The Age of Absolutism: England, Scotland, and Ireland

These flashcards encompass major terms, events, and concepts from the Age of Absolutism, focusing on the political dynamics of England, Scotland, and Ireland from the Tudor to Stuart transitions.

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler holds total power and authority, often justified by divine right.

Wars of the Roses

A series of civil wars fought over the English throne between the Lancastrians and Yorkists from 1455 to 1487.

Lancastrian regime

The ruling house during the early part of the Wars of the Roses, associated with Henry VI and his supporters.

Yorkist line

The rival royal house during the Wars of the Roses, claiming descent from Edward III and represented by figures like Edward IV.

Battle of Bosworth Field

The decisive battle in 1485 that marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and the rise of the Tudor dynasty.

Tudor dynasty

The royal family that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, established by Henry VII following his victory at Bosworth.

Royal Supremacy

The assertion of the English monarch's authority over the Church of England, initiated by Henry VIII.

Dissolution of the Monasteries

The process by which Henry VIII disbanded monasteries across England, transferring their wealth and lands to the Crown.

The English Reformation

The series of events in the 16th century that led to the establishment of the Church of England and the break from the Catholic Church.

Cavaliers

Supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War, who favored the monarchy and traditional hierarchies.

Roundheads

Supporters of Parliament during the English Civil War, who opposed the king’s authority.

Commonwealth

The period of republican government in England from 1649 to 1660 following the execution of Charles I.

Glorious Revolution

The overthrow of King James II in 1688, leading to the constitutional settlement that established William and Mary as co-monarchs.

Bill of Rights (1689)

A fundamental document limiting royal power and establishing parliamentary supremacy in England.

Act of Union (1707)

The act that unified England and Scotland into Great Britain, reshaping political power and governance.

Tory and Whig parties

The two dominant political factions in England that emerged during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, representing differing views on governance.

Seven Years War

A global conflict from 1756 to 1763 involving major world powers, reshaping territorial claims and colonial interactions.

American Revolution

The conflict from 1775 to 1783 in which the Thirteen Colonies gained independence from British rule.