Unit 3

Chapter 3:Absolutism and Constitutionalism

Key Terms

  • Concordat of Bologna: Agreement between Pope Leo X and Francis I of France that permitted the French king to appoint bishops and abbots, thereby increasing royal control over French church appointments.

  • Edict of Nantes: Issued in 1598 by Henry IV of France, granting religious tolerance to Huguenots and marking a significant step toward religious coexistence in France.

  • Divine right theory of rule: The idea that monarchs have a God-given right to rule and that rebellion against them is a sin.

  • Commercial Revolution/price revolution: Economic changes in Europe that increased trade and commerce, leading to inflation.

  • The Glorious Revolution: Bloodless revolution in 1688 that resulted in William of Orange taking the English throne, establishing parliamentary sovereignty and limiting monarchy.

  • Crop rotation: Agricultural practice of alternating crops in fields to maintain soil fertility and increase productivity.

Key People

  • Peter the Great: Tsar of Russia known for his extensive reforms in an attempt to establish Russia as a great nation, including westernization efforts, military and administrative restructuring.

  • Frederick William I of Prussia: Known for establishing a strong central government and military in Prussia, reinforcing absolute monarchy.

  • Francis I: French king who battled Habsburg power and consolidated absolutism through financial reforms and control over the church.

  • Catherine de' Medici: Queen consort of Henry II, significant political figure during the Wars of Religion in France; attempted to maintain peace through political maneuvering.

  • Henry IV: First Bourbon king, known for his pragmatic approach to governance and the Edict of Nantes.

  • Cardinal Richelieu: Chief minister to Louis XIII, instrumental in strengthening royal power and centralizing the government.

  • Louis XIV: Monarch known as the Sun King, epitome of absolutism, expanding France and centralizing power.

  • Jean-Baptiste Colbert: Finance minister to Louis XIV, known for his economic policies that bolstered trade and industry in France.

  • John Locke: Philosopher who influenced the development of constitutional government and the idea of government by consent.

  • James I: King of England who believed in the divine right of kings, faced conflict with Parliament over governance.

  • Charles I: Engaged in conflicts with Parliament that led to civil war; executed for treason.

  • Oliver Cromwell: Leader of the Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War, later became Lord Protector of England.

Overview

  • By the start of the 16th century, the centralization of governments in Europe gave rise to powerful nation-states.

  • Spain, inspired by Portuguese exploration, became a dominant colonial power.

  • The influx of wealth from overseas colonies shifted the European balance of power from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.

  • The Commercial Revolution was characterized by burgeoning inflation due to the exploitation of precious metals in the New World, impacting economies across Europe and contributing to Spain's decline.

  • Feudalism gradually weakened, primarily due to wars like the Hundred Years' War, which led to a stronger monarchy in France, encouraging commerce and a taxpaying middle class.

  • Cardinal Richelieu's term marked the beginning of a strong centralized French government that contrasted with England's constitutional monarchy.

The Development of Absolutism in France

  • Francis I (1515-1547): Fought to consolidate power against the Habsburgs; instituted the taille, a direct tax, and the Concordat of Bologna.

  • Henry II (1547-1559): Expanded upon Francis's policies; faced the rise of Protestantism, leading to civil strife.

  • Catherine de' Medici: Struggled to maintain peace through the Edict of Toleration amid growing civil tensions.

  • Henry IV (1589-1610): A politique who prioritized practical governance over religious affiliation; issued the Edict of Nantes to secure peace and stability.

  • Cardinal Richelieu (1624-1642): Strengthened the French state by decreasing noble power, enhancing military strength, and creating the intendants.

The Reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715)

  • Ascended to the throne at the age of four; became an absolute monarch following the Fronde revolts.

  • Known for the phrase "L'état, c'est moi" (I am the state), epitomizing absolute monarchy.

  • Jean-Baptiste Colbert implemented mercantilist policies to expand French wealth.

  • His reign involved numerous military engagements which aimed to enhance French territory and influence, but led to financial strains:
      - War of Devolution (1667-68): Attempt to claim Spanish Netherlands.
      - Dutch War (1672-78): Attempted to claim border lands; ended inconclusively.
      - War of the League of Augsburg (1688-97): Aimed against the Grand Alliance; resulted in financial and military overextension.
      - War of Spanish Succession (1702-13): Fought to prevent unification of the French and Spanish crowns, ending with the Treaty of Utrecht, maintaining a balance of power.

The Development of Constitutionalism in England

  • Henry VII (1485-1509) established a centralized government and financial systems contributing to a strong monarchy.

  • Henry VIII (1509-1547): His reign saw the English Reformation and the establishment of the Anglican Church, shaping the future power dynamics.

  • Edward VI (1547-1553) and Mary I (1553-1558): Continued religious battles; Mary's reign involved brutal suppression of Protestant dissent leading to her unpopularity.

  • Elizabeth I (1558-1603): Balance between monarchy and Parliament; strengthened English culture and national pride during the Golden Age, famously executed Mary Stuart and defeated the Spanish Armada.

  • The Stuart Monarchy: James I believed in divine right, leading to tensions with Parliament; Charles I’s reign (1625-1649) resulted in the English Civil War due to his confrontational policies.
      - English Civil War (1642-1651) divided loyalties; the Roundheads supported Parliament while Cavaliers supported the monarchy.
      - Cromwell’s New Model Army defeated the king, leading to Charles's execution and the establishment of the Commonwealth (1649).

The Glorious Revolution (1688)

  • Triggered by James II’s unpopular reign and attempts to revive Catholicism; William of Orange was invited to take the throne under conditions that included the acceptance of a Bill of Rights.

  • Established parliamentary power and constitutional monarchy, significantly limiting royal authority in England.

The Dutch Revolt and the Golden Age of the Netherlands

  • Philip II of Spain’s oppressive rule in the Netherlands sparked the Dutch Revolt; successful establishment of independence led to the creation of the United Provinces of the Netherlands.

  • The Dutch Golden Age saw advancements in art, culture, and trade, focusing on merchants and a burgeoning middle class.

Social and Economic Context

  • Enclosure movement led to significant agricultural changes and shifts to a market economy, primarily benefiting the burgeoning bourgeoisie.

  • Art and culture flourished during this era, with the Dutch focusing on realism and ordinary life, diverging from the grand religious themes prevalent in other parts of Europe.

Female Monarchs and Influence

  • Women like Elizabeth I and Catherine de' Medici proved capable rulers, influencing policy despite societal restrictions on their gender.

  • The Pragmatic Sanction of 1713 in Austria allowed female succession, highlighting gradual changes in perceptions regarding women in power.

Conclusion

  • The era of absolutism and constitutional development reshaped European governance structures, establishing templates for modern nation-states and concepts of sovereignty, governance, and individual rights.

Monarchs Chart

  • A visual guide to key rulers of significant nations during the Age of Absolutism can enhance one's retention of the interconnected web of historical influence and policy. This section serves as a quick reference for timelines and pivotal figures that shaped European history during this transformative period.