Absolutism AP Euro

Absolutism

Absolutism

A political system where a single ruler has complete and total power over the government, often justified by the divine right of kings.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; often embodied in the person of the ruler.

Jean Bodin

A French political philosopher known for his theory of absolutism in 'Six Books of the Republic,' arguing for the absolute power of the monarch.

Thomas Hobbes

An English philosopher who wrote 'Leviathan' advocating for a strong central authority to prevent societal chaos.

Divine Right of Kings

The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, meaning their actions cannot be subjected to earthly jurisdiction.

Louis XIV

The King of France known as the 'Sun King,' who ruled from 1643 to 1715 and epitomized the principles of absolutism.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy, primarily through regulation and protectionist policies.

Edict of Nantes

A 1598 decree by Henry IV of France granting religious freedom to Huguenots, laying the groundwork for a strong French state.

Fronde

A series of civil wars in France between 1648 and 1653 arising from opposition to the authority of Cardinal Mazarin.

Peace of Westphalia

The peace treaties that ended the Thirty Years War in 1648 and recognized the rights of Protestant and Catholic states in the Holy Roman Empire.

Frederic The Great Elector

Frederick William of Brandenburg, known as the Great Elector, played a pivotal role in the transformation of Brandenburg into a powerful state that would later become Prussia. He ruled from 1640 to 1688 and is recognized for his effective consolidation of power, which included unifying the various territories of the duchy under his control. The Great Elector is particularly noted for building a strong, centralized army, which he used to enhance the military strength of his state, a crucial factor during the chaotic period of the Thirty Years' War. His policies also focused on economic reforms, such as promoting trade and industry, and implementing a mercantilist economic policy that strengthened state revenues. He established a system of taxation that improved financial stability and supported the army. Frederick William's reign laid the foundation for the future prominence of Prussia in European affairs.

Catherine the Great

Empress of Russia who reigned from 1762 to 1796. She played a pivotal role in expanding the Russian Empire, acquiring territories including parts of Poland, the Black Sea region, and Alaska. Catherine is recognized for her efforts to westernize Russian culture, embracing Enlightenment ideals and corresponded with prominent philosophers such as Voltaire and Diderot. Known for her enlightened absolutism, she implemented reforms in education, law, and governance, established the Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens, Russia's first state-financed higher education institution for women, and convened the Legislative Commission to modernize the legal framework of Russia. Despite her reforms, she maintained strong autocratic control and faced challenges such as peasant uprisings.

War of Spanish Succession

The War of Spanish Succession was a major European conflict that lasted from 1701 to 1714, sparked by the death of Charles II of Spain, who died childless. His death led to a power struggle over the Spanish throne, primarily between the Bourbon and Habsburg dynasties. Charles II bequeathed his kingdom to Philip of Anjou, the grandson of King Louis XIV of France, which alarmed other European powers fearing a union of France and Spain under a single Bourbon monarch. Major battles included the Battle of Blenheim and the Battle of Ramillies, where the Grand Alliance - comprised of Austria, England, the Netherlands, and others - fought against France and Spain. The war concluded with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which redistributed territories in Europe, recognizing the rights of various powers and ensuring that Spain and France would remain separate kingdoms, thus altering the geopolitical landscape of Europe.

Junkers

The Prussian nobility who allied with the monarchy for stability and gained significant power over serfdom.

Pragmatic Sanction

A diplomatic agreement signed by various European powers in 1713 allowing Maria Theresa to inherit the Habsburg throne.

Joseph II

Holy Roman Emperor who ruled from 1780 to 1790. He is recognized as an enlightened absolutist, implementing a series of ambitious reforms aimed at modernizing the Austrian Empire. Joseph II sought to diminish the power of the nobility, promote religious tolerance, and improve the lives of his subjects through educational reforms and the establishment of a more rational legal system. His notable policies included the abolition of serfdom, the introduction of German as the official language of the government, and various economic reforms aimed at increasing productivity and efficiency.

Charles II of Spain

The last Habsburg ruler of Spain, Charles II reigned from 1665 until his death in 1700. His physical and mental health was severely compromised, attributed to years of inbreeding within the Habsburg dynasty. He died without an heir, which triggered the War of Spanish Succession, a major European conflict from 1701 to 1714, as various powers vied for control over the Spanish throne and the expansive Spanish Empire.

Serfdom

A condition in medieval Europe wherein peasants were tied to and dependent on the land and their lord.

Louis XIII

King of France from 1610 to 1643, Louis XIII ascended to the throne at a young age after the assassination of his father, Henry IV. His reign is marked by significant reliance on Cardinal Richelieu, his chief minister, who played a crucial role in strengthening the monarchy and centralizing power in France. Under Richelieu's influence, Louis XIII pursued policies that diminished the power of the nobility and suppressed Huguenot revolts, notably during the Siege of La Rochelle. His reign also saw the emergence of France as a dominant power in Europe.

Frederick II, the Great

King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, known for his military successes in the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War. He implemented numerous reforms that modernized the Prussian state, including improvements in education, judicial systems, and religious tolerance. A patron of the arts and philosophy, he corresponded with Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and contributed to Prussia's status as a major European power.

Catherine's Legislative Commission

A body established by Catherine the Great to discuss reforms and solicit input from the nobility.

Treaty of Utrecht

The 1713 agreement that resolved the War of Spanish Succession, redistributing territories among European powers.