Age of Absolutism

Absolutism

A system where kings or queens held total power over government and people, claiming their authority came directly from God.

“Divine right”

The belief that a monarch’s power came from God, meaning no one could question or limit their authority.

Cardinal Mazarin

A French chief minister who ruled for young Louis XIV, continuing to strengthen royal power after Cardinal Richelieu.

the Fronde

A series of French noble rebellions against Cardinal Mazarin and royal authority, which convinced Louis XIV to keep strict control over nobles.

Edict of Fontainebleau

A 1685 law by Louis XIV that revoked the Edict of Nantes, ending religious freedom for Huguenots and forcing many to flee France.

Versailles

The grand palace built by Louis XIV near Paris that symbolized absolute royal power and control over the nobility.

the Hohenzollerns

The ruling family of Prussia who built a strong military state and expanded their power during the 1600s–1700s.

the Romanovs

The royal family that ruled Russia from 1613 to 1917, beginning with Michael Romanov and expanding Russian power through czars like Peter the Great.

The Stuarts 

The royal family that ruled England after the Tudors, known for clashing with Parliament over taxes, religion, and royal power.

Puritans

A group of English Protestants who wanted to “purify” the Church of England from Catholic practices; many sided with Parliament during the English Civil War.

The English Civil war

A conflict (1642–1649) between King Charles I and Parliament over royal power, religion, and money, ending with Charles I’s execution and temporary republican rule.

The Restoration

The return of the monarchy in 1660 when Charles II became king, restoring English culture and government after years of Puritan rule.

The Glorious Revolution

The 1688 event where William and Mary peacefully replaced James II as rulers of England, establishing a constitutional monarchy.

Thomas Hobbes

An English philosopher who wrote Leviathan, arguing that people need a strong ruler to maintain order because humans are naturally selfish.

The English Bill of Rights

A 1689 document limiting royal power and guaranteeing rights like free elections and parliamentary approval for taxes.

Mannerism

An art style that emerged after the Renaissance, using exaggerated poses and colors to show emotion and tension instead of balance and harmony.

Baroque

A dramatic, detailed art and architecture style used by monarchs and the Catholic Church to show power and glory.

Rembrandt van Rijin

A Dutch painter famous for his realistic portraits and use of light and shadow, reflecting the wealth and culture of the Dutch Golden Age.

William Shakespeare

An English playwright and poet whose works like Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet explored human nature and helped shape the English language.

Serfs

Peasants who worked on nobles’ land and were bound to it, common in Eastern Europe and Russia under feudalism.

War of the Austrian Succession

A conflict (1740–1748) over Maria Theresa’s right to rule Austria, involving most European powers and changing alliances across Europe.

Seven Years’ War

A global war (1756–1763) between Britain and France (and their allies) over colonial power, often called the first “world war.”

Treaty of Paris

The 1763 treaty ending the Seven Years’ War, giving Britain control of Canada and India and marking its rise as a world power.