Key Events in English Monarchy

English Monarchy Key Events

• Charles I (1629-1649): Ruled alone for 11 years after dismissing Parliament. Recalled Parliament in 1640 for funds, triggering the English Civil War (1642). Executed in 1649.
• Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658): Led Parliament's forces in the English Civil War. Became leader of the Commonwealth after Charles I's death. Ruled as Lord Protector until his death in 1658.
• Charles II (1660-1685): Monarchy restored in 1660 (The Restoration). His reign was relatively stable after the Civil War. Died in 1685, succeeded by James II.
• James II (1685-1688): Catholic king whose policies created conflict with Protestants. Overthrown during the Glorious Revolution (1688) by William of Orange.
• William and Mary (1689-1702): Became monarchs following James II's overthrow. Accepted the English Bill of Rights, limiting royal power and strengthening Parliament's.

Absolute Monarchy and Its Impact

• Louis XIV (1643-1715): Known as the "Sun King," epitomized absolute monarchy. Moved French capital to Versailles to control nobility. His reign saw expanded military, but lavish spending caused hardship for commoners. Famous adage: "L'état, c'est moi" ("I am the state").
• Frederick the Great of Prussia (1712-1786): Enlightened despot who modernized Prussia's army and government. Advocated for enlightened rule while maintaining autocratic control.
• Ivan the Terrible (1533-1584): First tsar of Russia, known for cruelty and tyranny.
• Peter the Great (1672-1725): Modernized Russia by adopting Western culture and technology. Expanded Russian military and infrastructure (roads, canals).

Baroque Art and Music

• Baroque style: Extravagant, dramatic, and colorful art and music.
• Johann Sebastian Bach: Prominent Baroque composer.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart & Ludwig van Beethoven: Transitioned to Classical music from Baroque.

Scientific Revolution

• Nicolaus Copernicus: Proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system.
• Galileo Galilei: Supported Copernicus and developed the telescope.
• Francis Bacon: Contributed to the scientific method.
• Isaac Newton: Formulated the law of gravity.

The Enlightenment

• Enlightenment: Intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism.
• Philosophers: Used reason and scientific method to improve society, leading to significant political/social changes.

Enlightenment Philosophers and Their Ideas

• Thomas Hobbes: Advocated for absolute monarchy to prevent civil war.
• John Locke: Challenged the divine right, argued for natural rights and government by consent (basis of modern democracy).
• Voltaire: Vocal critic of intolerance, tyranny, and superstition.
• Montesquieu: Explored concepts of separation of powers.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Emphasized social contract theory.
• Mary Wollstonecraft: Advocated for women's rights.
• Denis Diderot: Edited the Encyclopédie.
• Adam Smith: Developed economic theories.

Explore the pivotal moments in the evolution of the English monarchy, from Charles I's reign to the acceptance of the English Bill of Rights by William and Mary. This quiz covers significant figures and events that shaped England's political landscape during the 17th century. Test your knowledge on the impact of absolute monarchy and the shifts in power that followed.