Absolutism, Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment Test Review

Divine Right

The belief that monarchs receive their authority directly from God and are accountable only to Him.

The Thirty Years’ War

A destructive series of religious and political wars (1618–1648) fought mainly in the Holy Roman Empire between Catholics and Protestants.

Versailles

The lavish palace built by Louis XIV near Paris, symbolizing absolute monarchy and royal power in France.

Spanish Armada

A large Spanish naval fleet sent in 1588 to invade England, defeated by the English navy and severe storms.

Militant Catholicism

Aggressive efforts by the Catholic Church and Catholic rulers to stop the spread of Protestantism during the Counter-Reformation.

intendants

Royal officials in France appointed by the king to oversee taxation, justice, and administration in the provinces.

War of Austrian Succession

A European conflict (1740–1748) over who had the right to rule Austria after the death of Emperor Charles VI.

Czar

The title used by Russian emperors, meaning supreme ruler.

St. Petersburg

A city founded by Peter the Great to modernize Russia and serve as its capital with access to Western Europe.

boyars

Powerful Russian nobles who traditionally advised the czar and owned large estates.

Restoration

The return of the English monarchy in 1660 after the rule of Oliver Cromwell.

Bill of Rights

The 1689 English document that limited the power of the monarch and guaranteed certain rights to Parliament and citizens.

habeas corpus

A legal principle requiring that a person cannot be imprisoned without being brought before a judge.

heliocentric theory

The idea that the Earth and other planets revolve around the sun.

geocentric theory

The belief that the Earth is the center of the universe and that the sun and planets revolve around it.

scientific method

A systematic process of observation, experimentation, and analysis used to discover natural laws.

philosophes

Enlightenment thinkers who used reason to criticize society and promote ideas such as liberty, progress, and tolerance.

Galileo Galilei

Scientist who supported the heliocentric theory and used telescopes to study space.

René Descartes

Philosopher who emphasized reason and logic; known for the phrase “I think, therefore I am.”

Nicolaus Copernicus

Scientist who proposed the heliocentric theory of the universe.

Voltaire

Enlightenment writer who criticized the Church and government and supported freedom of speech and religion.

John Locke

Philosopher who believed in natural rights (life, liberty, property) and government by consent.

Montesquieu

Philosopher who advocated separation of powers in government.

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher who believed people needed strong governments to maintain order.

Mary Wollstonecraft

Writer who argued for women’s rights and equality in education.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Philosopher who believed government should reflect the general will of the people.

Cesare Bonesana Beccaria

Enlightenment thinker who opposed torture and the death penalty.

Joseph II

Holy Roman Emperor who promoted religious tolerance and legal reform based on Enlightenment ideas.

Denis Diderot

Philosopher who edited the Encyclopedia, spreading Enlightenment ideas.

Frederick the Great

King of Prussia known for military success and Enlightenment reforms.

Catherine the Great

Russian empress who expanded Russia and supported Enlightenment ideas while maintaining absolute rule.

Philip II

King of Spain who ruled during its height of power, defended Catholicism, and sent the Spanish Armada against England.

Peter the Great

Russian czar who modernized Russia by adopting Western European technology, culture, and military practices.

Louis XIV

The “Sun King” of France who ruled as an absolute monarch and built the Palace of Versailles.

Huguenots

French Protestants who were often persecuted by Catholic rulers.

Henry IV (Henry of Navarre)

French king who converted to Catholicism to end religious conflict and issued the Edict of Nantes granting tolerance to Protestants.

Maria Theresa

Ruler of Austria whose reign led to the War of Austrian Succession; strengthened the Austrian government.

Frederick II

King of Prussia who expanded Prussian territory and supported Enlightenment ideas.

Ivan the Terrible

First ruler to be crowned czar of Russia; centralized power and ruled harshly.