Absolutism and Constitutionalism - AP Euro - Unit 3!

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Louis XIII.

The monarch of France from 1601-1643. He centralized royal power by weakening the nobility and creating a more efficient bureaucracy. This set the stage for absolutism in France.

Cardinal Richelieu.

Chief minister of Louis XIII known for centralizing royal power in Europe. He also strengthened France’s position in Europe during the Thirty Years’ War through foreign policy.

James I of England.

He was a key figure in the Stuart era for his belief in the divine right of kings. This clashed with the Parliament’s growing power. 

Peter the Great of Russia.

Known of his westernization and modernization of Russia. His reign brought sweeping reforms including the military and administration.

Frederick II of Prussia. 

Enlightened absolutist. Implemented policies like religious tolerance and freedom of speech. He was also a military genius.

Joseph II of Austria. 

Enlightened absolutist ruler of the Habsburg Empire. He used radical reforms based on Enlightenment ideals.

English Bill of Rights.

A document from the Glorious Revolution that limited the power of the monarchy and established parliamentary supremacy. 

Parliamentary sovereignty. 

The principle that the British Parliament has ultimate legal authority and can create or end any law without the monarch’s approval. 

Fredrick William I of Prussia.

Known as the “soldier king” since he built a strong, militarized Prussian state. 

Dutch War.

A conflict initiated by Louis XIV of France against the Dutch Republic. This involved England as an ally of France. 

War of Spanish Succession.

A major European conflict triggered by the death of Charles II of Spain. European powers feared that the union of France and Spain threatened the balance of power.

Peace of Westphalia. 

The end of the Thirty Years’ War and established state sovereignty.

Mercantilism.

An economic policy based on obtaining a favorable balance of trade. You went more exports than imports in order to keep wealth inside of your country.

Junkers.

The members of the landed aristocracy of Prussia who held significant political and military power.

Constitutionalism. 

A political philosophy that limits government power through a constitution and protects individual rights. Also, the power rests with the people.

Republicanism.

A political ideology where a government is run by elected representatives.

Stadholder.

A chief executive and military leader of a Dutch province. 

Nobles of the Robe.

A class of hereditary nobles in France who gained their status through holding judicial or administrative positions. 

Gentry.

A social class of wealthy landowners below the nobility.

Oliver Cromwell.

Lead the parliamentary army and won leading him to become the leader of England. He was very anti-Catholic and established strict Puritanical regimes.

Charles I,

Former King of England who believed in absolutist rule before getting defeated by Cromwell.

Louis XIV.

Key absolute ruler of France who weakened the noble’s power and built the Palace of Versailles.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert. 

Responsible for the implementation of mercantilism.

Enlightened Monarchs. 

Absolutist monarchs who used Enlightenment reforms.