Questions and Answers
What was the Age of Absolutism?
What defines an Absolute Monarch?
A hereditary ruler with almost complete power and no checks and balances.
The belief that a monarch's authority comes directly from God is known as the _____ Right of Kings Theory.
Divine
What are the critical attributes of Absolute Monarchies?
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Who was Charles V of Spain?
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What was the primary goal of Phillip II of Spain?
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What does 'Siglo de Oro' refer to?
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The Thirty Years' War started purely as a political conflict.
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Who were the Intendants?
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The collective name for two treaties ending the Thirty Years' War is the _____ of Westphalia.
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What was the main contribution of Frederick II of Prussia?
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What did the Edict of Nantes grant?
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Cromwell's dictatorship solved all of Britain's problems.
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What is a Constitutional Monarchy?
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Match the following ruling families with their respective regions:
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Who led the Parliamentarian victory in the English Civil War?
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What was the Glorious Revolution?
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Study Notes
Age of Absolutism
- Era from late 16th Century to early 18th Century in Europe characterized by powerful monarchs.
- Centralization influenced by economic, political, and religious dynamics from the Age of Exploration and Reformation.
Absolute Monarch
- Rule by hereditary kings or queens with near-complete power and minimal checks and balances.
Divine Right of Kings Theory
- Monarchs derive authority directly from God; questioning the king's authority equates to questioning God’s.
Critical Attributes of Absolute Monarchies
- Existence of a monarch who practices Divine Right of Kings.
- Concentrated political sovereignty with no checks on the monarch's power.
Dynasty
- Succession of rulers from the same family group.
Charles V of Spain
- Holy Roman Emperor opposing Protestantism and Ottoman advances.
Philip II of Spain
- Son of Charles V; focused on religious conformity, particularly Catholicism.
- His leadership saw Spain reach its peak but led to the Dutch revolt and the downfall of the Spanish Armada.
Bourbons
- The ruling family of France during the Age of Absolutism.
Siglo de Oro
- The Spanish Golden Age marked by exceptional achievements in arts and literature alongside political rise and decline.
Habsburgs
- Ruling family of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire, later Austria.
Thirty Years' War
- (1618-1648) Initially a religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants that evolved into a political struggle involving major powers.
- Resulted in the destruction of the Holy Roman Empire and left Germany divided; France emerged victorious.
Intendants
- Middle-class professionals appointed by French Bourbon kings to undermine noble power.
Peace of Westphalia
- (1648) Two treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War, reinforcing the principle of "cuius regio eius religio" and granting relative religious tolerance.
Frederick II of Prussia
- Also known as Frederick the Great; enlightened ruler known for military successes and cultural patronage.
Maria Theresa
- Became Habsburg ruler following the Pragmatic Sanction, maintaining the dynasty's integrity.
"I am the State"
- Famous proclamation by Louis XIV highlighting the essence of absolute monarchy, consolidating executive, legislative, and judicial powers in one person.
Peter the Great
- Russian tsar (r. 1689-1725) who modernized Russia through Western languages and technologies, relocating the capital to St. Petersburg.
Westernization
- Adoption of Western ideas and technologies initiated by Peter the Great to modernize Russia.
St. Petersburg
- City founded by Peter the Great to symbolize Westernization; it became Russia's first warm-water port.
Catherine the Great
- Empress of Russia (1729-1796) known for territorial expansion and efforts toward enlightened governance.
Edict of Nantes
- (1598) Issued by Henry IV of France, it granted Huguenots religious freedom and aimed to stabilize France post-religious conflicts.
Henry IV of France
- Initially a Huguenot before converting to Catholicism to solidify rule; worked to restore peace in France.
Cardinal Richelieu
- Louis XIII's minister, who strengthened the power of the monarchy and implemented strategies to reduce noble power.
Louis XIV of France
- Longest-reigning European monarch; his rule exemplified absolute monarchy and included policies like the revocation of the Edict of Nantes and numerous wars.
James I of England
- First Stuart king who believed in the Divine Right of Kings, leading to tensions with Parliament and contributing to the English Civil War.
Enlightened Despots
- Absolute monarchs who incorporated reforms while maintaining their unrestrained power.
English Civil War
- (1642-1651) Conflict between royalists and parliamentarians, ending with the execution of Charles I and establishing parliamentary supremacy.
Oliver Cromwell
- Leader of the Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War; ruled as Lord Protector in a dictatorial capacity.
The Restoration
- The return of the Stuart monarchy after Cromwell's death in an attempt to stabilize Britain.
James II of England
- His policies raised concerns over a Catholic dictatorship, leading to his ousting during the Glorious Revolution.
The Glorious Revolution
- Bloodless transition of power where William and Mary replaced James II in 1688, establishing parliamentary sovereignty.
English Bill of Rights
- (1689) Document outlining rights for citizens and limiting monarchical power, supporting a constitutional monarchy.
Constitutional Monarchy
- System where monarch’s powers are constrained by a constitution, emerging in Britain after the Glorious Revolution.
Puritans/Roundheads vs Cavaliers/Loyalists
- The opposing factions during the English Civil War.
The Magna Carta
- (1215) A pivotal agreement that limited the power of King John and established the principle of consultation with Parliament on taxation.
Hohenzollerns
- The ruling family of Prussia.
Romanovs
- The ruling family of Russia until the early 20th century.
Stuarts
- Ruling family of Scotland and later Britain during critical periods of constitutional development.
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Explore the key concepts of the Age of Absolutism through these flashcards. This quiz covers important definitions and historical significance of absolute monarchy and its impact on European politics. Perfect for students studying this transformative era in history.
