Rise of the Modern State

Rise of Modern State

pre-absolutism, absolutism, transistion to post-absolutism

Pre-Absolutism

Period before centralized monarchies characterized by fragmented authority

Fragmented Authority

Definition: A characteristic of pre-absolutist societies where power was divided among various local rulers, feudal lords, and the church, rather than centralized in a single governing authority.

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler, typically a monarch, holds centralized control over a state, reducing the power nobles and other local authorities

Centralized Royal Authority

Consolidation of power under a monarch who has full control over a state functions, such as taxation and militarization

Treaty of Westphalia (1648)

Series of treaties that ended the Thirty Years War, establishing the principles of state sovereignty and non-interference. Marked the beginning of the modern state system.

Classical European Balance of Power (1648-1792)

Definition: A system where European states formed alliances to prevent any one state from becoming too powerful, aiming to maintain stability across the continent.

Political Contestation

Definition: The emergence of movements challenging absolute monarchies, often influenced by Enlightenment ideals that called for political rights and representative governance.

Napoleonic Wars

Definition: A series of conflicts led by Napoleon Bonaparte that threatened European stability and disrupted the existing balance of power.

Congress of Vienna (1815)

Definition: A diplomatic conference that reestablished the European balance of power after Napoleon's defeat, aiming to prevent future large-scale conflicts through collective security.