Monarchs of Europe Vocab

Absolute monarchy

a form of government in which a ruler has complete authority over the government

Armada

fleet of ships

Balance of Power

distribution of military and economic power that prevents any one nation from becoming too strong

Divine Right

idea that a ruler’s authority came directly from God

mercenary

soldier serving in a foreign country for pay

Phillip II

(1556-1598) most powerful Spanish monarch, fervent Catholic (saw himself as the defender of the Catholic faith), tried to end Protestantism, supported inquisition of non-Catholics, attempted to increase Hapsburg wars (not good for Spain). hardworking, suspicious of everyone, but not a good decision maker. very large empire to control

Huguenots

French Protestants of the 1500s and 1600s.

Edict of Nantes

law used by French king Henry IV in 1598 giving more religious freedom to French Protestants.

Cardinal Richelieu

(1585-1642) considered one of the greatest politicians in history. he played an important role in France’s history while serving as chief minister to Louis XIII.

Louis XIV

(1638-1715) served as king of France (1643-1715) and is considered the symbol of absolute monarchy.

Henry IV

(1050-1106) a German king who become Holy Roman emperor in 1084. His efforts to increase the power of the monarchy led him into conflict with Pope Gregory VIII over lay investiture. Gregory excommunicated him but later reinstated him in the church after Henry did penance.

Versailles

royal French residence and seat of government established by King Louis XIV.

Maria Theresa

(1717-1780) archduchess of Austria and queen of Hungary + Bohemia (1740-1780), wife and empress of the Holy Roman emperor Francis I (1745-1765) and mother of the Holy Roman emperor Joseph II (1765-1790)

Frederick II

(1712-1786) succeeded his father, Frederick William I, to serve as king of Prussia (1740-1786).

Peter the Great

(1672-1725) tsar of Russia, reigned jointly with his half-brother Ivan V (1682-1696) and alone (1696-1725). Proclaimed emperor in 1721. One of Russia’s greatest statesmen, organizers, and reformers.