Absolutism largely failed in Spain.
Spain was initially the most populous empire in the world at the beginning of the seventeenth century.
Philip IV’s reign approached absolute monarchy but was unable to curtail the power of Spanish nobles.
Expensive wars led to revolts, leaving Spain decentralized and weak.
Continued decline as a great power.
More successful in central and eastern Europe after the Thirty Years' War.
Over 300 German states existed, with Prussia and Austria emerging as great powers.
Frederick William the Great Elector laid the foundation for the Prussian state.
Built a large and efficient standing army of 40,000 men, the fourth-largest in Europe.
Established the General War Commissariat to levy taxes and oversee the army's growth.
The Commonwealth began to weaken in the early seventeenth century under Sigismund III Vasa’s rule.
Vasa’s attempts to unite Poland and Sweden led to clashes.
In 1655, Sweden and Russia invaded, referred to as the "Deluge."
The invasion caused widespread destruction, but the Commonwealth eventually expelled the invaders.
Marked the beginning of a long decline, leading to later annexation by Prussia, Austria, and Russia.
After the Deluge, Charles XI became king as a child, with a regent.
Sweden continued to gain power and territory during Charles XI's reign.
Charles XII's involvement in the Great Northern War (1700-1721) severely weakened Sweden and ended its prominence on the world stage.