Chapter 15- Seventeenth-Century European Absolutism and Constitutionalism

What characterized the seventeenth century in Europe?

A period of crisis and transformation marked by agricultural and manufacturing slumps, food shortages, and constant wars.

Who was the leading figure of absolutism in France during the seventeenth century?

Louis XIV

What was the impact of larger armies during the seventeenth century?

They led to new government bureaucracies and higher taxes.

What major conflict served as a battleground in central Europe during this period?

The Thirty Years' War

Which two states are considered the most important constitutionalist examples in the seventeenth century?

England and the Dutch Republic

What is the difference between absolutism and constitutionalism?

Absolutism centralizes power in the hands of the monarch, while constitutionalism limits executive power by law.

What led to the rise of absolutist states in Prussia and Habsburg Austria?

The aftermath of the Thirty Years' War.

How did the Russian and Ottoman Empires maintain their governance style during the seventeenth century?

They experienced turmoil but retained their distinctive styles of absolutist government.

What were the social conditions of peasants in the seventeenth century?

Peasants occupied the lower tiers of a hierarchical society and faced harsh economic conditions.

What was the 'Great Chain of Being'?

A hierarchical structure linking God to creation through ranked social groups.

What role did men play in the patriarchal societies of the seventeenth century?

Men held authority over women and were expected to provide for their families.

What was the primary living situation for most Europeans in the seventeenth century?

Most Europeans lived in rural areas, centered around small peasant villages.

What were the consequences of climate changes during the seventeenth century?

They reduced agricultural productivity, contributing to population losses and economic decline.

How did governments respond to the crises of the seventeenth century?

They implemented emergency measures that became long-term reforms, strengthening state power.

What was the impact of food shortages on the lower classes during this period?

Peasants and the urban poor frequently rioted against high food prices.

What characterized the elite rulers of England and the Dutch Republic?

They pursued policies similar to absolute monarchs, including increased taxation and social control.

What was the significance of the French royal court under Louis XIV?

It served as the pinnacle of French society and influenced perceptions of monarchy across Europe.

What was the status of merchants in the social hierarchy of the seventeenth century?

Merchants could never claim the highest honors due to traditional Christian prejudices against commerce.

What was the condition of serfs in eastern Europe during this period?

The majority of peasants worked as serfs for noble landowners and did not own land.

What was the role of independent farmers in peasant villages?

They were leaders who employed the landless poor and served as agents for noble lords.

What were the long-term effects of the seventeenth-century crises on European states?

States became increasingly able to impose their will on the populace and expanded their bureaucracies.

What significant event occurred during the reign of Ivan the Terrible?

The consolidation of serfdom in eastern Europe.

What was the Time of Troubles in Russia?

A chaotic period following the reign of Ivan the Terrible marked by political instability and famine.

What was the Edict of Nantes and when was it revoked?

The Edict of Nantes granted religious freedom to Huguenots in France and was revoked in 1685.

What was the Glorious Revolution in England?

A bloodless revolution in 1688 that resulted in the overthrow of King James II and the establishment of William and Mary as co-monarchs.

What was the Thirty Years' War?

A destructive conflict (1618-1648) primarily fought in the Holy Roman Empire, involving various European powers and characterized by religious and territorial disputes.

What was the Peace of Westphalia?

A series of treaties that concluded the Thirty Years' War in 1648, marking the end of large-scale religious violence in Europe.

What were the main phases of the Thirty Years' War?

The war is traditionally divided into four phases: Bohemian, Danish, Swedish, and French.

Who was Jean-Baptiste Colbert?

The French finance minister who applied mercantilism to France during the reign of Louis XIV.

What was the impact of the 'little ice age' on European agriculture?

It led to shorter farming seasons and lower crop yields, contributing to food shortages and famine.

What was the role of bread in the diet of early modern Europeans?

Bread was the primary element of the diet, with wealthier individuals consuming white bread and poorer individuals eating brown bread.

What was the significance of the family pig festival in rural communities?

It was an important annual event where families shared a rare abundance of meat with neighbors.

What economic challenges did Europe face in the seventeenth century?

High food prices, stagnant wages, unemployment, and recurrent famines significantly impacted the population.

What was the moral economy concept?

A vision where community needs were prioritized over competition and profit, often leading to riots when bread prices rose.

What was the outcome of the Battle of the White Mountain?

Catholic forces defeated Protestants in 1620, marking a significant victory in the Thirty Years' War.

What was the role of women in bread riots?

