The Age of Absolutism

The Age of Absolutism

A time period in European history where monarchs held absolute power over their states & ruled without significant constraints from other institutions.

Divine Right to Rule

The doctrine that a monarch's authority is derived directly from God, granting them the right to govern without accountability to their subjects.

The 30 Years War (1618-1648)

A conflict in Europe that began as a struggle between Catholic & Protestant states, evolving into a broader political & territorial war involving major powers.

The House of Habsburg (1516-1700)

A prominent royal family in Europe that played a crucial role in the politics of the Holy Roman Empire & various European territories during the early modern period.

Felipe II (1527-1598)

King of Spain from 1556 until his death, known for his extensive empire, staunch Catholicism, & the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

El Escorial

A monumental complex located near Madrid, built by Felipe II, serving as a royal palace, monastery, & museum.

Consejos

Advisory councils in Spain that assisted the monarch in governance, often focused on specific areas like finance, war, or overseas territories.

The Spanish Armada (1588)

A large fleet sent by Spain to invade England, famously defeated by the English navy, marking a significant decline in Spanish maritime dominance.

The Spanish Inquisition

An institution established in the late 15th century to maintain Catholic dominance & persecute heresy, particularly targeting Jews & Protestants.

Moriscos

Muslims who converted to Christianity in Spain, often facing suspicion & persecution despite their conversion.

Flota de Indias

The Spanish treasure fleet responsible for transporting goods & riches from the Americas to Spain, crucial for the Spanish economy.

The House of Bourbon (1589-1792)

A royal family in France that came to power in the late 16th century, known for its absolutist rule & conflicts with other European powers.

Louis XIV (1643-1715)

The "Sun King," he ruled France for 72 years, epitomizing absolute monarchy & centralizing power while expanding French influence.

Versailles

A grand palace built by Louis XIV, symbolizing the absolute monarchy & serving as the political center of France.

Intendants System

A bureaucratic structure established in France by Louis XIV, where royal officials (intendants) administered provinces, enhancing royal control.

Edict of Nantes (1685)

A decree issued by Henry IV of France granting religious freedom to Huguenots, later revoked by Louis XIV, leading to Catholic dominance of France.

"Sun King"

A title used for Louis XIV, reflecting his belief in his central role in French politics & society, similar to the sun's importance in the universe.

The House of Romanov (1613-1917)

The ruling dynasty of Russia that is best known for their legacy of absolutist rule & territorial acquisition.

Pyotr I (1672-1725)

Also known as Pyotr the Great, he modernized Russia through extensive reforms in military, government, & culture, establishing St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg

A city founded by Pyotr I as the new capital of Russia, reflecting Western European architectural styles & aspirations.

Boyars

The Russian aristocracy who held significant power & land before being gradually undermined by the centralized authority of the tsars.

Table of Ranks (1722)

A formal list established by Pyotr I to classify the hierarchy of government, military, & court positions, promoting meritocracy.

The Great Northern War (1700-1721)

A conflict in which Russia, Denmark, & Poland fought against Sweden, resulting in Russia's emergence as a major European power.

Westernization

The process of adopting Western ideas, technology, & culture, especially emphasized by Pyotr I in Russia to modernize the state.

Holy Synod

The governing body of the Russian Orthodox Church established by Pyotr I, replacing the Patriarch & bringing church affairs under state control.

The House of Hohenzollern (1701-1918)

A dynasty that ruled Prussia & later the German Empire, known for its militarism & pivotal role in German unification.

Friedrich II (1712-1786)

Also known as Friedrich the Great, he was a Prussian king known for his military victories, reforms, & promotion of Enlightenment ideals.

Codex Fridericianus

A comprehensive legal code established by Friedrich II that reformed & standardized laws in Prussia.

The Silesian Wars (1740-1745)

A series of conflicts primarily between Prussia & Austria over control of Silesia, significant for shifting the balance of power in Europe.

The 7 Years War (1756-1763)

A global conflict involving most of the great powers of the time, often considered the first "world war," affecting territories in Europe, North America, & India.

The Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th & 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, & skepticism of authority, influencing political thought & society.

Constitutionalism

A political philosophy advocating for government based on established laws, ensuring that power is limited & citizens' rights are protected.

Le Fronde (1642-1651)

A series of civil wars in France during Louis XIV's childhood, arising from noble resistance to royal authority & highlighting tensions between monarchy & aristocracy.

Bourgeoisie

The social class between the aristocracy & the working class, typically consisting of merchants, industrialists, & professional people in urban areas.

The House of Tudor (1485-1603)

A royal dynasty in England known for significant political & religious changes, including the reigns of Henry VIII & Elizabeth I.

Henry VIII (1491-1547)

King of England from 1509 to 1547, known for his six marriages & his role in the English Reformation, which led to the Church of England's formation.

Elizabeth I (1533-1603)

The last Tudor monarch of England, ruling from 1558 to 1603, known for her strong leadership, cultural flourishing, & the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

The House of Stuart (1603-1714)

A royal family that ruled England & Scotland, marked by conflicts with Parliament & the eventual establishment of constitutional monarchy.

Roundheads & Cavaliers

Terms used to describe the opposing factions in the English Civil War, with Roundheads supporting Parliament & Cavaliers supporting the king.

English Civil War (1642-1649)

Armed conflict between Roundheads & Cavaliers, resulting in the victory of pro-Parliament forces & the execution of Charles I.

Oliver Cromwell

A military leader & statesman who played a key role in the English Civil War, later becoming "Lord Protector" of England during the Commonwealth.

The Restoration (1660)

The period marking the return of Charles II to the English throne after the collapse of the Commonwealth, restoring the monarchy.

The Glorious Revolution (1688)

The peaceful overthrow of King James II of England, leading to the establishment of William & Mary as co-monarchs & the affirmation of parliamentary authority.

William & Mary of Orange

The co-monarchs of England following the Glorious Revolution, known for their acceptance of the English Bill of Rights & promotion of constitutional governance.

The English Bill of Rights (1689)

A landmark document passed in 1689 that established parliamentary sovereignty & protected individual rights, shaping the constitutional framework of England.