AP EURO UNIT 8: 1700s ENLIGHTENED ABSOLUTISM

Natural Laws

Laws of the physical world affecting everyone equally.

Natural Rights

Unalienable rights like freedom of speech and religion.

Enlightened Absolutism

Monarchy with enlightenment principles and reforms.

Patronage

Gaining political support through recognition and titles.

William Pitt (the Elder)

English prime minister during the Seven Years' War.

Frederick the Great (II)

Prussian ruler adopting enlightened reforms.

Joseph II

Austrian monarch adopting enlightened absolutism.

Catherine the Great

Russian ruler embracing enlightened absolutism.

Partition of Poland

the dividing of Poland between it’s neighbors Austria, Russia, and Prussia. This division was to prevent war between the three powers, maintaining the balance of power. During the first partition in 1772, Poland lost 30% of it's territory, with the remaining parts of Poland left to independence, but in reality was controlled by Russia. Poland experienced a second partition in 1793. The final partition in 1795 ended with all of Poland split amongst the three neighboring powers.

Balance of Power

Diplomatic idea to prevent one state's domination.

Reason of State

Prioritizing state's long-term future over dynastic interests.

The War of Austrian Succession

from 1740-1748, was the war for the throne of Austria. Following the death of Habsburg emperor Charles VI, his daughter Maria Theresa took the throne, leading other nations to attack Austria because it had a “weak” ruler. Charles VI attempted to get the European powers to recognize Maria Theresa as his heir, but was ignored by Frederick II who invaded Austria soon after her rise to the throne. This set off a reaction across Europe, with France joining the attack, and England allying with Austria. Once all nations grew tired of fighting, the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was signed, returning all territories to their previous owners except Silesia, which Prussia refused to return, leading to more future fighting between Prussia and Austria in the Seven Years’ War.

The Seven Years' War

First worldwide war involving major European powers.

Primogeniture

Firstborn son inheriting most parental wealth.

Infanticide

Common act of killing one's child in the 18th century.

Agricultural Revolution

Development of new agricultural methods for higher yield.

Enclosure Acts

Transition from small farms to large enclosed ones.

Cottage Industry

Textile production system in rural areas.

Tithes

Portions of peasant harvest given to aristocrats.