The Thirty Years' War and Europe

A treaty signed in 1648 that ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe, aiming to establish peace and resolve conflicts. It led to significant changes in religious and political power dynamics.

The Holy Roman Emperor lost significant power during the war, becoming a figurehead, as each prince gained independence to rule their territory.

The Thirty Years' War shifted the primary reason for war from religion to power. Countries focused on building up armies to maintain a balance of power and prevent any nation from becoming too dominant.

The Peace of Westphalia granted freedom of religion to different Christian groups within the Holy Roman Empire, setting a precedent for religious tolerance across Europe.

The Thirty Years' War devastated German agriculture, leading to a widespread famine and loss of life due to battles and military occupation.

The Thirty Years' War resulted in a severe population decline in Germany, with an estimated one-third of the population killed due to war-related violence, famine, and disease.

The Thirty Years' War highlighted the importance of strong militaries for national security, leading countries to increase the size of their armies and weapons.

The Thirty Years' War, starting as a religious conflict, evolved into a power struggle for dominance in Europe, setting a stage for future wars between nations competing for influence and control.

The concept that the king has absolute and unlimited power, with no one else having any authority.

The idea that a king's right to rule comes directly from God, making him God's representative on Earth.

A grand palace built by Louis XIV, located 12 miles outside of Paris. It became a symbol of Louis's power and a place to control the nobility.

A nickname given to Louis XIV, signifying his belief that he was the most powerful and important person in France, like the sun in the sky.

The French king who introduced the concept of absolutism to Europe. He was known for his lavish lifestyle, ambitious campaigns, and powerful reign.

A French minister who served as Louis XIV's financial advisor. He was known for his economic reforms and policies.

The Edict of Nantes, issued by King Henry IV in 1598, granted religious freedom to Huguenots (French Protestants) in France. This allowed for peaceful coexistence between Catholics and Protestants.

An edict issued by Louis XIV in 1685 that revoked the Edict of Nantes, forcing Huguenots to convert to Catholicism or leave France. This led to the persecution of Protestants and a decrease in French economic and military strength.

The last war fought by Louis XIV, triggered by the death of the Spanish Habsburg king without an heir. This war was fought to prevent France and Spain from being ruled by the same family, which would have given them too much power.

A treaty signed in 1713 that ended the War of the Spanish Succession. It allowed Louis XIV's grandson to become king of Spain but ensured that France and Spain remained separate, preventing the union of those two powerful nations.

The process of a ruler gaining complete control over the government and consolidating their power, often through a strong military, centralized bureaucracy, and economic reforms.

A person responsible for managing a country's affairs or a specific area of the government.

An army that is well-equipped, trained, and disciplined, capable of carrying out the orders of the ruler.

The act of bringing different groups or religions under a single, unified rule or belief system. This often involves suppressing dissent or opposing ideologies.

A system of government where even the highest leaders must follow the rules established in a constitution, limiting their power.

A period of great wealth, prosperity, and cultural achievements in a country's history.

The Dutch Republic, during its Golden Age, became a center for trade and commerce, attracting people from all over Europe and beyond.

The Dutch Republic during its Golden Age, was known for its policy of religious toleration, welcoming people of different faiths, particularly religious minorities fleeing persecution.

The Dutch Republic became a center for intellectual and scientific advancements, attracting thinkers, philosophers, and scientists who could explore new ideas freely.

Calvinism is a Protestant Christian denomination emphasizing strict moral codes and a simple lifestyle.

The Dutch Republic, despite being predominantly Calvinist, was known for its tolerance of other religions, allowing people to practice their faith without fear of persecution.

During the Dutch Golden Age, artistic expression shifted away from religious themes, leading to a focus on everyday life, landscapes, and still-life paintings.

Paintings that capture scenes of everyday life, showcasing the activities and interactions of ordinary people.

A type of painting that focuses on representing objects, often arranged in a visually appealing way.

Known for his masterful use of light and shadow, Rembrandt was a Dutch painter famous for portraits, religious scenes, and self-portraits.

A Dutch painter renowned for his realistic portrayal of everyday scenes, particularly domestic interiors and women.

