Unit 3 Ap European History

Age of Discovery

Period during which Europeans explored and colonized parts of the world, beginning in the 15th century.

Fall of Constantinople (1453)

Event marking the end of the Byzantine Empire, leading to Ottoman control and the blocking of land routes to Asia.

Prince Henry the Navigator

Portuguese prince who supported exploration and advancements in naval technology without being an explorer himself.

Vasco da Gama

Portuguese explorer who was the first to sail directly from Portugal to India, establishing a sea route.

Columbian Exchange

The transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the New World and the Old World after Columbus' voyages.

Absolutism

A political system where a monarch holds complete power and authority over the state.

Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)

Treaty dividing the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal.

Triangular Trade

Trade system that connected Europe, Africa, and the Americas, involving the exchange of slaves, sugar, and goods.

Louis XIV

French king known as the 'Sun King' who epitomized absolutism and ruled for 72 years.

The Glorious Revolution (1688)

Event that resulted in the overthrow of James II, leading to a constitutional monarchy in England.

Commercial Revolution

Period characterized by the expansion of trade and commerce in Europe, leading to the growth of capitalism.

The Spanish Armada (1588)

A failed invasion of England by Spain, marking a turning point in naval power and determining Britain's dominance.

Peter the Great

Tsar of Russia who implemented extensive reforms to modernize Russia and expand its territory.

Boyars

Russian noble families who held significant power, especially during Ivan the Terrible's reign.

Dutch East India Company (VOC)

The world's first multinational corporation, pivotal in the Dutch Golden Age for dominating global trade.

Absolutism in France

Characterized by the strong central authority under monarchs like Louis XIV, emphasizing divine right.

Mercantilism

An economic theory promoting government regulation of a nation's economy for augmenting state power.

slavery

The system where individuals are owned by others, significantly impacting societies in Europe and the Americas during the Age of Discovery.

Population explosion

Rapid increase in population due to improved agricultural products, such as potatoes and corn, during the Columbian Exchange.

Divine Right theory

Political and religious doctrine asserting that a monarch's authority comes directly from God.

Phillip II

“The Most Catholic King”

• Leader of the Spanish Habsburgs

• Took over Portugal in 1580 → controls all Iberia

• Why Spain collapsed under Phillip II

1. Bad Decisions

2. Costly Wars

3. Inbred Marriages

Major losses:

1. Lost the War of Three Henrys (France)

2. Defeated/humiliated by Queen Elizabeth I (England)

3. Lost an 80-year war to the Dutch (Holland becomes independent)

4. Also struggled with the Ottomans

Henry IV

• Ended French Wars of Religion

• Issued Edict of Nantes (1598):

  • Religious toleration for Huguenots

• “Paris is worth a Mass” (converted to Catholicism to unite France)

• United and strengthened France

• Helped the poor by lowering taxes

• Used Duke of Sully to fix taxes

• Assassinated in 1610

 politique

a leader who puts national unity above religion

Louis XIII

“The Boy King” / “The Hunting Lodge King”

• Became king at 9; mother Marie de Medici ruled as regent

• Weak, uninterested in ruling

• Real power held by Cardinal Richelieu

Cardinal Richelieu (1624–1642)

De facto ruler of France

He strengthened the monarchy by:

1. Crushing noble power

   • Executed troublesome nobles

   • Seized noble lands

   • Created a government loyal ONLY to the king

2. Crushing Huguenots

   • Destroyed Huguenot political power at La Rochelle (1627)

3. Exiling Marie de Medici

   • Ended Medici influence in France

Richelieu’s legacy

• Set the stage for French absolutism

• Made France strong enough for Louis XIV to dominate