Absolutism and Constitutionalism: AP Euro

Divine Right Theory

The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God and are not accountable to their subjects. This theory supports the idea of absolute monarchy.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy, aiming to accumulate wealth through trade surpluses and the control of resources.

Wealth determined by amount of gold/silver the country has

Habeas Corpus Act

Court must examine for lawful imprisonment and fair punishments. Protects individual liberty.

Petition of Right

Document passed in 1628

4 key principles: No taxation w/o Parliament’s consent; imprisonment w/o cause; no quartering of soldiers on subjects; no martial law during peace time

Parliamentarians/“Roundheads”

Supporters of the Parliament in the English Civil War, opposing the Royalists. They sought to limit the power of the monarchy and enhance parliamentary authority.

House of Lords

The upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, consisting of appointed members, bishops, and hereditary peers, responsible for reviewing legislation and representing the aristocracy.

House of Commons

The lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, composed of elected members who represent the public and have the authority to propose and vote on legislation.

Cardinal Richelieu

The chief minister to King Louis XIII of France

Involved France in the Thirty Years' War; made intendents, middle class gov’t officials; outlawed private wars; avoided calling Estates General

Jean Baptiste Colbert

French minister of finance under Louis XIV who implemented mercantilist policies to boost the economy, promote infrastructure, and strengthen the state.

“Father of Mercantilism”

Louis XIV

King of France (r. 1643-1715) “L’etat, c’est moi”

Built Versailles Palace as a means to control nobility; Revoked Edict of Nantes; Nobility of the Robe; Lettres de Cachet

Peter the Great

Tsar of Russia

Goal of Westernizing Russia; port city of St. Petersburg, made the capitol of Russia; secularized school, had control over the orthodox church; territorial gains + expanded empire

Frederick the Great

Frederick II (r. 1740-1786) - Father was the “Soldier King”

Expanded Russia through conquest/war; War of Austrian Succession; “cameralism” ideology, society serves the monarch, monarch serves the state; gained Silesia; improved military

War of Austrian Succession

A conflict (1740-1748) involving multiple European powers primarily over the inheritance of the Habsburg throne, leading to significant territorial changes and the rise of Prussia under Frederick the Great.

Thirty Years War

A series of conflicts (1618-1648) in Europe primarily involving the struggle between Protestant and Catholic states, resulting in significant devastation and the reconfiguration of political structures, culminating in the Peace of Westphalia.

Seven Years War

Global conflict (1756-1763) involving most of the great powers, often considered the first "world war". It had major consequences for colonial empires and territorial boundaries, particularly between Britain and France.

James I (r. 1566-1625)

The first Stuart king of England; United the English and Scottish throne; ended Anglo-Spanish War; commissioned bible to be translated to English

Conflicted w/ Parliament, ended in dissolving it; Plantation of Ulster confiscated Irish Catholic landowners estates, resulted in resentment

Charles I (r. 1625-1649)

Patron of the arts; founded colonies of Carolina and Maryland; improved navy

Taxation w/o consent of Parliament; dissolved Parliament 3 times; high-Anglican beliefs; executed and convicted of treason

Charles II (r. 1649-1685)

Son of Charles I; restored the monarchy after the Commonwealth; pragmatism and tolerance towards Catholics; Royal Society b/c patron of science

Religious tension b/c he identified more w/ Catholicism; clashed w/ Parliament b/c of financial difficulties; Exclusion Bill prevented his son from inheriting the throne

James II (r. 1685-1688)

The last Stuart king of England; his reign was marked by attempts to promote religious tolerance and a strong central authority, leading to conflicts with Parliament. His policies contributed to the Glorious Revolution.

Fled to France bc Glorious Revolution; died in exile 1701