Unit 3: Absolutism and Constitutionalism

Flashcards about Absolutism, Constitutionalism, Dutch Golden Age, and Mercantilism

What was the Fronde?

A series of civil wars in France during the reign of Louis XIV.

What actions did Louis XIV take to limit the power of the nobility in France?

Moving the capital to Versailles, diluting the ranks of the nobility by selling titles, and ensuring the military answered directly to the king.

How did absolute monarchs justify their power?

They claimed divine right and that challenging their power was a challenge against God.

What characterized the art of the Dutch Golden Age?

Genre paintings focused on depictions of real-life scenes or illustrations of Dutch adages and moral lessons.

What is an example of Dutch Golden Age painting that combines naturalism and moralizing?

Jan Steen's 'The World Turned Upside'

Who were the gentry in relation to Charles I of England?

Large landowners.

What political idea did John Locke champion?

Government should be based on a social contract between the people and the government.

What event led to William III and Mary II becoming joint monarchs in England?

The Glorious Revolution.

What did William and Mary have to sign to take the throne of England?

A Bill of Rights that limited their power and established Parliament as the governing body.

How did the Dutch Republic begin?

A revolt against the Catholic Habsburg ruler Philip II of Spain.

What fueled the Dutch Golden Age?

Protestant work ethic, cheap energy sources (windmills and peat), and tolerance toward religious minorities.

What was the role of the Dutch East India Company?

They dominated European trade in spice and other goods from the Far East.

What is the core idea of mercantilism?

A nation should produce as much of its own goods as possible and limit imports.

Which advisor to Louis XIV employed a mercantilist economic approach?

Jean-Baptiste Colbert.

When did the Dutch Republic gain its independence?

1648

When was Charles I of England beheaded?

1649

When did Louis XIV move the seat of government to Versailles?

1682

When did William and Mary agree to the Bill of Rights?

1688

When was The Wealth of Nations published?

1776

In absolutist states, where does sovereignty reside?

The sovereignty resides with the monarch.

In constitutional states, where does sovereignty reside?

The sovereignty resides with the parliament.