English Civil War, Monarchy, and Enlightenment: Key Historical Figures and Events

Who was Charles I?

King of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1625-1649)

What did Charles I believe about power?

Divine right of kings (power comes from God)

Why did people dislike Charles I?

Ruled without Parliament + religious tension

What major event did Charles I cause?

English Civil War

What happened to Charles I?

Defeated, put on trial, executed in 1649

Who was Charles II?

Son of Charles I, king from 1660-1685

What is the Restoration?

Return of monarchy with Charles II

Why was Charles II called 'Merry Monarch'?

Relaxed, fun, less strict than Puritans

What improved during Charles II's reign?

Arts and science (Royal Society)

Why is Charles II important?

Restored stability after civil war

Who was Catherine the Great?

Empress of Russia (1762-1796)

How did Catherine gain power?

Overthrew her husband Peter III

What ideas influenced Catherine?

Enlightenment ideas

What did Catherine promote?

Education, arts, modernization

What did Catherine NOT improve?

Conditions for serfs

What did Catherine expand?

Russian territory

Who were the Physiocrats?

French economists in 18th century

What did the Physiocrats believe created wealth?

Agriculture (farming)

Who led the Physiocrats?

Francois Quesnay

What is laissez-faire?

Government should not interfere in economy

What did the Physiocrats influence?

Later economists like Adam Smith

Who was Oliver Cromwell?

Leader of Parliamentarians

What did Cromwell do to Charles I?

Helped defeat and execute him

What title did Cromwell have?

Lord Protector

How did Cromwell rule?

Like a military dictator

What religion influenced Cromwell?

Puritan beliefs

What happened after Cromwell died?

Monarchy was restored