Module 17 Absolute Monarchs

King Philip II

during his reign his country grew to become the most populated country in Europe; Given the nickname “Most Catholic King” because of his support of the Pope and the Vatican

James I

tried to enforce the Divine Right of Kings on his people. This is a belief that Kings receive their power to rule from God and must answer only to God

Charles 1

King of England who was executed by his people and horrified the rest of Europe

Puritans

very strict Protestant group from England who were inspired by Calvinist ideas

Oliver Cromwell

Leader of the nobles who defeated the King and was put in as the head of the government as a military dictator; leader of the New Model Army of soldiers (called Independents) that were well disciplined and loyal

English Bill of Rights

laid the foundation for a constitutional monarchy in England

Absolutism

system of government in which a ruler holds total power

Louis XIV

was able to maintain control by distracting his nobles and princes with extravagant court life which kept them from getting into politics against him. Usually given as the best example of absolutism in the 17th Century

Baroque

style of painting during this time period that reflected a search for power

Mannerism

name given to art of this time period. This art reflected the tension of religious upheaval and the spirituality of religious revival; El Greco was its most famous painter

William Shakespeare

famous for his writings and plays – he provides the best example of Elizabethan style of writing

Huguenots

name given to French protestants – made up 7% of the population; influenced by John Calvin

Edict of Nantes

gave the Huguenots the right to worship and to enjoy all political privileges

30 Years War

Included most European countries Except Great Britain; Main reasons for the war included disputes over politics, territory and religion

Rump Parliament

Name given to Britain’s parliament after Cromwell dismissed all members who did not support him

Glorious Revolution

When James II was overthrown by William of Orange and his supporters without much bloodshed

Toleration Act of 1689

Gave religions like the Puritans the right to public worship without persecution in
England. Catholics were not included

Cardinal Richelieu

Advisor to the king. Strengthened the power of the monarchy by taking away the Huguenots political and military rights plus executing any conspirators to the king

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Favorite of the French people – Minister of Finance who sought to increase the wealth and power of France by following the ideas of mercantilism

Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Italian Sculptor and architect who is most famous for his work on Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome

John Locke

British philosopher – many ideas can be found in the American Declaration of Independence and Constitution; ideas centered on that all people should be guaranteed Life, Liberty and Property

Witchcraft

During this time period tens of thousands of people were murdered after being accused of being a witch. Typically, common people and women were the targets

Boyars

name given Russian nobility

Peter the Great

Great (Czar) King of Russia who did a lot to modernized Russia with Western customs and practices

Peace of Westphalia

It officially ended the 30 years war

Ultra Catholics

name for Catholics that were anti-Huguenot

Miguel de Cervantes

wrote the famous novel Don Quixote. Noble who tries to bring back chivalry and respect to his country