AP Euro period 2- absolutism & constitutional monarchy

Sword Nobles

The hereditary warrior nobility of France, whose power came from military service and feudal traditions. Their influence declined in the 17th century as monarchs like Louis XIV centralized authority, forcing them into court life at Versailles and reducing aristocratic independence.

Robe Nobles

A class of nobility created through the purchase or inheritance of judicial and administrative offices. They became the backbone of royal bureaucracy, helping absolutist monarchs bypass traditional feudal lords and consolidate centralized authority.

Louis XIII (1610-1643)

A French monarch who, with the help of Cardinal Richelieu, reduced noble power, suppressed Huguenot independence, and expanded state authority. His reign laid the foundation for the stronger absolutism of Louis XIV.

Intendants

Royal administrators appointed to oversee provinces, handling taxation, policing, and justice. They weakened the power of local nobles by reporting directly to the monarchy, reinforcing centralization.

Louis XIV (1643-1715)

The “Sun King” of France, who centralized power at Versailles and ruled without a chief minister. His control over the army, nobility, religion, and economy made him the model absolutist ruler, though his wars and extravagance drained France’s resources.

Cardinal Mazarin

Successor to Richelieu and regent for the young Louis XIV, who pursued centralization policies and heavy taxation. His actions sparked the Fronde, shaping Louis XIV’s determination to crush noble opposition.

The Fronde

A series of noble and popular uprisings against Mazarin’s government. The failure of these revolts reinforced royal authority and convinced Louis XIV to strengthen absolutism by tightly controlling the aristocracy.

Bishop Jacques Bossuet

A French theologian who defended the divine right of kings, claiming monarchs ruled as God’s chosen representatives. His writings gave religious and ideological legitimacy to absolutist monarchy.

I am the state

A phrase attributed to Louis XIV, reflecting the belief that sovereignty resided entirely in the monarch. It symbolizes the essence of absolutism in 17th-century France.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Finance minister under Louis XIV who implemented mercantilist reforms, promoting industry, trade, and colonies. His policies strengthened France’s economy to fund the monarchy’s wars and grandeur, though long-term debt persisted.

Marquis of Louvois

War minister under Louis XIV who reorganized the army into a massive, professional standing force. His reforms allowed France to dominate European warfare but also contributed to financial exhaustion.

War of the Spanish Succession

A major European conflict triggered by fears that a Bourbon monarch would unite Spain and France. The war checked Louis XIV’s expansionism and established balance-of-power diplomacy in Europe.

Treaties of Utrecht

Peace agreements ending the War of the Spanish Succession, which prevented the unification of Spain and France under one crown. They secured Britain’s rise as a naval and colonial power while reducing French dominance.

Cardinal Fleury

Chief minister for Louis XV who maintained stability and modest prosperity. His failure to address deeper problems reflected the decline of French absolutism and left unresolved issues for future crises.

Hohenzollerns

the ruling dynasty of Brandenburg-Prussia, who built their state through military strength and centralized bureaucracy. Their leadership transformed Prussia into a rising European power under absolutist principles.

Frederick William, the Great Elector

A ruler of Brandenburg-Prussia who strengthened his state after the Thirty Years’ War by creating a standing army and efficient bureaucracy. His absolutist policies laid the foundation for Prussia’s militaristic state.

Junkers

The landowning nobility of Prussia who retained control over serfs in exchange for supporting the monarchy. Their alliance with the Hohenzollerns sustained absolutism and military dominance.

Maria Theresa (r. 1740–1780)

A Habsburg ruler who secured her throne through the Pragmatic Sanction and defended it in the War of the Austrian Succession. She strengthened central authority and reformed taxation, reinforcing absolutism in Austria.

Pragmatic Sanction (1713)

An edict issued by Emperor Charles VI ensuring his daughter Maria Theresa could inherit Habsburg lands. It was a key moment in dynastic politics and demonstrated the fragility of succession in absolutist states.

Muscovy

The medieval principality centered on Moscow that expanded under rulers like Ivan III and Ivan IV. Its consolidation of territory and authority laid the foundation for Russian autocracy.

Ivan IV (“The Terrible”) (r. 1547–1584)

The first Russian ruler to assume the title of tsar, who expanded Muscovy and brutally suppressed the nobility. His reign marked the beginning of strong centralized autocracy in Russia.

