Unit 3: Absolutism and Constitutionalism

Dynastic Sovereignty

The power of monarchs or ruling families during the early modern period, where they had absolute power and were considered above the law.

Territorial Sovereignty

The power of the state over its territory, where the state's legitimacy was derived from its ability to protect its citizens and exercise power through a centralized bureaucracy.

Popular Sovereignty

The power of the people, where the government's legitimacy was derived from the consent of the governed and the people had the right to participate in the government.

English Civil War

A series of armed conflicts and political machinations that took place between 1642 and 1651 in England.

Royalists

Supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War.

The Scottish Highlands

Location in Scotland characterized by mountainous terrain, rugged landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. It is home to the Scottish Gaelic language and has a long history of clan warfare. The area is also known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting.

Catalonia

A region located in northeastern Spain, known for its unique culture, history, and language. It has its own parliament, police force, and education system. Catalonia is home to the city of Barcelona, which is the region's capital and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The region has a long-standing desire for independence, which has led to political tensions with the Spanish government.

Absolutism

A political system in which a monarch holds absolute power and authority over the government and the people, with no checks or balances on their actions.

English Civil War

A conflict fought between 1642 and 1651 in England, Scotland, and Ireland. The war was between the Royalists (supporters of King Charles I) and the Parliamentarians (supporters of the English Parliament). The war resulted in the execution of King Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell.

King James I

* Scottish monarch who ruled England from 1603 to 1625
* Commissioned the King James Bible, a new translation of the Bible into English
* Known for his belief in the divine right of kings and his efforts to centralize power
* Encouraged colonization of North America, leading to the founding of Jamestown in Virginia

King Charles I

* King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649


* His reign was marked by conflicts with Parliament, which led to the English Civil War
* He was eventually captured, tried for treason, and executed in 1649

Oliver Cromwell

* English Commonwealth leader (1649-1658)
* Puritan commander in Civil War
* Executed King Charles I
* Created Puritan republic in England
* Known for strict morals and religious zeal

Glorious Revolution

A bloodless coup in 1688 in which King James II of England was overthrown and replaced by his daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange, leading to a constitutional monarchy and the Bill of Rights.

William of Orange

Dutch prince who led the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule in the late 16th century. He fought for Protestantism and religious tolerance. He then became King of England in 1689 after the Glorious Revolution.

Known as the "Father of the Fatherland" in the Netherlands

Bill of Rights of 1689

This document established limits on the power of the monarchy, protected the right to petition, and guaranteed fair trials and freedom from excessive bail and fines.

Agricultural Revolution

A period of human history when societies shifted from hunting and gathering to farming and domesticating animals. This led to the development of settled communities, surplus food production, and the rise of civilization.

Commercial Revolution

The period of European economic expansion in the 16th and 17th centuries characterized by the growth of trade, banking, and capitalism.

Mercantilism

Economic system of European colonial powers in 16th-18th century. Focus on exporting more than importing to accumulate wealth and power. Encouraged colonies to produce raw materials and prohibited manufacturing. Led to conflicts and exploitation of colonies.

Consumer Culture

The consumption-driven society where people's identities and status are defined by their buying habits and material possessions is known as ________.

Slave Trade

The forced transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas between the 16th and 19th centuries for labor purposes.

War of Devolution (1667-1668)

Louis XIV's attempt to claim Spanish Netherlands through his wife's inheritance.

Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678)

France vs. Dutch Republic and allies, ended with Treaty of Nijmegen.

War of the Reunions (1683-1684)

France vs. Holy Roman Empire, ended with Truce of Ratisbon.

Nine Years' War (1688-1697)

France vs. Grand Alliance (England, Dutch Republic, Holy Roman Empire, Spain, Savoy), ended with Treaty of Ryswick.

War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714)

France vs. Grand Alliance (England, Dutch Republic, Holy Roman Empire, Portugal, Savoy, Spain), ended with Treaty of Utrecht.

Gustavus Adolphus

Swedish king known for military prowess during the Thirty Years' War. Implemented reforms in Sweden, including education and infrastructure. Killed in battle in 1632.

The Habsburgs

Royal dynasty that ruled over much of Europe from the 15th to the 20th century. They originated in Austria and expanded their empire through strategic marriages and conquests. They were known for their political and military power, as well as their patronage of the arts.

Absolutism

A political system in which a monarch holds complete power and authority over the state and its people, without any limitations from a constitution, parliament, or other governing body. This system was prevalent in Europe during the 16th-18th centuries, with notable examples including Louis XIV of France and Peter the Great of Russia.

Divine Rights

A political and religious doctrine that asserts a monarch's legitimacy to rule is conferred directly by God, and therefore cannot be questioned or challenged by earthly authority.

French Absolutism

refers to the period of French history from the 16th century to the French Revolution in 1789, during which the French monarchy had absolute control over the country's political, social, and economic affairs.

Henry IV (1589-1610)

King of France from 1589 to 1610, he was the first monarch of the Bourbon dynasty. He converted to Catholicism to end the Wars of Religion and issued the Edict of Nantes, granting religious toleration to Protestants. He also focused on rebuilding France's economy and infrastructure.

Louis XIII (1610-1643)

French King who ruled from 1610 to 1643. He succeeded his father, Henry IV, at the age of 9. His reign was marked by the Thirty Years' War and the rise of Cardinal Richelieu, who became his chief minister. Louis XIII was known for his military campaigns and his efforts to centralize power in France. He was succeeded by his son, Louis XIV.

Louis XIV (1643-1715)

King of France from 1643 to 1715, known as the Sun King. He centralized power and established absolute monarchy, building the Palace of Versailles and expanding French territory.

Russian Absolutism

refers to the period of autocratic rule by the Tsars of Russia from the late 16th century until the early 20th century. It was characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of the Tsar, who had complete control over the government, the military, and the church.

Constitutionalism

A political philosophy that advocates for a government bound by a constitution that outlines the powers and limitations of its branches.

Serfdom

System of labor in which peasants are bound to work the land of a lord in exchange for protection and a share of the crops.

Battle of Edgehill (1642)

The first major battle of the war, fought to gain control of London.

Battle of Marston Moor (1644)

A decisive victory for the Parliamentarians, which secured their control of northern England.

Battle of Naseby (1645)

The most significant battle of the war, which resulted in the defeat of the Royalist army and the capture of King Charles I.