Copy of Age of Absolutism

Age of Absolutism

• Definition of Absolutism: Acceptance of absolute principles in political, philosophical, ethical, or theological matters.

1. Spain's Catholicism

• King Phillip II of Spain: Sought total control of the Netherlands, advocating for Catholicism.

• Battles for Control: Required subjects to be Catholic.

2. Dutch Independence

• United Provinces of the Netherlands (Dutch): Emerged as an independent entity.

• Dutch East India Company (D.E.I.C): A government-controlled trade company that dominated the spice trade in Asia and the Indian Ocean.

3. Protestantism in England

• Queen Elizabeth I: A Protestant who revered Catholic laws and acted as the supreme governor of church and state.

• Policies: Aimed to balance power between Spain and France, becoming one of the most successful rulers of England.

4. Defeat of the Spanish Armada

• Phillip II’s Armada: Launched to defeat Protestant Elizabeth of England.

• Outcome: Spain’s defeat marked a significant decline in their power in Europe.

5. French Wars of Religion

• Civil Wars: Conflict between Calvinists and Catholics in France.

6. Absolutism in Europe

• Definition: A form of government where a monarch holds total power.

• Characteristics: Controls every aspect of society; monarchs claim authority via divine right.

• Historical Context:

  • Followed the decline of feudalism.

  • Middle class sought stability and a weakening church yielded less power.

7. The Reign of Louis XIV

• Cardinal Richelieu: Minister to Louis XIII; limited Huguenots and nobles’ power, which increased the king’s power.

• Louis XIV's Philosophy: Claimed “I am the state” and centralized power at the Grand Palace of Versailles.

• Economic Policies: Promoted exports and raised tariffs.

• Wars and Consequences: Expanded territory through 4 wars, leading to regret over overspending and eventual debt. Heavy taxes imposed on the poor.

8. Rise of Austria & Prussia

• Peace of Augsburg (1555): Allowed German princes to choose between Lutheranism and Catholicism.

• The Thirty Years War (1618-1648): A conflict between Catholic and Protestant states within the Holy Roman Empire that ended with the Peace of Westphalia (1648), leaving Germany devastated.

• Key Figures:

  • Frederick William: The Great Elector who strengthened Prussia.

  • Frederick I: The first King of Prussia.

  • Maria Theresa: Ruler of Habsburg Austria noted for her diverse empire.

• Outcomes: Britain emerged as a naval power, and Prussia gained prominence.

Day 2 of Absolutism Notes

Absolute Czars of Russia

• Ivan IV (The Terrible): First Czar who expanded territory but instigated violence during his “Bad Period,” including the murder of his son.

• Peter the Great: Romanov Czar who modernized Russia through significant reforms, including:

  • European military tactics and education initiatives.

  • Established St. Petersburg as the capital for 200 years to connect with Western Europe.

Parliament Limits the English Monarchy

• Monarchical Conflicts: Stuarts believed in divine right, often clashing with Parliament.

• King James I: Sought funds for wars and lavish lifestyles, raising taxes and angering Puritans.

• King Charles I: Attempted to dissolve Parliament and raise funds through fines, causing unrest.

English Civil War (1642-1649)

• Participants: King Charles I versus the North, Scots, and Parliament.

• Leadership: General Oliver Cromwell led Parliament to victory.

• Aftermath: Charles was executed, leading to the establishment of a Republic without absolute ruler.

Post-Civil War Developments

• Cromwell's Rule: Operated like a dictator.

• Restoration of Charles II: Allowed for religious tolerance and implemented the Habeas Corpus Act.

• James II’s Reign: A Catholic king overthrown in the bloodless Glorious Revolution, bringing William and Mary to power.

• Constitutional Monarchy: A system in which the king shares power with Parliament, limited by the English Bill of Rights, which outlined restrictions such as inability to suspend laws or levy taxes without Parliament's consent.