Grade 12 IB history Exam - Absolutism and Enlightenment

What were the main goals of the Enlightenment?

To promote reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

What were 4 central ideas of the enlightenment?

• The universe is fundamentally rational.

• Human experience is the foundation of human understanding of truth.

• Religious doctrines ave no place in the understanding of the physical and human worlds

• Humans can be improved through education and the development of rational facilities.

What is a brief summary of what the scientific revolution was?

The Scientific Revolution (16th-18th centuries) transformed science by shifting from faith-based to evidence-based inquiry, with figures like Galileo and Newton making key discoveries that laid the foundation for modern science.

What is an absolute monarch?

A ruler with complete authority over the Government and the lives of the people that they govern. They are anointed by God to rule.

What are 4 examples of absolute monarchs

1. Louis XIV of France

2. Peter the Great of Russia

3. Catherine the Great of Russia

4. Frederick the Great of Prussia

What is a Patronage in terms of the Absolute Monarchs?

providing financial support to artists, musicians, and writers, enabling them to create their works.

What is a brief summary of the Baroque movement?

The Baroque movement (17th–early 18th centuries) was an artistic and cultural period marked by dramatic, ornate, and emotional expression. It spanned visual arts, music, and architecture, with notable figures like Caravaggio and Bernini. Baroque art emphasized contrast, movement, and grandeur to evoke strong emotions and showcase power, often in service of the Catholic Church or absolute monarchies.

What were enlightened despots

Enlightened despots were people who sought to justify themselves in the light of reason and secular usefulness. They were trying to move the power away from religion and towards themselves

What are the 4 characteristics of Enlightened Despots?

1. Secular

2. Rational and Reformist

3. Contradictory Methods

4. Religious toleration

Who was King Louis XIV of France?

• King Louis XIV of France (1643–1715), also known as the "Sun King," was an absolute monarch who reigned for 72 years, the longest in European history.

• He centralized power, weakened the nobility, and ruled with absolute authority.

• Louis XIV expanded French territory, built the lavish Palace of Versailles, and made France a dominant European power.

• His reign defined the height of the French monarchy.

Who was Catherine The Great of Russia?

• Catherine was an enlightened absolute monarch who expanded Russian territory, modernized the country, and promoted arts and education.

• She successfully fought wars to gain land, including parts of Poland and the Black Sea coast, and strengthened Russia as a major European power.

Who was Frederick The Great of Prussia?

Frederick II, known as Frederick the Great, was a military leader and enlightened despot who expanded Prussia’s territory through wars, reformed the legal system, and promoted religious tolerance and education. He modernized the military and made Prussia a leading European state.

Who was Peter The Great of Russia?

• Peter the Great of Russia (1682–1725) was a transformative ruler who modernized Russia and expanded its territory.

• He introduced Western European customs, reformed the military, and built a powerful navy.

• Peter founded St. Petersburg as a new capital to open Russia to the West and lead the country into European politics.

• His reign marked Russia's rise as a major European power.

Who was Joseph II of Austria

• Joseph II was an enlightened ruler known for his ambitious reforms, including abolishing serfdom, promoting religious tolerance, and attempting to modernize the legal and educational systems.

• His reforms were often too radical and faced resistance, but he laid the groundwork for future reforms in Austria.