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Thirty Years War

Thirty Years War

A conflict (1618-1648) between Catholic League and Protestant Union caused by religious tensions, inflation, and dissatisfaction with policies, ending with the Peace of Westphalia.

Defenestration of Prague (1618)

Incident where Protestant nobles threw two Catholic officials out of a window, symbolizing Protestant resistance.

Peace of Westphalia (1648)

End of the Thirty Years War which established the principle of religious tolerance and sovereignty.

Absolutism

A political system where one person has absolute power; epitomized by King Louis XIV of France.

Louis XIV

Known as the Sun King, he was a model of absolutism in France, reigning from 1643 to 1715.

Divine Right

The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God.

Fronde

Noble uprisings in France against Louis XIV's absolutism.

Bill of Rights (1689)

An act in England that limited the powers of the monarchy and outlined the rights of Parliament.

Glorious Revolution (1688)

The relatively bloodless overthrow of King James II of England by William of Orange.

Dutch Golden Age

Period of great wealth and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands, resulting from trade, shipping, and mercantilism.

Serfdom

Feudal labor system where peasants are tied to the land and subject to the will of landowners.

Peter the Great

Tsar of Russia known for westernizing reforms and building a strong navy, ruling from 1682 to 1725.

Great Northern War (1700-1721)

Conflict between Sweden and Russia, resulting in Russia's emergence as a dominant power in the Baltic.

Frederick William 'Great Elector'

Prussian leader who unified territories and increased military power by securing noble loyalty.

Habsburg Family

A powerful dynasty that ruled over a large portion of Europe, associated with the Holy Roman Empire.

Mercantilism

Economic theory where the government controls trade to increase wealth through a positive balance of trade.