The Balance of Power in European History

A collection of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the balance of power in European history, focusing on economic, political, and social developments.

Commercial Revolution

A period of European economic expansion and innovation that took place between 1450 and 1648.

Mercantilism

An economic ideology from the 17th and 18th centuries which saw trade as a form of economic warfare, emphasizing the importance of acquiring gold and maintaining a favorable balance of trade.

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler holds absolute power, often exemplified by monarchs like Louis XIV of France.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system of government in which the monarch's power is limited by the constitution and representative institutions.

Social Effects of the Commercial Revolution

The changes in social structure resulting from economic developments, impacting classes like the nobility and the bourgeoisie.

Baroque Art

A style of art from the late 16th to the 17th centuries characterized by dramatic expressions, commissioned primarily by absolute monarchs.

Balance of Power

A political theory that suggests that national security is enhanced when military and economic power is distributed so that no one nation is strong enough to dominate all others.

Thirty Years' War

A series of wars from 1618 to 1648 in Europe, primarily involving German states and leading to significant political and territorial changes.

Habsburgs

A prominent royal family that played a significant role in European history, particularly in the Holy Roman Empire and Austria.

Dutch Realism

An art movement in the 17th-18th centuries focusing on realism and everyday life, often in contrast to the more religious themes of earlier art.

Commercial Revolution

A period of European economic expansion and innovation that took place between 1450 and 1648.

Mercantilism

An economic ideology from the 17th and 18th centuries which saw trade as a form of economic warfare, emphasizing the importance of acquiring gold and maintaining a favorable balance of trade.

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler holds absolute power, often exemplified by monarchs like Louis XIV of France.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system of government in which the monarch's power is limited by the constitution and representative institutions.

Social Effects of the Commercial Revolution

The changes in social structure resulting from economic developments, impacting classes like the nobility and the bourgeoisie.

Baroque Art

A style of art from the late 16th to the 17th centuries characterized by dramatic expressions, commissioned primarily by absolute monarchs.

Balance of Power

A political theory that suggests that national security is enhanced when military and economic power is distributed so that no one nation is strong enough to dominate all others.

Thirty Years' War

A series of wars from 1618 to 1648 in Europe, primarily involving German states and leading to significant political and territorial changes.

Habsburgs

A prominent royal family that played a significant role in European history, particularly in the Holy Roman Empire and Austria.

Dutch Realism

An art movement in the 17th-18th centuries focusing on realism and everyday life, often in contrast to the more religious themes of earlier art.

What was a major cause of the Thirty Years' War?

Religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics, combined with political rivalries among European powers.

What was the Peace of Westphalia (1648)?

A series of peace treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War, establishing the principle of state sovereignty and adjusting the political map of Europe.

Who exemplified absolutism in France, and what was his famous quote?

Louis XIV, known for stating 'L'état, c'est moi' (I am the state).

What event in England significantly advanced the concept of a Constitutional Monarchy?

The Glorious Revolution of 1688, which limited the power of the monarch and strengthened Parliament.

What new economic practice emerged during the Commercial Revolution that involved pooling resources for large ventures?

Joint-stock companies, such as the Dutch East India Company, which allowed for shared risk and investment in trade.

In which major empire did the Habsburg dynasty primarily hold sway?

The Holy Roman Empire and later the Austrian Empire, playing a central role in Central European politics.