Boyars

Russia’s hereditary noble class, who held significant power before the rise of the tsars. Their authority was reduced under rulers like Ivan IV and Peter the Great, strengthening autocracy.

Romanovs

The Russian dynasty that began in 1613 and lasted until 1917. They restored stability after the Time of Troubles and expanded Russia into a vast autocratic empire.

Duma

An advisory assembly of nobles to the tsar in Russia. It had little real influence under absolutist rulers, serving mainly as a symbolic institution.

Peter the Great (r. 1682–1725)

A Russian tsar who modernized his state by adopting Western military, administrative, and cultural practices. His reforms and conquests made Russia a major European power under absolute monarchy.

“Window to the West”

A term describing Russia’s new Baltic port, St. Petersburg, established by Peter the Great. It symbolized his efforts to westernize Russia and integrate it into European politics.

St. Petersburg

A city founded by Peter the Great as Russia’s capital, built to showcase modernization and provide access to the Baltic. It became a symbol of his absolutist ambitions and Western reforms.

Battle of Poltava (1709)

A decisive Russian victory over Sweden in the Great Northern War. It marked Russia’s emergence as a European great power under Peter the Great.

James I (r. 1603–1625)

The first Stuart king of England, who clashed with Parliament over finances and advocated divine right monarchy. His absolutist tendencies created growing conflict that would escalate under his son.

Charles I (r. 1625–1649)

An English king who attempted to rule without Parliament, raising money through forced loans and Ship Money. His actions led to the English Civil War, his defeat, and eventual execution.

Ship Money

A tax traditionally collected from coastal towns but extended by Charles I to the entire country without Parliament’s consent. Its imposition symbolized royal overreach and fueled opposition.

Petition of Right (1628)

A parliamentary document limiting taxation and imprisonment without due process. Charles I’s disregard for it deepened mistrust between the crown and Parliament.

Triennial Act (1641)

A law requiring Parliament to meet at least once every three years. It represented a significant check on royal power during the constitutional crisis with Charles I.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

A legal protection preventing imprisonment without trial. It strengthened individual rights and limited arbitrary power by the monarchy.

Long Parliament (1640–1660)

An English Parliament that resisted dissolution by Charles I and enacted major constitutional reforms. It became central to the political struggle that led to the English Civil War.

New Model Army

A disciplined, professional army created by Parliament and led by Oliver Cromwell. Its victories ensured the defeat of royalist forces and the execution of Charles I.

Pride’s Purge (1648)

The forcible removal of moderate members of Parliament by Colonel Pride. This action left a radical assembly, leading directly to the trial and execution of Charles I.

“Rump” Parliament

The radical remnant of Parliament after Pride’s Purge. It executed Charles I and governed during the early Interregnum, symbolizing parliamentary supremacy over monarchy.

Act of Settlement (1701)

A law ensuring Protestant succession to the English throne, barring Catholics from inheriting. It strengthened parliamentary control over monarchy and succession.

Interregnum (1649–1660)

The period after Charles I’s execution when England was ruled as a republic under Oliver Cromwell. It highlighted the temporary triumph of parliamentary authority over the crown.

Test Act (1673)

Legislation requiring public officials to deny Catholic doctrines, effectively excluding Catholics from office. It underscored Parliament’s role in defining religious and political boundaries of the state.

Whigs

A political faction in England that favored parliamentary supremacy, constitutional monarchy, and Protestant succession. They played a leading role in opposing absolutism and supporting the Glorious Revolution.

Tories

A political faction that supported the monarchy, the Anglican Church, and traditional authority. They often resisted parliamentary restrictions and represented royalist interests.

James II (r. 1685–1688)

A Catholic monarch who attempted to expand royal authority and religious tolerance. His actions alienated Parliament and led to his overthrow in the Glorious Revolution.

English Bill of Rights (1689)

A foundational document that limited monarchy, confirmed parliamentary supremacy, and established key civil liberties. It created the framework for England’s constitutional monarchy.

Robert Walpole

Britain’s first de facto Prime Minister, who strengthened cabinet government under George I and II. His leadership demonstrated the shift of political power from monarchy to Parliament in the 18th century.