Absolutism and Constitutionalism 1648-1815

Flashcards about Absolutism and Constitutionalism in Europe during 1648-1815

What factors led to Louis XIV’s successful implementation of an Absolute Monarchy?

The Fronde, economic consolidation through the Intendant System and Mercantilism, political consolidation by controlling the nobility, religious consolidation by revoking the Edict of Nantes, and military consolidation through wars.

How did Eastern European Monarchs, specifically Peter the Great, emulate Louis XIV?

Control of the Nobility (Peter the Great used the Table of Ranks, the Beard Tax), religiously (his reorganization of the Russian Orthodox Church put the power of the church in him).

How did Eastern European Monarchs deviate from Louis XIV's model?

Still maintained a feudal system so the nobles still held some sort of power and Taxed the nobility.

How did the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution establish a Constitutional Monarchy in England?

Magna Carta, religious disputes, economic and political disputes, Oliver Cromwell's dictatorship, the restoration of the Monarchy, and William and Mary signing the Bill of Rights.

How did the history of the Dutch Republic influence its move towards Constitutionalism?

Independence from the Habsburg Spanish monarchy and a rising middle class that wanted to control trade.

What impact did Absolutism have on the Nobility?

France nobility lost power but gained privileges such as the tax exemption and their time in Versailles.

What impact did Constitutionalism have on the Nobility?

England - the nobility gained power with the increasing role of the Parliament, but lost privileges as they were not tax exempt.

How did Poland become a pawn in Europe’s quest to establish a Balance of Power?

Poland was weak, and Partition of Poland - rather than allow one country to absorb all of Poland and its resources the major powers of Europe decided to divide up Poland between them.

How did wars contribute to keeping the Balance of Power in Europe?

The Ottoman Empire trying to expand into Austria, Louis XIV threatening to upset the balance of power as he was involved in wars with the intent of expanding.

How was the Cottage Industry a natural progression from the Agricultural Revolution?

Small farmers struggled to keep their farms despite Enclosure Laws making it more and more expensive, they turned to alternative means of income. The Cottage Industry became those means

What were the economic policies of Constitutional Monarchs?

Constitutional Monarchs saw a rise of the Middle Classes and the seeds of capitalism. (England and the Netherlands).

What were the economic policies of Absolute Monarchs?

Absolute Monarchies were still using mercantilism (France).