Scientific Revolution & Absolutism – Regents Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Scientific Revolution and Absolutism.

Scientific Revolution

A period in the 1500s–1600s when scientists used observation, reason, and experimentation instead of relying only on the Church; marked the start of modern science.

Heliocentric theory

Sun-centered model of the universe proposed by Copernicus.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Proposed heliocentric theory; challenged geocentric view.

Galileo Galilei

Improved telescope; supported heliocentrism; put on trial by the Catholic Church.

Telescope

Optical instrument enabling detailed astronomical observations; improved by Galileo.

Galileo's trial

Catholic Church trial for supporting heliocentrism.

Isaac Newton

Formulated laws of motion and gravity; described universal gravitation.

John Locke

Life, Liberty and Property are natural rights emphasized in his philosophy.

Francis Bacon

Promoted the scientific method (observation + experimentation; inductive reasoning).

Scientific method

Systematic process of inquiry using observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and reasoning.

Enlightenment

Intellectual movement applying reason and empirical evidence; foundation for modern thought and challenges to authority.

Divine Right

Belief that God granted monarchs the right to rule.

Absolutism

System in which monarchs hold total power and centralize authority.

Louis XIV

The Sun King; built Versailles; said 'I am the State'.

Versailles

Grand palace built by Louis XIV; symbol of absolute monarchy.

Peter the Great

Russian ruler who westernized Russia, modernized the army and navy, and built St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg

City founded by Peter the Great; symbol of Russia's westernization.

Catherine the Great

Russian monarch who continued westernization and expanded territory.

Philip II

King of Spain; Defender of Catholicism; ordered the Spanish Armada (1588).

Enlightenment critique of Divine Right

Philosophers argued rulers did not derive authority from God alone.

Decline of Absolutism

Heavy taxation, costly wars, and Enlightenment ideas weakened absolute monarchies; revolutions followed.