European History: Government and Reformation

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Questions and Answers

What was a core belief of the Enlightenment that influenced the view of progress?

Inherent social hierarchy

Power of human reason and critical thinking (correct)

Tradition as a guiding principle

Reliance on religious authority

Which of the following was a significant change in society brought about by the rise of printing in the 1700s?

Reduction in the number of publishers

Increased accessibility of literature (correct)

Decline in literacy rates

Limitations on the types of content published

Which event marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India?

The Battle of Plassey (correct)

The Sepoy Rebellion

The First Anglo-Maratha War

The Treaty of Paris

What ideological influence contributed to the causes of the French Revolution?

The Enlightenment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a result of Protestant influence on education?

Expansion of schooling initiatives Signup and view all the answers

What was one principle Napoleon spread throughout Europe after the French Revolution?

Legal equality with the Napoleonic Code Signup and view all the answers

How did Enlightenment thinkers view the structure of society and government?

It should be redesigned to be logical and reasonable Signup and view all the answers

What key factor contributed to the severe economic issues leading to the French Revolution?

Crippling debt and food shortages Signup and view all the answers

What was Machiavelli’s view of good government?

It is founded upon the weakness and insufficient capacity of men. Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary motivations for the Age of Exploration?

God, glory, and gold. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major criticism that Martin Luther had against the Catholic Church?

The church's greed and the concept of indulgences. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the 30 Years’ War on the Holy Roman Empire?

It significantly weakened the Holy Roman Empire and granted states sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

How did Louis XIV exemplify the traits of an absolute monarch?

By engaging in wars for territorial expansion. Signup and view all the answers

What were the key results of the English Civil War?

The execution of King Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Glorious Revolution?

Establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England. Signup and view all the answers

What connection existed between the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment?

The Enlightenment built upon the rational inquiries of the Scientific Revolution. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Machiavelli's View of Government

Machiavelli believed government was founded on the weaknesses and limitations of human nature.

Age of Exploration Motivations

Primary motivations were "God, glory, and gold."

Catholic Church Abuses (Lutheran & Reformist Protest)

Reformers protested the Church's greed and the practice of indulgences.

Luther & Calvin's Stance

Indulgences: Rejected as unbiblical.
Salvation: Emphasized salvation by faith alone (sola fide); Calvin added predestination.
Authority: Believed the Bible was the ultimate source of authority (sola scriptura), rejecting papal power.

30 Years' War Impact

Weakened the Holy Roman Empire, granting individual states near-total sovereignty.

Louis XIV and Warfare

Embodied absolute monarchy through aggressive warfare, aiming to expand French territory and consolidate power, motivated by personal glory.

English Civil War Results

King Charles I executed.
Commonwealth established (under Oliver Cromwell).
Monarchy restored, but with Parliament's increased authority.

Glorious Revolution Results

Established a constitutional monarchy, significantly limiting the King's power and enhancing Parliament's authority.

Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment Connection

The Scientific Revolution fostered reason, observation, and critical thinking, which became the foundation of Enlightenment ideals.

Enlightenment and Progress

Enlightenment fostered optimism about human progress through reason and knowledge application, leading to a belief in linear historical advancement.
This viewed societal structures as rationally redesigning needed.

Protestant Influence on Education

Protestantism, initiated by Martin Luther, greatly encouraged education expansion.

English Activity in 18th Century India

British East India Company expanded influence in India, transitioning from trade to political control, beginning with the Battle of Plassey (1757).

18th Century Reading Changes

Increased accessibility of reading materials (books, pamphlets, newspapers) expanded literacy, fostering the spread of Enlightenment ideas.
Reading served educational and recreational purposes, including practical guidance (almanacs), entertainment (jokes, fairy tales).

French Revolution Causes

Poor absolute monarchy leadership.
Severe economic issues (debt, food shortages).
Ideological influences from the Enlightenment.

Napoleon's Spread of Revolutionary Ideas

Legal equality.
Abolition of feudalism.
Religious tolerance.
Meritocratic government/military system.
Nationalism and centralized power.

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Description

This quiz explores pivotal concepts in European history focusing on government views from Machiavelli, the motivations behind the Age of Exploration, and the Protestant Reformation. It also covers the repercussions of the Thirty Years' War and the impacts of Louis XIV's rule, along with the outcomes of the English Civil War. Test your knowledge on these influential historical themes.