History Midterm - (4th) Absolutism in Europe

Divine Right

The belief that a monarch’s power came from God

Versailles

King Louis XIV’s palace. Displayed the kings absolute money and power over his people.

Intendants

Government agents who collected taxes and administered justice.

Louis XIV

Marie Antoinette’s husband, last King of France before the French Revolution ended the monarchy. He built Versailles. He was very indecisive and fell into lots of debt. He was beheaded

Louis XVI

The “Sun King”, absolutists monarch of France and famously stated: “I am the state.”

Cardinal Richelieu

A strong minister appointed by Louis XIII to fill in for Louis’ weaknesses. He pursued his ambitions of leading with moral principles and working hard for the subjects with the power in his court.

Ivan the Terrible

Came to the throne at only 3 years old. Struggled with ruling young because of boyars. In his good era, he added lots of land to Russia, etc. In his bad era, he used lots of secret police to kill boyars, took land from nobles, etc.

Peter the Great

One of Russia’s greatest reformer. Continued the trend of the czar’s power. He modernized Russia through westernization.

Catherine the Great

Enlightened absolutist ruler (despot) who expanded Russia and promoted education/culture,

Phillip II

Charle’s V’s son. He received lands like Spain, etc.

Who were some of the artists/writers of Spain’s golden age?

El Greco, Diego Velasquez were artists. Miguel de Cervantes was a writer

Why did Spain lose its’ power?

Their price of goods constantly rose, unfair taxes, lost land, etc.

What were the two reasons for the success of the Dutch in trading?

A republic and practiced religious tolerance.

How did the monarch get stronger in France?

Decreased the power of nobles.

How did Louis make sure he kept his power?

he kept nobles out of his government and gave more power to government officials.

How did Louis XIV (14) bring disaster to France?

He tried to seize too much land.

What were the three results of the Thirty Year’s War?

Disaster for Germany (4 million dead), weakened power of Spain/Austria, made France stronger.

Who were the Hapsburgs?

They ruled Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia. Their empire was strong, and the daughter merged to increase her power when she came to rule.

What effect did fighting between Austria and Prussia have on Britain?

Britain was first abandoned by Austria, but allied with Prussia and his led to victory/economic domination of India.

Why did Peter the Great visit Europe?

To learn about new technology/knowledge. He admired them.

How did Peter the Great increase his power?

He put the Russian Orthodox Church under his control, reducing power of nobles, westernization, etc.