Key Terms for AP EURO Unit 3: Absolutism & Constitutionalism

Absolutism

A system of government in which a monarch holds sole and uncontestable power over the state and his or her subjects. Supporters of this theory linked royal power with divine authority, presenting the monarch as God's lieutenant on Earth. It was most prevalent in the 17th century and emerged in response to decades of religious warfare, which fueled public demand for a strong ruler who could maintain order.

James I

First Stuart to be King of England and Ireland form 1603 to 1625 and king of Scotland from 1567 to 1625; he was the son of Mary Queen of Scots and he succeeded Elizabeth I; he alienated the British Parliament by claiming the divine rights of kings

Peter the Great

Romanov Ruler of Russia from 1682-1725. He brought Western Europe ideas to Russia, improved the Russian Army, achieved control of the Orthodox Church, dominated the nobility, and transformed Russia into a major world power

Frederick II

King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786. His most significant accomplishments during his reign included his military victories, his reorganization of Prussian armies, his patronage of the arts and the Enlightenment in Prussia, and his final success against great odds in the 7 Years War

Joseph II

Holy Roman Emperor from 1765 to 1790 and ruler of the Hapsburg lands from 1780 to 1790. He was a proponent of enlightened absolutism; however, his commitment to modernizing reforms subsequently engendered significant opposition, which eventually culminated in an ultimate failure to fully implement his programs

Louis XIV (Sun King)

He ruled form 1643-1715, the longest reign in French history. He constructed Versailles, believed in the divine rights of kings, engaged in many wars, and established absolutism in France. He was also known as the "Sun King"

Bill of Rights (1689)

Drawn up by Parliament and presented to King William II and Queen Mary, it listed certain rights of Parliament. It also limited the kings' powers in taxing and prohibited the maintenance of a standing army in peacetime.

Maria Theresa of Austria

Was born May 13, 1717, in Vienna, Austria and in 1740 succeeded to the Hapsburg throne. Was involved in many conflicts including against Prussia. Also initiated reforms of the Austrian military and government.

Nine Years War

(War of league of Augsburg) Result of Louis XIV trying to extend French territory into the Rhine

Treaty of Utrecht

Ended the Spanish War of Succession in 1713, recognizing France's Phillip V and King of Spain, but prohibited the unification of the French and Spanish monarchies. England gained profitable lands in North America from France

Fronde

A series of revolts in France from 1648-1653 that challenged the authority of Young King Louis XIV and his minister Mazarin

Divine Right Of Kings

The doctrine that kings derived their authority firm God, not from their subjects, from which it followed that rebellion is the worst of political crimes

Protectorate

Period during the Commonwealth when England was governed by a Lord Protector

Oliver Cromwell

English General and statesmen who led the parlimentary army in English Civil War (1599-1658)

Cardinal Richelieu

Chief minister to Henry IV's weak son, Louis XIII of France. He worked to establish absolute rule by weakening the nobles and Huguenots and employing intendants.

Glorious Revolution

Also called the Revolution of 1688, was the overthrow of King James II, of England (James VII of Scotland and James II of Ireland) by a union of English Parliamentarians with the Dutch stadholder William III of Orange-Nassau (William of Orange)

Junkers

A German nobleman or aristocrat, especially a member of the Prussian aristocracy

Cardinal Mazarin

The adviser to Louis XIV's mother Anne and a young Louis XIV. He emulated Richelieu in his method of administration and groomed Louis for the throne, although he was not liked by the French aristocracy, who revolted against Mazarin and Anne in the Fronde

Jean Baptist Colbert

An economic advisor to Louis XIV; he supported mercantilism and tried to make France economically self-sufficient. Brought prosperity to France.

Palace of Versailles

Once a simple hunting lodge, Louis XIV spent lavishly to convert it into envy of power and prestige in Europe. It was also used as a tool of control over the nobility in France

Boyars

Terms used for the Russian nobility

Dutch Golden Age

A period in the history of the Netherlands which roughly lasted from 1588, when the Dutch Republic was established, to the late 17th century. During this period, Dutch trade, scientific developments, art, and overseas colonization was among the most prominent in Europe.

Restoration

In England, took place in 1660 when King Charles II returned from exile in continental Europe. The proceeding period of the Protectorate and the civil wars came to be known as the Interregnum

James II

King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1685-1688, and the last Stuart monarch in the direct male line. He was deposed in the Glorious Revolution and replace by William III and MAry II

Dutch Realism

Refers to the style of Baroque art that blossomed int he Netherlands during after the final phase of the Eighty Years' War. Exemplified by the humanistic canvases of Rembrandt, it focused instead on everyday themes portrayed in convincing detail.

Toleration Act of 1689

A law passed by the English Parliament that granted freedom of worship to most Protestant dissenters, but not Roman Catholics or Unitarians. The act was part of a series of measures that established the Glorious Revolution in England

Test Act of 1673

This required all those wishing to hold office to swear an oath to the King and the Protestant English Church and to sign a declaration denying the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation

Intendents

Were appointed officials who served as the main link between the French Monarchy and its provinces. Their duties included tax collection, reporting back to the monarchy, supervising local courts, and monitoring the military