European Empires and Political Conflicts Quiz

Spain and the Dutch (17.1)

• Peace of Augsburg: A treaty between Catholics and Lutherans in the Holy Roman Empire, allowing princes to choose their state's religion.
• Philip II: Ruled a vast empire, defended Catholicism, and launched the Spanish Armada against England. Known for seizing Portugal, exploiting American gold and silver mines (claiming a quarter of each ship's cargo), and a fervent religious reconquista.
• Spanish Renaissance:
  • El Greco: Religious paintings with distorted figures, clashing colors, and emotional expression.
  • Velasquez: Portraits of the Spanish monarchy.
  • Cervantes: Author of Don Quixote, a satirical novel mocking societal conventions.
• Fall of the Spanish Empire:
  • Inflation: Caused by population growth outpacing the ability to produce enough goods to meet the demand.
  • Taxes and Trade Policies: Spain focused on exporting more than importing & heavily taxed imported goods, harming relationships with other countries.
  • War with the Dutch: Religious differences (Catholic Spain vs. Protestant Dutch) and economic struggles (crashing Spanish economy vs. flourishing Dutch middle class) created conflict.
  • Netherland's Rise: The seven northern provinces established the United Provinces of the Netherlands, with religious tolerance and the power to elect leaders. The southern provinces remained under Catholic Spanish control. A strong working and middle class contributed to economic success.
• Dutch Renaissance:
  • Rembrandt: Painted portraits of the wealthy middle class using light and shadow.
  • Vermeer: Depicted everyday indoor settings and portraits.

France (17.2)

• Henry IV (Henry of Navarre): Initially a Protestant, later converted to Catholicism to secure his rule after the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. Known for the Edict of Nantes, granting religious tolerance to Huguenots.

• Cardinal Richelieu: Chief advisor to King Louis XIII, weakened the Huguenots and fought against the Habsburgs to increase French power during the Thirty Years' War.

• Skepticism:

  • Montaigne: Questioned the possibility of absolute knowledge and promoted intellectual humility.
  • Descartes: Doubted everything until finding a certainty ("I think, therefore I am").

• Louis XIV:

  • Regency of Mazarin: Cardinal Mazarin ruled during Louis XIV's youth.
  • Control over Nobles: Louis XIV required nobles to reside at the Palace of Versailles to maintain control.
  • Economic Policies: Focused on wealth creation via trade and industry, with help from finance minister Colbert.
  • Versailles: Demonstrated Louis XIV's wealth and power.
  • Wars: Fought many wars, including the War of the Spanish Succession, aiming to increase royal power.
  • Legacy: Made France a significant power but left it in debt.

• Frederick William I: Reformed the Prussian government and military.

• Frederick II (The Great):

  • War of Austrian Succession: Gained Silesia from Austria, strengthening Prussia.
  • Seven Years' War: Successfully defended a large kingdom surrounded by enemies by alliances and skillful warfare.

Russia (17.4)

• Ivan IV (the Terrible): First Russian ruler using the title "Czar."
  • Conflicts with Boyars: Struggled to control power due to noble families' influence when young, later seizing absolute authority.
  • Periods of Rule: Periods of successful expansion and war and periods of cruelty, persecution, and seizure of boyars’ estates for loyalty.
• Time of Troubles: Period of turmoil and instability after Ivan IV’s death.
• Peter I (the Great):
  • Westernization: Attempted to modernize Russia through military expansion and borrowing Western practices and culture as a forced change for his subjects.
  • St. Petersburg: Established as a new port on the Baltic Sea to better access trade with Western Europe.

Austrian Hapsburgs (17.3)

• Ferdinand II: Holy Roman Emperor during the Thirty Years' War. A devout Catholic ruler, his efforts to impose Catholicism in the Holy Roman Empire sparked religious conflict.
• Thirty Years' War: Huge European conflict (1618–1648). Started as a religious battle between Protestants and Catholics, but turned into one for political power.
  • Protestant Union/Catholic League: Opposing groups of German states in the conflict.
  • Hapsburg Triumphs and Defeats: Conflicts with Sweden and France.
  • Peace of Westphalia: Treaty that ended the war and established terms on territory, religion, and political independence of German states.

Differences Between Eastern and Western Europe

• Economic Differences: Western Europe had stronger economies based on trade and industry. Eastern Europe relied more on agriculture.
• Weak Empires: Eastern empires, such as the Ottoman Empire and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, faced internal conflicts and external pressures.

England (17.5)

• James I and Charles I: Conflicts with Parliament over money and power.
• English Civil War: Conflict between Royalists (supporters of Charles I) and Parliamentarians (Roundheads) led by Oliver Cromwell.
  • Charles I’s Execution: Cromwell, the military commander, executed Charles I.
  • Commonwealth and Protectorate: Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector in a republic.
• Charles II: Restoration of the monarchy.
• James II: Policies promoting Catholicism causing conflict with Parliament. Led to the Glorious Revolution, where James II was removed and replaced by William and Mary.
• Glorious Revolution: Overthrow of James II.
• Constitutional Monarchy: Establishment of a system where the monarch's power is limited by law.
• Bill of Rights: Document limiting royal power and strengthening Parliament.
• Cabinet System: Group of ministers representing different interests.