliver Cromwell: Leader of the Puritans, ruled England as a dictator (F)
Commonwealth: Period of English history when monarchy was outlawed (B)
The Restoration: The period when England restored the Stuart monarchy through Parliament (D)
Glorious Revolution: Parliament replaced James II with William and Mary (E)
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre: Slaughter of Huguenots in Paris (C)
Henry V: Holy Roman Emperor, divided kingdom (A)

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Description

Test your knowledge on the concepts of absolutism and constitutionalism, focusing on key historical figures and events. Explore how monarchs like Ivan the Terrible, Philip II, and Louis XIV shaped their nations through absolute power and governance principles. This quiz will challenge your understanding of significant uprisings, treaties, and the evolution of political systems in early modern Europe.