Roman Numerals
A system of numerical notation using letters, consisting of 7 letters written in capital letters, with specific rules for addition and subtraction.
Absolute Monarchs
Kings and Queens who hold all of the power within their states' boundaries.
Divine Right
The belief that monarchs receive their power from God and are God's representatives on Earth.
Bureaucracies
Government systems where specific jobs are given to people to handle different aspects of society, allowing monarchs to have power without having to do all the work.
Philip II
King of Spain and leader of the Hapsburg family, known for his wealth, power, and military strength.
Reconquista
The event where Spain expelled Jews and Muslims (Moors) from the country.
Spain's Golden Age
A period of cultural and artistic flourishing in Spain, characterized by architectural achievements, famous artists like El Greco, and literary works like Don Quixote.
Inflation
The increase in prices and decrease in the value of money, often caused by an excess of gold and silver.
Dutch Revolt
The conflict between the Dutch and the Spanish, resulting in the independence of the Dutch Republic.
Rembrandt van Rijn
A Dutch artist known for his dark-colored and emotionally charged paintings.
Henry IV
King of France who converted to Catholicism and issued the Edict of Nantes to protect the rights of Huguenots.
Cardinal Richelieu
Louis XIII's trusted advisor who worked to strengthen the power of the French monarchy and saw Huguenots as threats.
Richelieu's Policies
Richelieu forced Catholic and Huguenot nobles to dismantle their castles and fortifications, weakening their defenses and consolidating power for himself.
Intendants
Intendants were local government officials who replaced the nobles in positions of power, further diminishing the nobles' influence and increasing loyalty to Richelieu and the monarchy.
Skepticism
French writers, influenced by Montaigne, embraced skepticism, the idea that certainty is impossible to attain.
Deductive Reasoning
Descartes used deductive reasoning to arrive at specific conclusions from broad statements, exemplified by his famous phrase "Cogito ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am).
Cardinal Mazarin
Cardinal Mazarin, advisor to Louis XIV, continued the policies of Richelieu, raising taxes and strengthening the central government, leading to the noble uprising known as The Fronde.
Louis XIV
Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, believed in absolute monarchy and famously declared "L'Etat, c'est moi" (I am the state), highlighting his divine right to rule.
Jean Baptiste Colbert
Colbert, the Minister of Finance, implemented mercantilist policies to boost the French economy, including promoting domestic businesses, providing financial support, and raising tariffs on imported goods.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, transformed by Louis XIV, became a symbol of his power and grandeur, featuring lavish gardens, the Hall of Mirrors, and a vast collection of art.
War of the Spanish Succession
The war, sparked by the death of Charles II of Spain, resulted in a diplomatic agreement known as the Treaty of Utrecht, limiting the power of France and Spain and granting Gibraltar to Britain.
Maria Theresa
Maria Theresa, ruler of Austria, faced challenges from Prussia and successfully secured alliances with Hungary and Great Britain to defend her claim to the throne.
Frederick the Great
Frederick II of Prussia, known as Frederick the Great, emphasized a strong military and used taxation and persuasion to maintain control over the nobles and strengthen Prussia.
Prussia vs
Prussia's desire for the strategic and resource-rich region of Silesia led to a conflict with Austria, resulting in Prussia's victory and acquisition of Silesia.
Seven Years' War
Maria Theresa formed alliances with France and Great Britain, leading to a war in which Great Britain emerged victorious and gained territory from France.
James I
James Stuart, the king of Scotland, became the king of England after Elizabeth I and faced challenges from Catholics who hoped he would restore Catholicism.
Gunpowder Treason Plot
A group of 13 Catholics planned to assassinate James I by storing gunpowder beneath the Parliament building, but the plot was foiled on November 5th.
Gunpowder Plot
A failed assassination attempt on King James I and the English Parliament by a group of Catholics, led by Guy Fawkes, who planned to blow up the Parliament building with gunpowder.
Petition of Right
A document signed by King Charles I that limited the power of the monarch and protected the rights of the people, including restrictions on arbitrary arrests, taxation, and quartering of soldiers.
English Civil War
A conflict between the Royalists (supporters of King Charles I) and the Parliamentarians (supporters of Parliament) over the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament.
Interregnum Period
The period of time when Oliver Cromwell ruled as a military-like dictator after the execution of King Charles I and before the restoration of the monarchy.
Habeas Corpus
A law passed by King Charles II that protects individuals from arbitrary arrest and detention, ensuring that they have the right to be brought before a court to determine the legality of their imprisonment.
Restoration
The period of time when King Charles II was restored to the throne after the Interregnum period, marked by celebrations and the reversal of some Puritan reforms.
Whigs vs
Political factions in England during the reign of James II and the Glorious Revolution, with the Whigs opposing James and his Catholicism, and the Tories supporting him.
Glorious Revolution
The bloodless overthrow of King James II by his Protestant daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange, resulting in the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the signing of the English Bill of Rights.
English Bill of Rights
A document that further limited the power of the monarchy and established the rights and liberties of the people, including freedom of speech, fair trials, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.