Age of Absolutism Quiz Study Guide

Key Rulers & Empires

• Charles V – Ruler of the Habsburg Empire (big European kingdom). Had too much land, so he split it up and retired.

• Philip II of Spain – Super religious king who fought Protestants. Sent the Spanish Armada(big navy) to attack England but failed.

• Spanish Golden Age – Time when Spain was rich and had great art/writers (like Cervantes).

France’s Wars & Power

• Huguenots – French Protestants, hated by Catholic leaders.

• St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre – Thousands of Huguenots were killed in Paris.

• Edict of Nantes – Law letting Huguenots worship (later canceled by Louis XIV).

• Cardinal Richelieu – Advisor who made the king stronger by crushing nobles & Protestants.

• Louis XIV – "Sun King" who ruled 72 years, built Versailles (fancy palace), and said "I am the state!"

Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648)

• Defenestration of Prague – Angry Protestants threw Catholic officials out a window (they survived).

• Results of War – Germany destroyed, France became powerful, and peace treaties weakened the Habsburgs.

Russia’s Absolute Rulers

• Peter the Great – Made Russia modern (beards = illegal, built St. Petersburg).

• Catherine the Great – Expanded Russia, loved culture, but kept serfs (peasants) like slaves.

England’s Struggles

• James I – First Stuart king, argued with Parliament over money/power.

• Charles I – Tried to rule alone, caused English Civil War (Parliament won).

• Oliver Cromwell – Puritan leader who killed Charles I, ruled as a dictator.

• Glorious Revolution – Bloodless overthrow of James II; William & Mary took power under Parliament’s rules.

• Tories & Whigs – Early political parties (Tories = pro-king, Whigs = pro-Parliament).