Absolutism, Enlightenment, and Social Changes in Europe

This set of flashcards focuses on key concepts related to absolutism, the Enlightenment, and social changes in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.

What were the major causes of population decline in 17th century Europe?

Famine, disease, and poor harvests led to demographic decline.

What climate event caused famine and malnutrition in Europe during the 17th century?

The Little Ice Age.

What economic issue arose due to silver imports and poor trade in the 17th century?

Inflation.

What societal reaction was fueled by hardship and tension in the 17th century?

Witch hunts.

What were the characteristics of urban poverty during the 17th century?

Overcrowding, unemployment, and greater inequality.

Who was the Defender of Catholicism in Spain during this period?

Philip II.

What was the significance of the Dutch Revolt?

It's a political and religious rebellion of Calvinist provinces resisting Spain.

What major conflict took place in the Holy Roman Empire during the 17th century?

The Thirty Years' War.

Which English monarchs were involved in the Protestant break from Catholicism?

Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

What was the key characteristic of absolutism in the 17th and 18th centuries?

Monarchs exercised unlimited and entitled authority, claiming divine sanction for their power.

What did Jacques Benigne Bossuet argue about the divine right of kings?

Kings reign by God and for God, and questioning the king is akin to questioning God.

What were some economic and political goals of absolutist monarchs?

Centralization of power, control of taxation, military, and justice.

How did Louis XIV centralize power in France?

By appointing loyal officials and compelling nobles to live at Versailles.

What was the significance of the Palace of Versailles in the context of absolutism?

It symbolized absolutist grandeur and the monarch's total dominance.

What key achievement did Peter the Great accomplish in Russia?

He modernized Russia into an absolutist empire.

What was Frederick William I's approach to military and governance in Prussia?

Centralized bureaucracy and militarization of society.

How did Enlightenment thinkers challenge traditional authority?

By promoting reason, empiricism, and skepticism towards traditional institutions.

What did John Locke argue regarding government and natural rights?

That government exists by consent and should protect life, liberty, and property.

What role did Paris salons play during the Enlightenment?

They were venues where philosophers exchanged ideas.

Who were some of the important figures in the American Enlightenment?

Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Paine.

What was the relationship between the Enlightenment and the rise of modern states?

Growing trade and urbanization created a new middle class that valued education.

Name a key factor that contributed to the rise of absolutism in Europe during the 17th century.

The aftermath of religious warfare and political instability.