Absolutism Review

What is Absolutism?

A political system where a monarch holds absolute power over the state, without legal or institutional constraints.

What does the term Divine Right refer to?

The doctrine that monarchs derive their authority to rule directly from God.

Who was Philip II?

King of Spain from 1556 to 1598, known for his Catholicism and the failure of the Spanish Armada. Ruled spain, new world, and half of the Netherlands in a split with Ferdinand.

What is the King's Fifth?

A tax imposed by the Spanish crown on treasures from the New World, requiring one-fifth of profits to be sent to the king.

What was the Battle of Lepanto?

A naval battle fought in 1571 where Spanish forces defeated the Muslims with the use of the Crescent formation

What was the purpose of the Spanish Inquisition?

To root out heresy, particularly targeting Jews, Muslims, and Protestants. Most of these people made up the middle class. Famous for three choices, convert, get out, or die. It aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in Spain and consolidate power by enforcing religious conformity.

Who were the Sea Dogs?

English privateers authorized by Queen Elizabeth I to raid Spanish ships and colonies.

Who was El Greco?

A Greek-born Spanish painter known for his dramatic and expressive use of color, as well as his style of elongating certain features.

What is Velasquez famous for?

His portraits of the Spanish court, especially the masterpiece 'Las Meninas'.

Who was Miguel de Cervantes?

A Spanish writer best known for 'Don Quixote', regarded as the first modern European novel.

What was the Spanish Armada? and why did it fail?

A large fleet sent by Philip II in 1588 to invade England, which was ultimately defeated. The Spanish Armada was comprised of 130 ships, intended to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and restore Catholicism, but it failed due to poor planning, fierce English resistance, and unfavorable weather conditions.

What was the Thirty Years War?

A destructive conflict (1618-1648) in Europe primarily between Catholics and Protestants.

What did the Treaty of Westphalia accomplish?

It ended the Thirty Years War and recognized the sovereignty of individual states.

What occurred after Henry II's death?

Power struggles within the French monarchy among his sons and their advisors.

Who was Catherine de Medici?

Queen of France as Charles IX’s regnet and a significant political figure during the Wars of Religion. She flipped from the sides of the Guise and the Burbons to maintain power and influence, often using marriage alliances and manipulation.

What was the Valois family known for during the period of Absolutism? Who were the main rulers, and why did their rule end?

The French royal family that ruled from 1328 until 1589. Focus on Henry II’s three sons Francis who died of natural causes, Charles IX, who was mentored by the Duke of Colligny, And Henry III, who faced religious conflicts and civil wars. Their rule is ended with the war of Three Henrys.

What was the significance of the Guise family?

A powerful Catholic family in France, influential during the French Wars of Religion.

What did the Bourbon family represent?

A prominent European royal family originating from France, significant in European history. Made up of hugonauts (French Calvins).

What happened during the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre?

A violent massacre of Huguenots orchestrated by the French royal family in 1572. Staged as a wedding between Catherine Medicis daughter and Henry of Navarre

What was the War of Three Henrys? What happened during it and how was it concluded?

A conflict involving Henry III, Henry of Navarre, and Henry Duke of Guise during the French Wars of Religion. It eventually concluded when Henry III assassinated Henry Duke of Guise to weaken the Catholics, but then he was in turn assassinated by a Catholic fanatic leaving Henry of Navarre to take the throne.

Who was Henry IV?

The first Bourbon king of France who converted to Catholicism to gain the throne. Famously says ‘Paris is worth a mass’ cementing him as a politique. Also passes the Edict of Nantes setting the foundation for the French monarchy.

What was the Edict of Nantes?

A decree granting religious tolerance to Huguenots in France.

Who were the Huguenots?

French Protestants who followed the teachings of John Calvin and were persecuted.

Who was Louis XIII?

King of France who reigned from 1610 to 1643 and had limited power due to Cardinal Richelieu - his regnet.

What was Cardinal Richelieu's role? What did he fix during his rule (3 problems)?

Chief minister to Louis XIII who worked to consolidate royal power and undermined the nobility. Had three problems; the Hugonauts which he defeated in war but still allowed them to worship. The Hapsburgs; which he joined the 30-year war to beat, and the Nobles; whose rights such as duels and having castle walls were taken away and who were watched over by his intendants.

What was the Hapsburg family known for?

A powerful European royal family that ruled over vast territories including Spain and Austria.

Who was Mazarin and what did he teach Lous XIV.

Regnet to Louis XIV who continued to centralize power in the French monarchy. Teaches Louis that he can’t be too harsh, he hates Paris, and that people like a strong king.

Who was Louis XIV? What were his main actions?

The 'Sun King' and the longest-reigning monarch in European history. Allowed the middle class to have government roles. Created a 400,000-man military that was famously a professional military (is a carrier). Revoked the Edict of Nantes - a mistake because it took away the middle class. Famously distracts the nobles at Versailles - also uses intendants.

What is Versailles?

A massive palace built by Louis XIV to centralize power and control the nobility.

What were Intendants?

Royal officials appointed by Louis XIV to govern provinces and enforce the king's policies.

Who was Jean-Baptiste Colbert?

Finance minister to Louis XIV who implemented mercantilist policies to boost the economy.

What characterized the reign of Elizabeth I?

The defeat of the Spanish Armada and the flourishing of the arts during the Elizabethan Era.

What led to the English Civil War?

Conflicts between Charles I and Parliament over taxes and royal power. Aswell as the book of common prayer being imposed on the Scottish prespretarians.

What is the Petition of Rights?

