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253 Terms
1
Absolutism
A political system where a single ruler holds absolute power, often justified by the divine right of kings.
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Constitutional monarchy
A form of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government.
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3
Balance of Power
A diplomatic principle asserting that national security is enhanced when military capabilities are distributed so that no one nation is strong enough to dominate all others.
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4
Peace of Westphalia (1648)
A series of treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe and established a new balance of power.
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5
Social contract theory
The idea that the authority of the state over individuals is based on an implicit contract wherein individuals relinquish some freedoms in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.
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6
Absolute monarchy
A system of government in which the monarch has unlimited power and is not bound by a constitution.
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The Enlightenment
An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority.
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8
Divine right of kings
The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God and are not accountable to their subjects.
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9
Parliamentary sovereignty
The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority and can create or end any law.
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10
Glorious Revolution (1688)
The peaceful overthrow of King James II of England by William of Orange, resulting in a constitutional monarchy.
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11
The Thirty Years' War
A destructive conflict (1618-1648) primarily in Central Europe; it resulted in significant political and religious changes.
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12
Bill of Rights (1689)
An act that Parliament passed that limited the powers of the monarchy and outlined the rights of the English citizens.
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13
Habsburg Empire
A major European royal family that ruled over Austria, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire.
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14
Mercantilism
An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing the economy, particularly by creating a favorable balance of trade.
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15
Oligarchy
A form of power structure in which power rests with a small number of people.
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16
Fronde
A series of civil wars in France between 1648-1653 that challenged the authority of the monarchy.
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17
Dutch Republic
A state in Europe during the 17th century that emerged from the Eighty Years' War against Spain, known for its commercial power.
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18
Catherine the Great
Empress of Russia who ruled from 1762 to 1796 and implemented a series of political and cultural reforms.
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19
Agricultural Revolution
A period of significant agricultural development that saw changes such as crop rotation and selective breeding.
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20
Commercial Revolution
A period of European economic expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism between the 11th and 18th centuries.
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21
The Enlightenment
An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.
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22
Treaty of Utrecht (1713)
A series of treaties that ended the War of the Spanish Succession and established a new balance of power in Europe.
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23
Czech Identity
The national and cultural identity of the Czech people, particularly during the rule of the Habsburgs.
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24
Prussia
A historical state that became a major European power in the 18th century, known for its militarism and centralized government.
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25
Louis XIV of France
King known for his absolute rule and for declaring 'L'état, c'est moi' (I am the state).
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Frederick II (Frederick the Great)
King of Prussia who expanded the territories and modernized the army during his reign.
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27
Civil War
A war between citizens of the same country.
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Jean-Baptiste Colbert
French finance minister who promoted mercantilist policies under Louis XIV.
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29
Oliver Cromwell
Military and political leader who led the Parliamentarians in the English Civil War and later became Lord Protector.
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30
Dissolution of Parliament
The act by which a monarch ends a session of Parliament, effectively dismissing it.
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31
Plantation Economy
An economy based on agricultural mass production, typically of a few staple products grown on large farms called plantations.
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32
Middle Passage
The sea journey undertaken by slave ships from West Africa to the West Indies.
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33
Triangle Trade
A historical trade system between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, involving the exchange of goods and enslaved persons.
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34
Columbian Exchange
The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World after 1492.
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35
War of the Spanish Succession
A war in which a European coalition fought to prevent the Union of the French and Spanish crowns under Louis XIV.
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36
Agricultural Innovations
Technological advances in farming that increased productivity and efficiency.
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37
Intendants
Royal officials in France appointed by the king to govern the provinces and implement policies.
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38
Trade Embargo
An official ban on trade with a particular country or a group of countries.
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39
Taxation without representation
The principle espoused by American colonists that they should not be taxed by a government without having a representative in that government.
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40
Dutch East India Company (VOC)
A powerful trading company established in the 17th century that played a major role in Dutch colonial ventures.
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41
The Battle of Lepanto (1571)
A naval confrontation between the Holy League and the Ottoman Empire resulting in a decisive victory for the Holy League.
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42
Economic Aristocracy
A social class formed by individuals who made their wealth through commerce and trade rather than land ownership.
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43
Liberalism
A political philosophy advocating for individual rights, including civil liberties and political freedom.
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Divine Right Theory
The belief that monarchs are subject to no earthly authority and derive their right to rule directly from the will of God.
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45
Military Revolution
A transformation in military strategy and tactics, which enhanced the power and influence of centralized states.
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46
Enlightened Despot
A form of government in which an absolute ruler uses his or her power for the good of the people.
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47
War of Austrian Succession
A series of wars that arose from the dispute over the inheritance of the Austrian throne.
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48
Realpolitik
A system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations.
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Mercantile Capitalism
An economic system that emerged in the late Middle Ages based on trade and commerce.
