Unit 3: Absolutism & Constitutionalism

Absolutism

A political doctrine where a single ruler holds absolute power, often justified by divine right. This system centralizes authority and typically limits political power of nobles and aristocracy.

divine right monarchy

A form of government where a monarch holds absolute power, justified by the belief that their authority comes directly from God.

Louis XIV

Monarch of France known for establishing the palace of Versailles and epitomizing absolute monarchy, famously (allegedly) declaring "L'état, c'est moi" (I am the state). His reign centralized power and limiting the influence of nobility.

Cardinal Richelieu

French clergyman and statesman, he served as Chief Minister to Louis XIII and strengthened the power of the monarchy by reducing the influence of noble families and increasing the centralization of government.

Cardinal Mazarin

Cardinal Richelieu's successor as Chief Minister of France, he continued to centralize power while navigating the political challenges of the Fronde, ultimately solidifying royal authority. When he dies, he was not replaced by Louis XIV.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

French minister of finance under Louis XIV, he implemented mercantilist policies to boost the economy, promote trade, and strengthen France's financial stability. He primary sought to improve French manufacturing and industry.

Intendants (government officials)

These officials were appointed by the French crown to oversee local administration, enforce royal authority, and ensure the implementation of government policies throughout the provinces.

Palace of Versailles

A grand royal residence established by Louis XIV, it served as the principal seat of the French monarchy and a symbol of absolute power, featuring lavish gardens and intricate architecture.

The Fronde

A series of rebellions and conflicts in France that occurred between 1648 and 1653 between the nobility/common people and the monarch of France. Rooted in discontent with royal authority and the influence of the crown's centralized power.

Edict of Fontainebleau

An edict issued by Louis XIV in 1685, which revoked the Edict of Nantes and led to the persecution of Huguenots, forcing many to flee France.

Hohenzollern

A German noble family that ruled Brandenburg-Prussia, significant for their role in establishing a strong centralized state and expanding their influence in Europe.

Brandenburg-Prussia

A historical state in central Europe, formed by the unification of the Margraviate of Brandenburg and the Duchy of Prussia, known for its significant military power and role in European politics during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Frederick William the Great Elector

A leader of Brandenburg-Prussia during the 17th century, known for modernizing the army, consolidating power, and laying the foundation for the future Prussian state.

Great War Commissariat

The administrative body responsible for overseeing the procurement and supply of military resources during wartime, particularly in the context of the Prussian military. This was spearheaded by Frederick William, the Great Elector, as part of his campaign of consolidate power.

Junkers

The landed nobility of Brandenburg-Prussia, the Junkers played a crucial role in the military and administration, supporting the Great Elector's centralization efforts and contributing to the state's military strength.

Treaty of Karlowitz

A treaty signed in 1699, it marked the end of the Great Turkish War between the Ottoman Empire and the Holy League, resulting in significant territorial gains for the Habsburg Monarchy and solidifying Austrian influence in Central Europe.

Ivan IV the Terrible

The first Tsar of Russia, known as "the Terrible," was a ruler who expanded the Russian territory dramatically and implemented centralizing policies while exercising autocratic power and instilling fear among his subjects. He set the foundations for Russian absolute monarchs like Peter the Great.

boyars

Noble class in Russia; they were influential aristocrats who held land and power, often opposing the Tsars while serving as advisors and military leaders.

Peter the Great

The Tsar of Russia from 1682 to 1725, known for his extensive reforms that westernized Russia. He modernized the military, reformed government structures, and established St. Petersburg as the capital. He also famously brought the church under state control as an exercise in his absolutism.

Russian Orthodox Church

The primary church in Russia, which became a vital institution in the Russian Empire. Under Peter the Great, it was restructured to come under state control, diminishing its autonomy and aligning it with the Tsar's authority.

Peace of Nystadt

Treaty signed in 1721 that ended the Great Northern War, establishing Russia as a major power in the Baltic region and confirming its territorial gains.

