AP European History Unit 3 Anchor

Thirty Years' War

A religious and political conflict (1618–1648) that ravaged Europe, primarily the Holy Roman Empire, involving most major European powers. Initially a struggle between Catholic and Protestant states, it escalated into a broader power struggle, ending with the Peace of Westphalia, which redefined territorial boundaries and sovereignty in Europe

Absolutism

A political theory and form of government where a monarch holds total and centralized control, justified by the belief that the ruler's authority comes directly from God. Notable absolutist rulers include Louis XIV of France

Divine Right to Rule

The doctrine that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, and therefore are not accountable to earthly authorities, such as parliaments or the people, making rebellion a sin against divine order

English Civil War

A series of armed conflicts (1642–1651) between Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and Royalists (Cavaliers) over political power, religion, and governance in England. The war ended with the trial and execution of King Charles I, the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, and the temporary abolition of the monarchy

Table of Ranks

Introduced by Peter the Great of Russia in 1722, this formal list categorized military, civil, and court positions in the Russian Empire. It was designed to create a more meritocratic structure, reducing the power of hereditary nobility by promoting based on merit and service.

Constitutionalism

A political philosophy advocating for a system of government based on a constitution that limits the powers of government leaders, ensuring that citizens' rights are protected. It often contrasts with absolutism, emphasizing rule of law, shared power, and governance based on written laws.

3 W’s of Peter the Great

Westernization: Peter introduced Western European customs, technologies, and practices to modernize Russia.

2. Warm-water ports: Peter sought access to warm-water ports to enhance Russia’s trade and naval capabilities.

3. Window to the West: Refers to St. Petersburg, the new capital Peter built as a symbol of Russia's openness to Western ideas and access to Europe

Glorious Revolution

The peaceful overthrow of King James II of England in 1688 by William of Orange and his wife Mary, invited by Parliament to take the throne. It established the constitutional monarchy in England, greatly limiting the power of the monarch

English Bill of Rights

Passed in 1689 following the Glorious Revolution, this document outlined specific rights of Parliament and individuals, limiting the powers of the monarchy, and laying the foundation for a constitutional monarchy. It guaranteed freedom of speech in Parliament, free elections, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment.

Edict of Nantes

Issued in 1598 by Henry IV of France, it granted religious tolerance to Huguenots (French Protestants) in a predominantly Catholic country. The edict allowed them certain freedoms, such as the right to worship and hold public office.

Edict of Fontainebleau

Issued by Louis XIV in 1685, it revoked the Edict of Nantes, leading to the persecution of Huguenots, including the destruction of Protestant churches and schools, and mass emigration of Protestants from France.

Letter of Majesty (1609)

Issued by Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, this document granted religious freedom to Protestants in the Kingdom of Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic), allowing them to build churches and hold services. It was later rescinded, leading to tensions that contributed to the Thirty Years' War.

Defenestration of Prague

The event in 1618 in which two Catholic officials were thrown out of a window in Prague by Protestant nobles, sparking the Thirty Years' War. This act was seen as a protest against the emperor’s attempts to curtail Protestant rights in Bohemia.

Peace of Westphalia

A series of treaties in 1648 that ended the Thirty Years' War and the Eighty Years' War between Spain and the Dutch Republic. It marked the beginning of the modern state system by establishing the principle of sovereignty and recognizing the rights of states to determine their own religious practices.

Gustavus Adolphus

King of Sweden (1611–1632) known as the "Lion of the North." He is considered one of the greatest military leaders in history for his role in the Thirty Years' War. His innovations in warfare, such as the use of mobile artillery, greatly influenced modern military tactics. Gustavus was a devout Lutheran and intervened in the war to support Protestant states against Catholic Habsburg forces. He was killed in the Battle of Lützen in 1632, a significant moment in the war.

Cardinal Richelieu

Chief minister to King Louis XIII of France (1624–1642), Richelieu is best known for centralizing the power of the monarchy and weakening the influence of the nobility and the Huguenots (French Protestants). He played a crucial role in strengthening the French state by reducing the power of local nobility, asserting royal control over France, and guiding France’s involvement in the Thirty Years' War against the Habsburgs, despite being Catholic. His political philosophy laid the groundwork for French absolutism.

Louis XIV

Known as the "Sun King," Louis XIV (1638–1715) ruled France from 1643 to 1715, the longest reign of any major European monarch. He is the epitome of absolutism, consolidating power in the monarchy, famously declaring "L'état, c'est moi" ("I am the state"). Louis XIV built the Palace of Versailles as a symbol of royal power and control over the French nobility. His reign was marked by ambitious wars to expand French influence, as well as extensive patronage of the arts. His policies left France in debt and set the stage for future unrest

Peter the Great

Tsar of Russia from 1682 to 1725, Peter I is credited with transforming Russia into a major European power. He sought to Westernize Russia by modernizing its military, government, and culture, bringing in European advisors and ideas. He expanded Russian territory, most notably securing access to the Baltic Sea by defeating Sweden in the Great Northern War. Peter founded St. Petersburg, which became a symbol of Russia's new orientation toward Europe. His reforms centralized authority in the tsar and reduced the power of the Russian nobility

Thomas Hobbes

An English philosopher best known for his work "Leviathan" (1651), in which he argued that humans are naturally selfish and prone to conflict. To avoid chaos, Hobbes believed people must enter into a social contract with an absolute ruler who has the power to ensure peace and security. His view of absolute government was rooted in the belief that a strong, centralized authority was necessary to prevent civil disorder, a theory shaped by his experiences during the English Civil War.

John Locke

An English philosopher (1632–1704) who is considered one of the founders of liberal political philosophy. Locke argued that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments are formed by the consent of the governed to protect these rights. His ideas on constitutionalism and the social contract were influential in the development of democratic thought, particularly in the American and French revolutions. His work "Two Treatises of Government" was a rebuttal to absolute monarchy and a defense of the rights of individuals

Emperor Ferdinand II

Holy Roman Emperor from 1619 to 1637 and a key figure in the Thirty Years' War. A staunch Catholic, Ferdinand sought to consolidate Catholic control in the Holy Roman Empire, leading to conflicts with Protestant states. His policies, including the revocation of Protestant religious freedoms granted in the Letter of Majesty, fueled tensions that led to the war. Ferdinand's reign was marked by significant religious and political conflict, and his support for Catholicism shaped the religious landscape of Central Europe.

Charles I

King of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1625–1649), whose reign was marked by conflicts with Parliament over his attempts to rule as an absolute monarch. Charles I’s refusal to compromise with Parliament on issues of taxation, religious reforms, and royal prerogative led to the outbreak of the English Civil War (1642–1651). He was captured, tried, and executed for treason in 1649, marking the first time a reigning monarch was publicly tried and executed by his own people. His death led to the temporary establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.