Women often led these actions, as their roles as mothers provided them some impunity from authorities.

What was the significance of the Habsburgs in the Thirty Years' War?

They sought to maintain Catholic dominance and the unity of the Holy Roman Empire, leading to significant military engagements.

What was the result of the Cossack revolt led by Stenka Razin?

It was a significant uprising against the nobility and the state in Russia during the mid-17th century.

What was the impact of recurrent famines on the population?

They led to significant population declines, with many dying from diseases exacerbated by malnutrition.

What characterized the reign of Louis XIV in France?

It was marked by the construction of the Palace of Versailles and the establishment of absolute monarchy.

What was the role of Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War?

He led the Parliamentarian forces and established military rule in England known as the Protectorate.

What was the significance of the Restoration in England?

The restoration of the monarchy under Charles II in 1660 marked the end of the Commonwealth period.

What was the impact of the bubonic plague in early modern Europe?

Outbreaks continued until the 1720s, exacerbated by malnutrition and poor living conditions.

What was the economic situation in the Netherlands during the seventeenth century?

While other regions faced economic difficulties, the Netherlands experienced a golden age during this period.

What was the impact of the Thirty Years' War on the central European population?

It resulted in the death of perhaps one-third of urban residents and two-fifths of the rural population, leaving entire areas depopulated.

How did the Thirty Years' War affect trade in southern German cities?

Trade was virtually destroyed, particularly in cities like Augsburg.

What happened to small farmers as a result of the Thirty Years' War?

Many small farmers lost their land, allowing nobles to enlarge their estates and consolidate control.

What measures did seventeenth-century monarchs take to restore order after the Thirty Years' War?

They implemented urgent measures for state rebuilding, including consolidating power and raising taxes.

What distinguishes absolutist governments from constitutionalist governments?

Absolutist governments centralize power under the monarch, while constitutionalist governments respect laws passed by representative institutions.

What common goals did both absolutist and constitutionalist governments share during the seventeenth century?

They aimed to protect and expand frontiers, raise new taxes, consolidate control, and compete for colonies.

What obstacles did rulers face in achieving centralized power during the seventeenth century?

Obstacles included lack of modern communication, unreliable information, and local power structures with legal privileges.

What is meant by a sovereign state?

A sovereign state possesses a monopoly over justice and the use of force within defined boundaries, with no competing legal systems.

What was the driving force behind state-building in the seventeenth century?

Warfare was the primary driving force, leading to the establishment of permanent standing armies.

How did the size of the French army change from the Thirty Years' War to the end of the seventeenth century?

The French army grew from approximately 125,000 men during the Thirty Years' War to 340,000 by the end of the seventeenth century.

What was the role of noble officers in the armies during the seventeenth century?

Noble officers were required to be loyal to state officials and often led their men in battle, experiencing high death rates.

What was a significant change in military organization during the seventeenth century?

Monarchs began to recruit and maintain their own forces rather than relying on feudal lords.

What was the focus of Great Britain's military strategy during the rise of absolutism?

Great Britain focused on building naval forces, eventually creating the largest navy in the world.

What did the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) signify for France?

It marked France's emergence as the strongest power in Europe after the Thirty Years' War.

What transformation occurred in government structures during the seventeenth century?

Emergency wartime measures were transformed into permanent structures of government.

How did rulers use economic and social incentives to consolidate power?

They subdued privileged groups through force and incentives, increasing state authority.

What was the impact of the Thirty Years' War on agriculture?

Agricultural areas suffered catastrophically, leading to significant land loss for small farmers.

What role did local power structures play in the challenges faced by rulers?

Local power structures, such as nobles and assemblies, held legal privileges that hindered central authority.

What characterized the professionalization of armies in the seventeenth century?

It involved new techniques for training and deploying soldiers, leading to higher professional standards.

What was the significance of Gustavus Adolphus in the context of the Thirty Years' War?

He was a renowned military leader whose training and discipline contributed to the success of the Swedish army.

What was a key factor in the growth of army size during the seventeenth century?

The need for monarchs to maintain large standing armies to respond to threats and pursue ambitious foreign policies.

What challenges did France face in dominating Europe after the Thirty Years' War?

Despite emerging as a strong power, France faced challenges from coalitions formed by alarmed neighbors.

What was the relationship between state authority and sovereignty in the seventeenth century?

While states did not achieve total sovereignty, they made significant strides toward centralizing power and authority.

What was the focus of the island nation instead of building a land army?