Christian V

King of Denmark and Norway from 1670 to 1699, known for his attempts to strengthen royal authority and centralize power in his kingdoms, as well as for his patronage of the arts and education.

Charles XI

King of Sweden from 1660 to 1697, known for his efforts to centralize the government, strengthen the monarchy, and reform the military, significantly influencing Sweden's development as a powerful state.

Janissaries

Elite infantry units of the Ottoman Empire, originally composed of Christian captives and later of recruited soldiers, known for their military prowess and loyalty to the Sultan.

Sultan Suleiman

The longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, reigning from 1520 to 1566. He is known for significant territorial expansion, legal reforms, and cultural achievements, establishing a golden age of the empire.

James I

First monarch of England from the House of Stuart, reigned from 1603 to 1625, known for the authoring of the King James Version of the Bible and for his belief in the divine right of kings.

Charles I

King of England from 1625 to 1649, known for his conflicts with Parliament which led to the English Civil War and his eventual execution.

Oliver Cromwell

A military and political leader who led the parliamentarian army during the English Civil War, he became Lord Protector of England from 1653 until his death in 1658, enforcing a Puritanical regime.

English Bill of Rights (1689)

A landmark act passed by Parliament that limited the powers of the monarchy and laid the foundation for modern democracy, ensuring rights such as prohibiting cruel and unusual punishment and granting the right to a fair trial.

Parliamentarians (Roundheads)

Supporters of the Parliament during the English Civil War, known for opposing King Charles I and advocating for a constitutional monarchy.

Royalists (Cavaliers)

Supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War, known for their loyalty to the monarchy and often characterized by their aristocratic background and opposition to Parliamentary rule.

Long Parliament

A Parliament that lasted from 1640 to 1660, notable for its role in the English Civil War and the eventual establishment of a constitutional monarchy, characterized by a prolonged struggle between Parliament and King Charles I.

Rump Parliament

The Rump Parliament was the remainder of the Long Parliament after Pride's Purge in 1648, comprising mainly of those who supported the trial and execution of King Charles I, and instrumental in the establishment of the Commonwealth.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, ensuring that political authority is derived from both the monarchy and a defined set of laws.

Glorious Revolution

The Glorious Revolution was the 1688 overthrow of King James II of England, leading to the ascension of William III and Mary II, which established parliamentary sovereignty and reinforced the constitutional monarchy.

William & Mary

The constitutional change in England that resulted in the overthrow of King James II, leading to William and Mary ascending the throne and establishing a constitutional monarchy.

Restoration

Refers to the period in England following the overthrow of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth in 1660, during which the monarchy was reestablished under King Charles II, marking the return to royal rule.

Puritans

Members of a Protestant sect seeking to purify the Church of England of Catholic practices. They played a significant role in the English Civil War and supported the establishment of a commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

parliamentary sovereignty

The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority in the UK, meaning it can create or end any law, and no other body can challenge its decisions.

Union of Utrecht

A treaty signed in 1579 that united several northern provinces of the Netherlands in their struggle for independence from Spanish rule, establishing a framework for the Dutch Republic.

oligarchy

A form of government in which a small group of people have control, often for corrupt or selfish purposes, rather than for the common good.

urban gentry

Wealthy landowners and merchants in urban areas who held significant social and political influence. They were particularly influential in the Dutch Republic.

stadtholder

The chief military and civil officer in the Dutch Republic, responsible for leading the army and representing the state in diplomatic matters. There were several of them from various provinces, often serving as a key figure in both governance and military strategy.

Dutch East India Company

A trading company established in 1602 to manage trade in Asia, particularly in spices and other goods. It played a significant role in the Dutch Republic's economic growth and overseas expansion.

merchants

Individuals involved in trade and commerce, often facilitating the exchange of goods and services within and beyond urban areas. They were crucial to the economic foundation of the urban gentry.

Rembrandt

A renowned Dutch painter and etcher, notable for his contributions to art in the 17th century. He is famous for his use of light and shadow, as well as his portraits and historical scenes.

