Absolutism Wh test

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler holds absolute power.

Divine Right

The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God.

Hapsburgs

A prominent royal family in Europe known for their influence during the Renaissance and early modern period.

Charles V

Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain who ruled over a vast empire in the 16th century.

Philip II

King of Spain who expanded Spanish influence and ruled during the height of the Spanish Empire.

Siglo de Oro

A period of flourishing in arts and literature in Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Bourbons

A royal family that ruled France and Spain, known for their absolute monarchy.

Henry IV

The first Bourbon king of France who issued the Edict of Nantes.

Edict of Nantes

A decree issued in 1598 granting religious freedom to Huguenots in France.

Louis XIII

King of France who ruled from 1610 to 1643 and strengthened the monarchy.

Cardinal Richelieu

Chief minister to Louis XIII who centralized power in France.

Louis XIV

Known as the Sun King, he ruled France for 72 years and exemplified absolute monarchy.

Jean Baptiste Colbert

Finance minister under Louis XIV who promoted mercantilism in France.

Versailles

The grand palace built by Louis XIV, symbolizing the absolute monarchy of France.

Stuarts

A royal family that ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland during the early modern period.

James I

The first Stuart king of England who authorized the King James Version of the Bible.

Charles I

King of England whose conflicts with Parliament led to the English Civil War.

Cavaliers

Supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War.

Roundheads

Supporters of Parliament during the English Civil War.

Oliver Cromwell

Leader of the Roundheads who became Lord Protector of England after the Civil War.

Commonwealth

The republican government established in England after the execution of Charles I.

Glorious Revolution

The peaceful transfer of power in England in 1688 when William and Mary took the throne.

William & Mary of Orange

The monarchs who ruled England after the Glorious Revolution.

Romanovs

The last imperial dynasty to rule Russia, from 1613 until the Russian Revolution.

Tsar

The title used to designate East and South Slavic monarchs or supreme rulers.

Serfdom

A system where peasants are tied to the land and under the control of landowners.

Peter I (the Great)

Tsar of Russia who modernized the country and expanded its territory.

Catherine II (the Great)

Empress of Russia who continued Peter the Great's policies and expanded the empire.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason and individualism rather than tradition.

Natural Law

A philosophy asserting that certain rights are inherent by virtue of human nature.

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher known for his social contract theory and the idea of a strong central authority.

John Locke

Philosopher who argued for natural rights and government by consent.

Social Contract

An agreement among individuals to form a government and abide by its rules.

Natural Rights

Rights that individuals are born with, including life, liberty, and property.

Baron de Montesquieu

Philosopher who advocated for the separation of powers in government.

Voltaire

A writer and philosopher known for his advocacy of civil liberties and criticism of the church.

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Philosopher who believed in the social contract and the general will of the people.

Laissez-Faire

An economic philosophy of minimal government intervention in the economy.

Adam Smith

Economist known for his ideas on free markets and the 'invisible hand' of the economy.

Censorship

The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information.

Salons

Social gatherings where intellectuals discussed ideas during the Enlightenment.

French-Indian War

A conflict between France and Britain in North America that contributed to the American Revolution.

George III

King of Great Britain during the American Revolution.

Stamp Act

A 1765 law imposing a tax on printed materials in the American colonies.

Continental Congress

A convention of delegates from the American colonies that became the governing body during the Revolution.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which created a weak federal government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties.

Estates-General

The legislative assembly in France before the French Revolution.

Tennis Court Oath

A pledge made by members of the Third Estate not to disband until a new constitution was established.

National Assembly

The revolutionary assembly formed by the representatives of the Third Estate in France.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

A fundamental document of the French Revolution that outlines individual rights.

Louis XVI

King of France who was executed during the French Revolution.

Robespierre

A leading figure in the French Revolution known for his role in the Reign of Terror.

Olympe de Gouges

A playwright and political activist who advocated for women's rights during the French Revolution.

Reign of Terror

A period during the French Revolution characterized by extreme political repression.

Napoleon Bonaparte

French military leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and became Emperor.

What is absolutism?

Absolutism is a political doctrine where a single ruler holds absolute power, often justified by divine right.

How did rulers obtain rights under absolutism?

Rulers claimed divine right, asserting that their authority to govern came directly from God.

What were the effects of absolutism on nobles in various countries?

Absolutism often led to the reduction of noble power, as monarchs centralized authority and diminished feudal privileges.

How did Spain become the first modern European power?

Spain became the first modern European power through the unification of its kingdoms, wealth from colonies, and military strength.

Why were the Hapsburgs influential in Europe during this period?

The Hapsburgs were influential due to their extensive family connections, control over vast territories, and roles in the Holy Roman Empire.

What was the impact of Charles V and Philip II on Spain and the Holy Roman Empire?

Charles V expanded the empire but faced challenges, while Philip II's reign saw the height of Spanish power and the decline of its economy.

What was the impact of the Bourbons on France?

The Bourbons, particularly Henry IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV, centralized power, strengthened the monarchy, and influenced French culture.

What was Louis XIV's legacy on France and Europe?

Louis XIV's legacy includes the establishment of a strong centralized state, cultural achievements, and the idea of absolute monarchy.

How did England differ in dealing with absolute rulers compared to the rest of Europe?

England limited the power of absolute rulers through constitutional developments, such as the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights.

What were the causes and effects of the English Civil War?

Causes included conflicts over power between Parliament and the monarchy; effects included the temporary overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a commonwealth.

How was there a peaceful transition of power in England during the Restoration and Glorious Revolution?

The Restoration restored Charles II to the throne, while the Glorious Revolution established William and Mary as co-rulers with constitutional limits on their power.

What was the impact of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great on Russia in the 1700s?

Peter the Great modernized Russia through reforms and westernization, while Catherine the Great expanded the empire and promoted the arts and education.

How were Enlightenment ideas spread throughout Europe in the early 1700s?

Enlightenment ideas spread through salons, literature, and the works of philosophers, influencing public opinion and political thought.

What are the differences between natural laws and natural rights?

Natural laws are universal principles governing behavior, while natural rights are inherent rights individuals possess, such as life, liberty, and property.

How did the Enlightenment lead to an era of revolutions?

Enlightenment ideas encouraged questioning of authority and inspired movements for democracy and individual rights, leading to revolutions.

Compare and contrast the French and American Revolutions.

Both revolutions sought to overthrow oppressive regimes, but the American Revolution focused on independence from Britain, while the French Revolution aimed for social and political reform within France.