Absolutism Test Prep Flashcards

What is Absolutism?

A form of government where one ruler holds complete power over their kingdom.

According to the Divine Right Theory, to whom is an absolute monarch solely answerable?

God.

Under absolutism, what power did groups like parliament or nobles have to limit a monarch's authority?

None; they could not limit the king or queen's authority.

For what primary purpose did absolute monarchs build magnificent palaces like Versailles or El Escorial?

To display their wealth and power.

A common feature of absolute monarchs was establishing strong central governments with loyal _.

bureaucrats

Who was Philip II's father, the ruler of the largest empire in European history?

Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor.

What vast territories did Philip II inherit from his father, Charles V?

Spain, the Netherlands, parts of Italy, and vast American colonies.

Philip II's upbringing included rigorous education in military strategy and _ to prepare him for absolute rule.

Catholic theology

What palace did Philip II build to showcase his wealth and power?

El Escorial.

Philip II established Spain as Europe's dominant _ power.

Catholic

At what major naval battle in 1571 did Philip II's forces defeat the Ottoman Empire?

The Battle of Lepanto.

What was the name of the powerful naval fleet built by Philip II?

The Spanish Armada.

What 1588 event resulted in a devastating defeat for the Spanish Armada against Protestant England?

The ships were defeated by storms and English naval tactics in the English Channel.

What was the long-term economic consequence of Philip II's constant wars?

They drained Spain's treasury, despite wealth from American silver mines.

What rebellion, sparked by Philip's harsh rule, became a major setback for Catholicism?

The Dutch Revolt (1566-1648).

How long did Louis XIV of France rule, making his the longest reign in European history?

72 years (1643-1715).

What was Louis XIV's nickname?

The Sun King.

What famous quote is attributed to Louis XIV, encapsulating the idea of absolute rule?

"L'état, c'est moi" (I am the state).

What spectacular palace did Louis XIV build to display French power and control the nobility?

The Palace of Versailles.

How did Louis XIV use the elaborate court ceremonies at Versailles?

To control the nobles by keeping them occupied and dependent on his favor.

What was the eventual financial outcome of Louis XIV's four major wars?

They cost France enormous amounts of money, contributing to the financial crisis leading to the French Revolution.

Which Tudor monarch is most famous for his six marriages and his break from the Catholic Church in Rome?

Henry VIII.

What was the primary problem that led Henry VIII to seek an annulment from Catherine of Aragon?

She couldn't produce a male heir, and the Pope refused the annulment based on Catholic doctrine.

What was the name of the 1534 law passed by Parliament that made the English monarch the head of the church?

The Act of Supremacy.

What power did the Act of Supremacy give Henry VIII regarding his marriage?

He could make his own religious decisions, allowing him to annul his marriage and marry Anne Boleyn.

Besides gaining control over English religion, how did Henry VIII financially benefit from the break with Rome?

He dissolved Catholic monasteries and seized their wealth to fund his government.

What was a major long-term negative consequence of Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church?

It created lasting religious conflict and division between Catholics and Protestants in England for centuries.

What period of chaos, civil war, and foreign invasion nearly destroyed Russia from 1598-1613?

The Time of Troubles.

Which two countries invaded Russian territory during the Time of Troubles, threatening its survival?

Poland and Sweden.

How did the Time of Troubles end in 1613?

The Romanov family took power, establishing a new dynasty.

How did the lessons of the Time of Troubles influence Peter the Great's rule?

It fueled his determination to strengthen Russia so it would never be vulnerable again.

What was Peter the Great's primary goal in traveling to Western Europe?

To learn about modern technology and government.

What new capital city did Peter the Great build as a 'window to the West'?

St. Petersburg.

Peter the Great reformed the government bureaucracy to be based on _ instead of birth.

merit

What major military achievement gave Russia access to the Baltic Sea under Peter the Great?

He created the first Russian navy and conquered the necessary territory.

What happened to Peter the Great's reforms during the period of weak rulers immediately following his death?

The reforms slowed down, and some progress was reversed due to power struggles among nobles.

What was the Habsburg dynasty's primary strategy for gaining power and territory, summarized by the saying, 'Others wage war; you, happy Austria, marry'?

Strategic marriages.

For centuries, the Habsburg family consistently held the title of _.

Holy Roman Emperor

Who was the first female Habsburg ruler of the Austrian Empire?

Maria Theresa.

What was the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713?

An edict issued by Charles VI to allow his daughter, Maria Theresa, to inherit the Austrian throne.

What major conflict was triggered when Frederick II of Prussia invaded Silesia, challenging Maria Theresa's right to rule?

The War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748).

Maria Theresa improved conditions for peasants and limited _, a system tying farmers to the land they worked.

serfdom

What major educational reform did Maria Theresa establish throughout her empire?

Compulsory primary education.

Who was Maria Theresa's famous daughter who would marry Louis XVI and become Queen of France?

Marie Antoinette.

Frederick the Great of Prussia called himself an '_,' indicating he promoted reforms like education and religious tolerance.

enlightened despot

What territory did Frederick the Great conquer from Austria, establishing Prussia as a major European power?

Silesia.

What was a primary reason absolute monarchs required heavy taxation from their people?

To fund wars, palaces, and lavish court life.

What was a major positive legacy of European absolutism in terms of national development?

It established strong national identities and unified countries.

The ideas of the Enlightenment about _ government power arose in part as a reaction to absolutism.

limiting

Absolutism eventually contributed to democratic revolutions in which two major countries?

America and France.