A Dutch landscape painter, particularly known for his evocative depictions of nature, especially forests, rivers, and clouds.

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215 in England, limited the king's power, signifying a shift towards a more limited monarchy.

A system of government where the monarch holds absolute power, with no limits or checks on their authority.

The restoration of the monarchy in England after the period of the Commonwealth, marking the return of the Stuart dynasty with Charles II.

The nickname given to Charles II, reflecting his love of parties, dancing, and the arts.

The rule of James II, who faced opposition due to his Catholicism and his desire to promote religious tolerance in England.

The peaceful revolution that led to the removal of James II and the appointment of William and Mary as monarchs of England.

A document that outlines the basic rights and freedoms of the English people, marking a limitation on the power of the monarchy.

The dynasty that ruled England after the Stuart dynasty, characterized by their German origin and limited involvement in government affairs.

The head of Parliament in England, holding significant political power and acting as the leader of the government.

A type of government where a monarch has limited powers and is bound by a constitution, with most of the power resting with the Parliament.

A group of nobles, clergy, knights, and townspeople established to advise the king and limit his power.

The Great Council, responsible for advising the king, managing taxes, and checking his power, evolved into Parliament.

The House of Lords is comprised of noblemen who inherit their position, while the House of Commons is elected by the people.

Queen Elizabeth I effectively balanced the power of the monarch and Parliament by consulting them for laws and taxes, but maintaining firm control over the government.

Queen Elizabeth I successfully neutralized the threat posed by Mary, Queen of Scots, and subsequently defeated the Spanish Armada, asserting English dominance at sea.

Queen Elizabeth I established a compromise religion, combining Protestant and Catholic elements, aiming to appease both factions while avoiding religious conflict.

The Puritans, dissatisfied with the compromise religion, wanted England to be more Protestant and less Catholic, leading to future unrest.

After Queen Elizabeth I's death, James I, King of Scotland, became the first Stuart king of England, uniting the two kingdoms under one throne.

King James I faced religious tensions and divisions in England among Catholics, Puritans, and Anglicans, creating a delicate balance.

The Gunpowder Plot, a Catholic conspiracy to assassinate King James I and his parliament in 1605, aimed to restore Catholicism to England.

Under James I, Catholics, Puritans, and Anglicans coexisted in England, but this co-existence was fragile and fraught with potential for conflict due to their differing beliefs and ambitions.

The House of Lords is composed of nobility and is hereditary, meaning their position is passed down through generations.

Members of the House of Commons are elected by people from all walks of life, representing their concerns and interests in Parliament.

Queen Elizabeth I faced threats from both within and outside England, but she successfully dealt with them through diplomacy, military prowess, and establishing a strong sense of national identity.

Queen Elizabeth I's legacy is marked by her effective reign, her role in unifying England against external threats, and contributing to the development of national consciousness.

A group of people supporting King Charles I during the English Civil War, often nobility, Catholics, and wealthy individuals.

A group supporting Parliament in the English Civil War, comprised of people seeking a less powerful king, including Puritans, commoners, and Parliament supporters.

The leader of the Roundheads during the English Civil War, known for his military brilliance and Puritan beliefs.

An event in which King Charles I attempted to arrest five members of Parliament, triggering the English Civil War.

A period of war within England between supporters of the King and supporters of Parliament, which ultimately resulted in Charles I's execution.

King Charles I's attempt to collect taxes without Parliament's approval, violating the English traditional rights and leading to conflict with Parliament.

The English political system after Charles I's execution, headed by a Parliament without a king.

A title held by Oliver Cromwell after the execution of Charles I, making him the ruler of England but not a king.

A law court assembled to try Charles I for treason after the English Civil War, leading to his execution.

The English Parliament that convened after Charles I called it back together, aiming to limit the king's power.

A set of rules designed by Parliament to restrict the power of the king, ultimately leading to conflict with King Charles I.

A phrase referring to the idea that power should be shared between the king and Parliament, rather than absolute monarchy.

King James's belief that he had absolute power and was not subject to any other authority.

King James's difficulties in working with the English Parliament, leading to his reliance on other methods for funding.