AP Euro Unit VII: Western Europe after the Peace of Utrecht 1713-1740

1. Why may it be said that “parallel” developments were taking place in France and Britain in the years after the peace of Utrecht?

• in both countries

  • for a short period of time the king was ineffective

  • propertied interests gained advantages 

  • wanted commercial and colonial expansion 

  • governed by statesman meant to keep peace abroad and to win over people at home 

  • went through financial experimentation 

2. Describe political developments in France under the regency of the Duke of Orleans.

• Committees of noblemen

• parlements reasserted their power

• sold judicial positions and noble titles

• more parlementary freedoms (ability to approve legislation and taxes and decide whether something is constitutional or not)

What role did the French nobility play in the 18th century?

• They gained back most of their powers that they’d lost earlier

• Heavily influenced France’s course of action after the death of Louis XIV

3. Discuss major political changes in Great Britain in the first half of the 18th century.

• Throne passed to George I (German)

Of what significance was the accession of George I and the ministry of Robert Walpole?

Discuss the movements to “undo” the settlement of 1688, and their results.

• Tories and Jacobites wanted James II to English throne

• meant effort of Glorious revolution undone

4. Compare the history and the consequences of the “Mississippi bubble” episode in France and the “South Sea bubble” episode in England.

• Disastrous financial consequences 

• England managed to get out of it

• France national debt went up