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50
Counter-Reformation
The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, aiming to reform and retain its followers.
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51
The Act of Union (1707)
An act that unified the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland into one kingdom called Great Britain.
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52
Venetian Republic
An independent state and important commercial hub for much of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
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53
Religious Tolerance
The acceptance of different religious beliefs and practices.
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54
Plague Effect
The impact of the Black Death on European society, including labor shortages and economic changes.
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55
Land Reform
The process of changing land ownership laws and practices, often associated with attempts to improve equity.
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Public Sphere
A realm of social life in which public opinion can be formed and expressed.
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57
Outcomes of Wars of Religion
The lasting effects of religious conflicts in Europe, including shifts in power and territorial changes.
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Intellectual Revolution
A shift in thinking and knowledge that paved the way for modern science and philosophy.
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Legacy of Habsburg Rule
The historical influence and impact of the Habsburg family on European politics and borders.
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60
Cossacks
Fierce, independent warriors and horsemen of the Russian steppe known for their military prowess and resistance.
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Serfdom
A form of labor where peasants are bound to the land and serve a landowner under feudal obligations.
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Secularism
The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions.
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Geopolitical Stability
A state of prolonged peace and security among nations, often maintained through diplomacy and strategic alliances.
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64
Cultural Flourishing
Periods of significant artistic, literary, and intellectual growth in society.
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Cossack Uprisings
Rebellions by the Cossacks against Russian state authority throughout early modern history.
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Galileo Galilei
An Italian astronomer and physicist noted for his contributions to modern science.
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Jean-Jacques Rousseau
A philosopher who influenced the Enlightenment and modern political thought with ideas about social contracts.
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68
Freemasonry
A fraternal organization that originated in the late 16th century, emphasizing moral and ethical conduct.
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69
Bourgeois Revolution
A term for revolutions in which the bourgeoisie (middle class) plays a leading role in overthrowing the old aristocracy.
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Counter-Reformation
The period of Catholic revival initiated in response to the Protestant Reformation, aiming to reform the Church.
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Industrial Revolution
The period marked by the transition to new manufacturing processes in Europe and the US from about 1760.
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Catherine de Medici
The influential wife of Henry II of France; her policies often led to strife during the French Wars of Religion.
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The Age of Exploration
A period of European exploration from the 15th to the 17th centuries that led to the discovery of the Americas and new trade routes.
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The Treaty of Paris (1763)
The agreement that ended the French and Indian War and ceded significant territories to Britain.
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Mercantilist Policies
Government policies aimed at regulating the economy to foster state power and wealth through trade.
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Arab Spring
A series of protests and uprisings that occurred in the Arab world beginning in 2010.
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Colonialism
The policy or practice of acquiring political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it.
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78
Economic Self-Sufficiency
The ability of a country or region to provide for its own economic needs without external assistance.
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The Dutch Revolt
The revolt of the Seventeen Provinces against Spanish rule, leading to the establishment of the Dutch Republic.
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The Jacobite Risings
Attempts by Charles Edward Stuart and his followers to regain the British throne for his father after the death of Queen Anne.
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81
Peace of Augsburg (1555)
An agreement that permitted rulers in the Holy Roman Empire to choose either Lutheranism or Catholicism as their realm's religion.
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82
Bourbons
A European royal family that ruled France, Spain, and other countries, known for their absolute monarchy.
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83
Political Legitimacy
The right and acceptance of an authority, usually a governing law or regime.
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84
Opium Wars
Two wars fought in the mid-19th century involving China and Western powers over trade imbalances.
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85
The Seven Years' War
A global conflict that lasted from 1756 to 1763, affecting Europe, North America, and India.
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86
The American Revolution
The insurrection of the thirteen American colonies against British rule from 1775 to 1783.
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The French Revolution
A period of radical social and political change in France from 1789 to 1799 that had a lasting impact on French history.
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88
Isaac Newton
An English mathematician and physicist who made foundational contributions to physics, mathematics, and astronomy.
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Papal Authority
The spiritual authority claimed by the Pope over the Catholic Church and world affairs.
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Rebellion
An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler.
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91
Religious Persecution
Hostility or ill-treatment due to religious beliefs.
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Cultural Nationalism
The assertion of a group's identity through shared culture and history.
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Political Centralization
The concentration of administrative power in a central authority.
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Rationalism
A belief that reason is the primary source of knowledge.
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Sovereign Nation-State
A political entity characterized by a defined territory, permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter relations with other states.
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French and Indian War
The North American theater of the worldwide Seven Years' War fought between 1754 and 1763.
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Naval Warfare
Warfare conducted on or over the sea.
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98
Urbanization
The increasing population and the development of cities.
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99
The Irish Potato Famine
The period of mass starvation and disease in Ireland between 1845 and 1852.
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100
Social Reforms
Changes aimed at improving society in areas such as health, education, and justice.
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