17th Century European Society and Absolutism

These flashcards cover the key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on 17th Century European Society and Absolutism.

Seventeenth Century Population

In Europe, peasants made up 85-90% of the population, including small farmers and farm workers.

Thirty Years War

A conflict from 1618 to 1648 that started as a religious war between Catholics and Protestants and ended as a political war.

Treaty of Westphalia

Signed in 1648, it established state sovereignty, meaning states were fully independent.

Sovereign States

Rule by monarchs characterized by professional armies, bureaucracies, high taxes, and territorial expansion.

Absolutism

A form of government where a king rules with absolute power.

Bourbon Dynasty

French royal family that ruled from 1589 to 1715, notable leaders included Henry IV and Louis XIV.

Edict of Nantes

Issued by Henry IV, it granted religious toleration to the Huguenots (Protestants) in France.

Cardinal Richelieu

Chief minister to Louis XIII, he implemented the policy of 'Raison d’état' placing state interest above religious interests.

Louis XIV

Ruled from 1643-1715, he believed in the divine right of kings and revoked the Edict of Nantes.

Mercantilism

An economic philosophy aiming to increase state wealth through mining gold and silver, favorable trade balances, and colonial expansion.

Favorable Balance of Trade

An economic condition where a country's exports exceed its imports.

Colonial Production

Acquiring colonies to produce raw materials, exemplified by France's expansion into North America.

Habsburg Dynasty

Ruled Austria and expanded their territory to include Bohemia and Hungary after the Thirty Years War.

Hohenzollern Dynasty

The dynasty that ruled Prussia, notable for building a strong army and placing nobility as officers.