Age of Absolutism

quiz study guide

Age of Absolutism

A period characterized by absolute monarchy where a ruler holds complete authority over the government and the lives of the people.

Habsburg Empire

A powerful European monarchy led by the Habsburg family, ruling much of Central Europe and controlling the Holy Roman Empire.

Charles V

King of the Habsburg Empire who fought to suppress Protestantism and later abdicated in favor of his son, Philip II.

Philip II of Spain

The strongest absolute monarch of Spain who sought to protect and advance Spanish Catholic power.

Spanish Armada

A fleet prepared by Philip II to invade England, which ultimately failed.

Spanish Golden Age

A period of great cultural growth in Spain, marked by achievements in literature, art, and theatre.

El Greco

The most famous painter of the Spanish Golden Age.

Miguel de Cervantes

writer who wrote Don Quixote —> tales of Chivalry and Knights 

Huguenots

A religious group of French Protestants.

St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre

An event where Catholics killed over 3,000 Huguenots, symbolizing a breakdown of order in France.

Edict of Nantes

Issued by Henry IV, granting Huguenots religious tolerance and other freedoms.

Cardinal Richelieu

Chief minister appointed by Louis XIII who worked to strengthen the central government in France.

Louis XIV

Regarded as the best example of an absolute monarch, known as the "Sun King", who spread French culture throughout Europe.

Versailles

The royal court located at the Palace of Versailles, serving as the personal household of the king and the central location of government.

Thirty Years War

A conflict that began in Bohemia

Causes: the holy roman catholic church was more of a patchwork of several small separate states where the emperor had little power and religion fought with eachother (Protestant vs Catholics) 

Defenestration of Prague

The act of Protestant nobles tossing two priests out of a window, igniting the Thirty Years War.

Peace of Westphalia

The treaty that ended the Thirty Years War, leading to territorial changes and independence for various princes.

Maria Theresa

The first female ruler of the Habsburg Empire who strengthened the government and required nobles to pay taxes. Wasn’t taken seriously in the beginning.

Peter the Great

The Russian ruler known for westernizing Russia and expanding its borders. He disguised himself to explore new Europe monarchs.

Peter the Greats Legacy

Expanded Russia’s borders westward of the Pacific  

Set up trading ports in what is now Alaska and explored the Bering Strait 

With his rule, Russia became the largest nation in the world

Catherine the Great

Empress of Russia , was born German, who embraced western culture and sponsored education.

James I

The first Stuart king of England who asserted the divine right of kings and faced conflicts with Parliament.

Charles I

Son of James I, whose absolute rule led to the English Civil War.

English Civil War

A conflict between supporters of Charles I and Parliament, resulting in Charles's execution.

Oliver Cromwell

England was a commonwealth, under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell

Cromwell took the title of Lord Protector of England-Essentially ruling as a dictator

Scotland and Ireland opposed him, he took measure to exile the catholics from England

Period of Restoration

Cromwell dies + Puritans lose a grip on England

People were tired of military rule

Parliament invited Charles' son back from exile, Charles II

Glorious Revolution

Charles II dies and James II takes the throne and parliament hated because of him being catholic so they invite Willam of orange and his wife to take England making it a bloodless revolution.

William and Mary

William and Mary raised an army and Invade England (England aloud them too)

Parliament offered the throne to William + Mary along with the provisions of the Bill of Rights.

Tories

A political party that sought to preserve order and traditions in the monarchy.

Whigs

A political party that supported the Glorious Revolution and parliamentary power over the crown.