Chapter 1: European Absolutism and Monarchies

Flashcards covering key definitions, concepts, and figures of European history, including absolutism, the Holy Roman Empire, Henry the eighth, Charles v, Lewis, x I v, Peter one, and Frederick two.

What is absolutism in European history?

A political system where a monarch holds supreme, centralized power unrestricted by constitutional checks or legislative bodies.

What's the opposite of absolutism?

Constitutionalism or limited monarchy, where a monarch's powers are limited by a constitution or governing parliament.

How is the Holy Roman Empire defined?

A regional complex of territories in Central Europe ruled by an elected emperor.

What is a duty?

A payment, tax, or legal obligation levied on goods or conduct.

What's a kingdom?

A realm or state ruled directly by a king or queen.

What's a principality?

A territory or state ruled by a prince or princess.

When did the HRE start?

The Holy Roman Empire (HRE) traditionally began in 800 AD with Charlemagne or 962 AD with Otto I.

Describe the electoral system of the HRE.

The emperor was chosen through a system of Prince-Electors (Kurfürsten) composed of major secular rulers and archbishops.

Describe Henry the eighth.

King of England known for initiating the English Reformation, breaking from the Pope, and having six wives.

What happened to his wives?

Their fates were: divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.

What happened to the Catholic church in England?

It was separated from papal control through the Acts of Supremacy, creating the Church of England under the English monarch.

Describe Charles v.

Holy Roman Emperor and ruler of the Spanish Empire who governed massive possessions across Europe and the Americas.

Describe Lewis, x I v.

King of France (Louis XIV), known as the Sun King, who epitomized royal absolutism and built Versailles.

Describe Peter one.

Tsar Peter the Great of Russia, who modernized and Westernized the country and built Saint Petersburg.

Describe Frederick two.

King Frederick the Great of Prussia, known for his military strategy, expansion of Prussia, and Enlightened rule.