Chapter 18 - Social Changes

Louis XV

Lost the 7 years war which put them in more debt, losing their empire in the process. He was also very influenced by ministers and mistresses, so not really absolute anymore

Great Britain

Became the United Kingdom, made of England, Scotland, and Wales, later Ireland. Few men were eligible to vote and districts didn't reflect shifting population patterns, meaning there was less power for lower classes. New line called the Hanovers who relied on the Prime minister.

Dutch Republic

Inverse relationship with Britain's economy. As Brit power grew, Dutch shrunk.

Frederick William I

Prussian king responsible for Prussian absolutism and continuing militarization. Large standing army. Also had a bureaucracy, which was a system of local officials who ran the country and served the king.

Frederick II (the Great)

Embraced culture and literature as an enlightened ruler, believing in religious freedom (not Jews), freedom of the press, improved schools, and abolished torture. However he was still an absolutist and there was no change to social structure and warred with Austria for territory.

Maria Theresa

Strengthened the central government and was NOT enlightened, banning the works of Voltaire and Rousseau. German language and officials dominated

Pragmatic Sanction

This was the act passed by Charles VI that stated that Hapsburg possessions of Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia were not divided and that Maria Theresa, his daughter could inherit the throne.

Joseph II

Austrian ruler who was so Enlightened that he scared everyone. Religious toleration, public parks, equality before the law, and made social reforms like expanding education, freeing serfs, and abolishing capital punishment. But where would the serfs go? The nobles were mad he freed them. The church is mad he took away the money from monasteries. Everyone was mad.

Catherine the Great

"Enlightened" Russian Ruler who was smart enough to know she needed the support of the nobility. Emphasized education, strengthened the local government, patron of the arts, limited religious toleration. Gave serfs some rights until the Pucachev rebellion happened and supressed them further. Expanded territory and opened up trade.

War of the Austrian Succession

frederick II violated the Pragmatic Sanction when Maria Theresa was vulnerable and invaded Austria, seizing Silesia. France joined. Austria allied with Great Britain because they were worried about France getting more power, having their own fights in Canada and India. Maria Theresa won, but didn't get Silesia back.

Silesia

the for some reason oh-so-valuable territory that Austria lost to Prussia that started the seven years war. and it STILL remained in Prussian possession

Seven Years War

Started because Austria wanted to regain Silesia. There was a reversal of alliances, where Prussia and Britain allied together versus Austria, France, and Russia. Russia withdrew when Peter III became Czar and they had to compromise in the Peace of Hubertusburg, where Prussia ended up keeping Silesia.

Diplomatic Revolution

Major reversal of diplomatic alliances. Great Britain reversed its alliance with Austria and forged a relationship with Prussia, causing France to join with Austria and Russia to check Prussian power. Created irreconcilable enemies: France and Great Britain, and Prussia and Austria.

Peace of Paris 1763

France withdraws from India after the Seven years war, causing the British empire to grow. France also ceded Canada and the lands East of the Mississippi river to England. Basically lost its empire which made Britain a world power.

Polish Partitions

Austria, Prussia, and the Russian Empire all took little chunks out of weak Poland to balance the power out. Eventually Poland was wiped off the map

Changes to Warfare

war became more dangerous and expensive, and therefore more formal with clever elaborate maneuvers with fast surrender and negotiation. Many relied on mercenaries so there own people werent expended

Social Changes

economic conditions improved, population grew. No more black plague but diseases and conditions were still gross

family

family still at the heart of society, over the individual. Children were seen as kids instead of mini adults. Infanticide was a problem because people didn't want kids and they couldn't keep it in their pants

agricultural revolution

more livestock and crop yield because no more fallow fields and more tools like the hoe and seed drill.

Enclosure Act

Large land areas were closed off, destroying patterns of English village life but was good for large landowners. Modernization of English agriculture, leading to industrialization.

Cottage Industry

A family enterprise where raw materials were spun into thread and then sent to different places. However there was big demand for cotton cloth and the industry was unable to keep up, leading to the invention of water frames leading to factories.