Unit 1: Absolutism and Constitutional Monarchy Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, historical figures, and political systems from the Unit 1 Study Guide on Absolutism, Louis XIV, the English Civil War, and Constitutional Monarchy.

Louis XIV

French absolute monarch who centralized power in France, weakened the nobility, used mercantilism, controlled religion, constructed Versailles, and engaged in expansionist wars that affected the balance of power in Europe.

Decline of Feudalism

The historical breakdown of feudal systems that helped monarchs gain centralized power as noble power declined.

Balance of Power

An international strategy where European nations formed alliances against French expansion to prevent Louis XIV or any single nation from dominating Europe.

Charles I

English monarch who clashed with Parliament over power and money, resulting in the Petition of Right and eventually triggering the English Civil War.

Centralization of Power

The process of consolidating political authority and administrative control into the hands of a central monarch or state government.

Petition of Right

An essential English constitutional document that sought to limit royal power and became a major source of conflict between Charles I and Parliament.

Oliver Cromwell

Puritan military leader who ruled England after the defeat of Charles I in the English Civil War, challenging the monarchy but resulting in abuse of power.

Absolute Monarchy

A political system where a monarch rules without checks and balances, maintaining control through three key pillars: a standing army, bureaucracy, and the Church.

English Civil War

A religious and political conflict in England between the Puritans (Parliamentarians) and the Royalists (monarchy supporters) caused by clashes between Charles I and Parliament.

Charles II

English monarch under whom the monarchy was restored following the rule of Oliver Cromwell.

Divine Right

The political and religious doctrine asserting that a monarch's authority comes directly from God, used to justify royal authority without political checks.

Glorious Revolution

The event in 1688 where James II was removed from power, resulting in increased authority for Parliament and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy under William and Mary.

James II

English king whose reign created fear and political tension, ultimately causing the Glorious Revolution.

Mercantilism

An economic system based on state-regulated trade and wealth accumulation that supported and strengthened absolute monarchies like France.

Constitutional Monarchy

A political system in which power is shared between a monarch and Parliament, limiting royal power by law and creating greater political stability.

William and Mary

Monarchs who took the English throne during the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and ruled alongside Parliament under constitutional limits.

Versailles

The royal palace used by Louis XIV as a political tool to control the nobility and reinforce absolutism through culture and art.

English Bill of Rights

A document enacted after 1688 that limited royal power, shifted political power from the monarch to Parliament, and defined the structure of England's constitutional monarchy.

Three Pillars of an Absolute State

The foundational structures used by absolute monarchs to maintain control: standing army, bureaucracy, and Church.

Puritans

The parliamentary faction during the English Civil War that opposed Charles I and took control under Oliver Cromwell.

Royalists

Supporters of the king who fought against Parliament and the Puritans during the English Civil War.