Vermeer

A Dutch painter renowned for his mastery of light and color, particularly known for his genre paintings that depict everyday life in the 17th century.

Descartes

A French philosopher and mathematician known for his philosophical statement "I think, therefore I am" and for contributions to the development of modern philosophy and analytical geometry.

Spinoza

A Dutch philosopher of the 17th century, known for his work in ethics and political theory.

Dutch War

A conflict involving France and the Dutch Republic from 1672 to 1678, marked by attempts of Louis XIV to expand French territory and assert dominance in Europe.

Catalan Revolt

An uprising in the 17th century against the Spanish rule in a particular region in Spain, driven by grievances over taxes and centralization of power.

Gustavus Adolphus

A Swedish king known for his military innovations during the Thirty Years' War, pivotal in establishing Sweden as a major power in Europe.

Parlements

French regional courts that had the authority to register royal edicts and decisions, playing a key role in the administration of justice and governance.

Philip V (Duke of Anjou)

The first Bourbon king of Spain, reigning from 1700 to 1746. His ascension marked the beginning of a new dynasty and was a significant outcome of the War of the Spanish Succession.

War of Spanish Succession

A conflict fought from 1701 to 1714 over the succession to the Spanish throne, involving multiple European powers. It resulted in the Treaty/Peace of Utrecht and significant territorial changes in Europe.

Peace of Utrecht

The treaty that ended the War of Spanish Succession in 1713, redistributing territories in Europe and affirming Philip V's rule in Spain, while limiting French expansion.

Frederick William I

King of Prussia from 1713 to 1740, known as the "Soldier King" for his military reforms and emphasis on a strong army. He greatly expanded Prussian territory and centralized power.

Frederick the Great

King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, known for his military victories, centralization of state power, and promotion of cultural and economic progress in Prussia.

Maria Theresa

The only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions, reigning from 1740 to 1780. She implemented significant reforms in administration, military, and education, and was involved in the War of Austrian Succession.

Seven Years’ War

A global conflict from 1756 to 1763 involving many of the great powers of the time, it was fought primarily in Europe, North America, and India, and is often considered the first "world war" due to its widespread impact.

Sejm

The legislative assembly of Poland, which played a key role in political decisions and governance during the period of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Stanislaw II

The last king of Poland, reigning from 1764 to 1795, known for his attempts at reform and modernization, which ultimately failed due to foreign intervention and partitions of Poland.

partition

The process of dividing a territory among several powers, notably referring to the divisions of Poland in the late 18th century.

Cottage industry

A system of production in which goods are produced at home or in small workshops, often by hand, rather than in large factories. This type of industry was prevalent before the Industrial Revolution.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing international trade and accumulating wealth, primarily through a positive balance of trade and the establishment of colonies.

Internal tariff

A tax or duty imposed on goods traded within a country, which can restrict trade between regions or states.

external tariff

A tax or duty imposed on goods imported into a country from abroad, used to protect domestic industries and regulate trade.

Crop rotation

A farming practice that involves changing the type of crop grown on a particular piece of land each season to enhance soil fertility and reduce pest buildup.

Enclosure movement

Process in Britain where wealthy landowners fenced off common land—which peasants had traditionally shared for grazing and farming—to turn it into private property. This resulted increased agricultural efficiency, but displaced many peasants.

Le Chapelier Law

A French law passed in 1791 that prohibited guilds and associations of workers, promoting individual labor and free enterprise, and aimed to support the principles of the French Revolution.

Bank of England

The central bank of the United Kingdom, established in 1694, responsible for managing the country's monetary policy and issuing banknotes.

Colonization

The act of establishing control over foreign lands and peoples, often involving settlement and exploitation of resources.

Navigation Acts

Laws enacted by the English Parliament in the 17th century to regulate colonial trade, requiring that certain goods originating in the colonies be shipped exclusively to England or English colonies. These acts aimed to bolster England's economy and maintain control over colonial trade.