Absolutism in France, Austria, and Russia

Azov Campaign (1695-96)

Military campaigns led by Peter against Ottomans to gain access to the Black Sea via the fortress of Azov. It highlighted the need for a strong navy and reforms.

Great Embassy (1697-98)

Peter the Great's diplomatic mission to Western Europe to learn about shipbuilding, military techniques, and Western culture. It exposed Peter to modern European technologies and governmental practices, which he implemented in Russia

Great Northern War (1700-1721)

War of territorial expansion on the Baltic by Russia against Sweden; led to territorial gain along Baltic on which St. Petersburg is built and from which Russia hoped to become a "western" mercantile power. Russia replaced Sweden as dominant power in northern Europe

Charles XII of Sweden

warrior-king and last great leader of Sweden before it declined at the hands of Peter and Russia

Poltava (1709)

Decisive battle in Great Northern War in which Charles XII and his invasion of Russia is defeated by Peter the Great marking the eclipse of Sweden by Russia

Alexei Romanov

Son of Peter the Great who opposed his father's reforms and westernization. His conflict with Peter highlighted resistance among traditionalists to modernization; Alexei was executed for treason.

St. Petersburg

New capital of Russia built on the Baltic Sea, symbolizing Peter's "window to Europe." It demonstrated Peter's desire to modernize Russia; facilitated trade and naval power.

Petrine Reforms

1. Military Reform (navy, 25 years of service)

2. Economic Reform (mercantilism)

3. Cultural Reform (Holy Synod, beards, dress code)

4. Govt. Reform (Table of Ranks, Senate)

Table of Ranks

A system by Peter the Great that allowed officials (nobles and non-nobles) to attain gov't positions based on merit, not on aristocracy status (reorganization of bureaucracy)

Holy Synod

A govt. ministry created by Peter to make decisions for the Church that replaced the position of the Patriarch giving him more control over the Orthodox Church

Elizabeth of Russia

Daughter of Peter the Great who ruled Russia after a series of weak rulers; known for continuing Westernization policies and cultural patronage. She overthrew baby Ivan VI and entered Russia into the Seven Years' War before her stroke that caused the coalition against Prussia to collapse

Cardinal Richelieu

Chief minister to Louis XIII, strengthened royal authority, reduced noble power, and centralized the state. Laid the foundation for absolute monarchy in France; actively worked against Huguenot political power while allowing religious freedoms.

Intendant System

Bureaucratic system in France where royal officials ("intendants") administered provinces, collected taxes, and enforced laws. Weakened local nobility's power and increased centralized royal control

Cardinal Mazarin

Successor to Richelieu; chief minister for Louis XIV during his youth. Managed France during the Fronde and continued policies of centralization and consolidation of royal power.

the Fronde

A series of failed uprisings during the early reign of Louis XIV triggered by growing royal control and increased taxation

Versailles

Lavish palace symbolizing royal power and centralization; controlled the nobility through court life.

Dutch War of 1672

Louis XIV's attempt to invade the Dutch Netherlands seeking control over their trade networks

Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685)

Louis XIV sought religious orthodoxy and unity giving him more control in France by revoking the religious clauses of the Edict of Nantes forcing thousands of Huguenots out of France ultimately benefitting France's enemies

TWO Causes of the War of the Spanish Succession

1. the death of Charles II, last Habsburg of Spain

2. Potential upset of the balance of power when Louis XIV dominated the Spanish throne through his grandson

Turning Point of the War of the Spanish Succession

Attrition of French forces and the death of both Leopold I and Joseph I thus the thrones of both Austria and Spain were potentially to fall to a single ruler - Charles VI which would upset the balance of power

Treaty of Utrecht (1713)

Treaty that ended the War of the Spanish Succession and sought to maintain the balance of power

1. Britian received Gibraltar, colonies, and the Asiento

2. France was allowed to have a Bourbon (Philip V) on Spanish throne but thrones could not be united

3. Austria received Spanish lands in Italy and Low Countries

Leopold I of Austria

HRE and Austrian Habsburg leader who contained Louis XIV's territorial expansion and defeated the Ottomans taking Hungary

Siege of Vienna of 1683

Ottoman attempt to capture Vienna, repelled by Habsburg and allied forces. Marked the decline of Ottoman power in the region and the beginning of Habsburg expansion into Eastern Europe

Charles VI of Austria

HRE and Austrian Habsburg leader who spent his entire reign on the Pragmatic Sanction instead of building up his forces, amassing wealth, or training his successor

Pragmatic Sanction

Legal decree issued by Charles VI to allow his daughter Maria Theresa to inherit the Habsburg dominions intact (no partition). Attempted to prevent succession crises; eventually challenged, leading to the War of Austrian Succession.