The island nation focused on naval forces and built the largest navy in the world.

What led to neighborhood riots during the Thirty Years' War?

Governments raised taxes to meet war costs, leading to armed uprisings over the cost of bread.

Which regions experienced popular revolts during the Thirty Years' War?

England, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

What revolt did Philip IV of Spain face in 1640?

A revolt in Catalonia, the economic center of his realm.

What caused the protest in Palermo, Sicily in 1647?

Food shortages due to a series of bad harvests.

What was the response of the city government in Palermo to food shortages?

They subsidized the price of bread, attracting more starving peasants.

What did the rebels in Sicily demand apart from affordable food?

The suppression of extraordinary taxes and participation in municipal government.

What characterized urban uprisings in France from 1630 to the early 1700s?

Deep popular anger and violence directed at officials collecting taxes.

What was the consequence of Louis XIV's new taxes in 1673?

It provoked an uprising in Bordeaux.

What was the fear of municipal and royal authorities in response to popular revolts?

That stern repressive measures would create martyrs and inflame the situation.

What changes occurred in municipal governments by the beginning of the eighteenth century?

They became better integrated into the national structure and had military support from the central government.

What did absolutist monarchs claim about their power?

They claimed exclusive power to make and enforce laws, denying any authority to check their power.

Who was the founder of the Bourbon monarchy in France?

Henry IV.

What did Louis XIV's reign exemplify in terms of monarchy?

He is seen as the epitome of an 'absolute' monarch with endless wars and increased taxes.

What economic issue contributed to Spain's decline during the seventeenth century?

The decline of fabulous revenue from American silver.

What was the Edict of Nantes issued by Henry IV?

It allowed religious tolerance and aimed to defuse religious tensions in France.

What did Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet argue about royal power?

He argued that royal power was divine and absolute, but not without limits.

What did the prince of Condé report about tax collection in Burgundy?

He reported efforts to compel leaders to pay taxes despite their extreme misery and resistance.

What was the outcome of the Estates of Burgundy's deliberations on tax relief?

They initially offered less but eventually agreed to a higher amount after negotiations.

What was the primary justification for Louis XIV's claim to absolute political authority?

Louis XIV believed in the divine right of kings, asserting that God had established kings as rulers on earth, answerable only to Him.

What was the Fronde?

The Fronde was a series of violent uprisings during the early reign of Louis XIV, triggered by growing royal control and increased taxation.

How did Louis XIV view constitutional governments like those of England and the Dutch Republic?

Louis XIV likely viewed constitutional governments as impediments to his absolute rule, believing that they divided authority and created instability.

What measures did Louis XIV take to ensure obedience from his subjects?

Louis XIV emphasized the need for a strong, centralized authority and believed that coercive measures were necessary when faced with rebellion or impediments.

What role did Cardinal Richelieu play in strengthening royal control in France?

Cardinal Richelieu, as first minister, repressed Protestantism, extended the use of intendants, and focused on centralizing power to strengthen the French monarchy.

What was the size of the French army during the reign of Louis XIV in the 1690s?

The French army reached a size of 340,000 men during the 1690s.

What was the significance of Louis XIV's memoir for the education of his son?

The memoir outlined Louis XIV's approach to absolute rule and his belief in the necessity of centralized authority for the happiness and tranquility of the country.

What was the impact of the civil wars on the French monarchy before Louis XIV's reign?

The civil wars created a desire among the French people for peace and stability, making them more willing to accept a strong monarch like Louis XIV.

What was the outcome of Louis XIV's reign in terms of absolutism?

Louis XIV's reign marked the peak of absolutism in France, with the monarchy achieving significant centralized power.

What did Louis XIV believe was the effect of divided authority?

Louis XIV believed that divided authority led to calamities and that a single sovereign authority was essential for stability.

How did Louis XIV respond to the challenges posed by the Fronde?

Louis XIV fled Paris for his safety during the Fronde but later pledged to restore order and stability as king.

What was the role of intendants under Cardinal Richelieu?

Intendants were commissioners appointed by the monarch to oversee local administration, tax collection, and recruitment for the army, enhancing royal control.

What was the significance of Louis XIV's portrait by Hyacinthe Rigaud?

The portrait symbolized Louis XIV's self-image and the grandeur of his reign, and he had many copies made for successors.

What did Louis XIV believe was necessary for the welfare of his people?

Louis XIV believed that the welfare of his people depended on the absolute obedience to the sovereign authority.