A constitutional document limiting the power of Charles I, signed in 1628.

What was the English Civil War?

A conflict between the forces of Charles I and Parliament from 1642-1651.

What was Parliament's role during the English Civil War?

It was the legislative body that limited the power of the monarch.

Who was Oliver Cromwell?

Leader of the Parliamentary forces who became Lord Protector of England after the Civil War, ran a military dictatorship until his death in 1658.

What were the Puritans?

English Protestants seeking to purify the Church of England of Catholic practices. Led by Cromwell.

Who was James II?

King of England whose reign ended with his deposition during the Glorious Revolution.

What was the significance of William and Mary and where were they from?

They took the throne in 1689 marking the end of divine right monarchy in England. Ruled the Netherlands before this.

What was the Glorious Revolution?

The 1688 overthrow of James II which established a constitutional monarchy, led by William and Mary, no bloodshed.

What did the English Bill of Rights accomplish?

It guaranteed individual rights and marked the transition to constitutional monarchy.

Why was Spain considered a powerful nation during the 16th century?

Spain was considered powerful due to its vast empire in the Americas, strong military (especially its navy), and wealth from colonies, particularly during Philip II's reign.

Why was Spain’s economy poor despite its wealth from colonies?

Spain’s economy was poor due to excessive military spending, inflation from gold and silver influx, inefficient tax collection, and neglect of domestic industries.

Why did the Spanish Armada fail in 1588?

The Armada failed due to poor planning, adverse weather conditions, and the superior tactics and ships of the English navy.

How did the Treaty of Westphalia change Europe?

The Treaty gave princes independence, ended religious wars, reshaped borders, granting more power to France and weakening the Hapsburgs. Calvinism is ok, 10,000,000 people die.

Why did Catherine de Medici instigate the St. Bartholomew Day’s Massacre?

Catherine feared the growing influence of Huguenots and aimed to eliminate this threat after her daughter's marriage to a Protestant.

How did Henry IV win the War of Three Henry’s?

Henry IV converted to Catholicism to gain support, secured military victories, and formed political alliances, including with the Bourbon family.

What was the Edict of Nantes and why did Henry IV pass it?

The Edict of Nantes granted religious freedom to Huguenots to end the French Wars of Religion and bring peace to France.

Why was Cardinal Richelieu running France?

Richelieu exercised much power as chief advisor due to Louis XIII's weakness and indecisiveness, centralizing authority and addressing threats.

Who were Cardinal Richelieu’s biggest threats to the French monarchy and how did he address them?

Richelieu viewed the nobles and Huguenots as threats; he reduced noble power through Intendants and defeated Huguenots militarily.

How did Jean-Baptiste Colbert help Louis XIV with the economy?

Colbert implemented mercantilist policies, improved taxation, supported French industries, and aimed for economic self-sufficiency.

How did the Palace of Versailles help Louis XIV control the nobility?

Versailles required nobles to live there, fostering dependency on Louis's favor and limiting their power in local regions.

What were the main problems faced by the Stuart Kings and how did they lose absolute power?

The Stuarts faced conflicts over taxes and royal prerogative; they lost power after the English Civil War culminating in Charles I’s execution.

Why did Charles I agree to the Petition of Rights?

Charles I agreed to the petition to secure funds from Parliament and avoid conflict, agreeing to limit his powers over taxes and imprisonment.

How did Charles I end up at war with Scotland?

Charles imposed an English prayer book on Scotland, which led to widespread resistance and triggered the Bishops' Wars.

Why was Charles I executed?

Charles I was executed after being convicted of treason for attempting to rule without Parliament, leading to the English Civil War.

Why did the English not like James II?

James II was disliked for his Catholicism, attempts to increase royal power, and his disregard for Parliament.

Why was the Glorious Revolution considered “glorious”?

It was termed 'glorious' for being a bloodless overthrow of James II by William and Mary, establishing a constitutional monarchy.

What is the English Bill of Rights (1689)?

The Bill guaranteed individual rights, limited royal power, and emphasized the authority of Parliament while prohibiting cruel punishments.

What was the first phase of the Thirty Years' War?

The Bohemian Phase (1618–1625), began with the Defenestration of Prague and ended with Catholic forces solidifying control over Bohemia.

What was the second phase of the Thirty Years' War?

The Danish Phase (1625–1629), during which Denmark intervened but was defeated, leading to Habsburg expansion and the Edict of Restitution.

What was the fourth phase of the Thirty Years' War?

The Franco-Swedish Phase (1635–1648), where France directly intervened against the Habsburgs, leading to political struggles culminating in the Treaty of Westphalia.

What was the Defenestration of Prague and its significance?

On May 23, 1618, Protestant nobles in Bohemia threw two Catholic officials out of a window in Prague Castle as a reaction to Ferdinand II's oppressive policies and attempts to limit Protestant freedoms. This act marked the beginning of the Thirty Years' War, symbolizing rebellion against the Catholic Habsburgs and escalating tensions between Catholic and Protestant states in Europe. Notably, the officials survived the fall, igniting further conflict.

What was the significance of the third phase in the Thirty Years' War?

The Swedish Phase (1630–1635) was crucial in the Thirty Years' War, marked by significant Protestant victories under the leadership of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. He introduced innovative military tactics, strengthening the Protestant forces' effectiveness and leading his army from the front lines.

What Was Haebus Corpus?

“Show me the body” protected unlawful imprisonment.

What was the secret treaty of dover?

A treaty between Charles II and France that got charles 200000 pounds of gold if he agreed to never join any of Frances wars, aswell as if he converted to Catholicism.