Absolutist Approaches to Power - AP European History
- Identify the principle justification for absolute monarchy.
- Divine right of kings. Claims monarchs derive authority directly from God.
- What was the main goal of Cardinal Richelieu's policy?
- Strengthening royal authority and centralization of power. Reduced feudal privileges to build unified royal control.
- Identify the Prussian monarch known for his militaristic and efficient rule.
- Frederick William I, the 'Soldier King'. Built powerful army and disciplined bureaucratic state.
- What was the significance of the General War Commissariat?
- Instrument for Prussian military and bureaucratic centralization. Administrative body that unified military and civil authority.
- What was the role of the Palace of Versailles in Louis XIV's reign?
- Symbol of royal power and control over nobility. Centralized court life to monitor and control aristocrats.
- What was the main cause of the War of Spanish Succession?
- Dispute over the Spanish throne after Charles II's death. Childless Charles II's death created succession crisis.
- What was the significance of Catherine the Great's Charter of the Nobility?
- Granted privileges and autonomy to the Russian nobility. Secured noble loyalty by confirming their privileges.
- What was the main outcome of the English Civil War?
- Establishment of a Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. Temporarily replaced monarchy with republican government.
- How did the Treaty of Westphalia affect the Holy Roman Empire?
- It weakened the emperor's authority and decentralized the empire. Fragmented imperial power among independent German princes.
- Identify the Russian ruler who expanded the empire significantly in the 18th century.
- Catherine the Great. Extended Russian borders and promoted Western culture.
- Identify the economic policy that supported absolutist regimes.
- Mercantilism. State-controlled economy maximizing exports and royal revenue.
- What was the Table of Ranks introduced by Peter the Great?
- A system to control the nobility and create a merit-based bureaucracy. Ranked officials by service rather than birth privilege.
- Who was the ruler of Austria during its enlightened absolutism period?
- Joseph II. Combined absolute power with Enlightenment reform ideals.
- Which document established a constitutional monarchy in England in 1689?
- The English Bill of Rights. Limited royal power and guaranteed individual rights.
- What was the main religious effect of the Treaty of Westphalia?
- Recognition of Calvinism alongside Catholicism and Lutheranism. Established religious pluralism in German territories.
- What was the significance of the Fronde (1648-1653) in France?
- A series of civil wars that weakened the nobility's power. Demonstrated monarchy's triumph over aristocratic resistance.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Lepanto in 1571?
- Marked a major defeat for the Ottoman navy. Ended Ottoman naval dominance in Mediterranean.
- Identify the primary architect of Prussian absolutism.
- Frederick William, the Great Elector. United Brandenburg-Prussia under centralized authority.
- Which French king is the best-known example of an absolute monarch?
- Louis XIV. Ruled France for 72 years, epitomizing absolute monarchy.
- Which treaty ended the War of Spanish Succession?
- Treaty of Utrecht. Prevented French-Spanish union threatening European balance.
- Which treaty ended the Thirty Years' War in 1648?
- Treaty of Westphalia. Established principle of state sovereignty in Europe.
- What was the pragmatic sanction related to Maria Theresa?
- Allowed her to inherit the Habsburg dominions. Ensured female succession to Habsburg throne.
- Who was the prominent minister under Louis XV known for his influence?
- Cardinal Fleury. Stabilized France after Louis XIV's costly wars.
- What was the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685?
- Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, ending religious tolerance for Huguenots. Forced religious uniformity by persecuting Protestants.
- What key reform did Frederick William I implement in Prussia?
- Military and bureaucratic efficiency and expansion. Created Europe's most disciplined army and administration.
- Which British monarch faced the English Civil War and was executed?
- Charles I. Absolute rule led to parliamentary rebellion and regicide.
- Which Russian monarch is known for westernizing Russia in the 18th century?
- Peter the Great. Modernized Russia through European technology and customs.
- Identify the Spanish monarch during the height of Spain's global power.
- Philip II. Controlled vast empire spanning Europe and Americas.
- What was the Glorious Revolution of 1688?
- Non-violent overthrow of James II, leading to constitutional monarchy. Replaced absolute monarchy with parliamentary supremacy.
- Which French minister is known for financial reforms under Louis XIV?
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert. Implemented mercantilist policies to strengthen French economy.
- Which minister played a key role in consolidating power under Louis XIII?
- Cardinal Richelieu. Chief minister who weakened nobility and strengthened monarchy.
- What was the Edict of Potsdam?
- Frederick William's edict inviting Huguenots to Prussia. Welcomed skilled Protestant refugees to boost economy.
- What is the definition of absolutism in the context of European history?
- A political system in which a ruler holds total power. Concentrates all governmental authority in one ruler without checks.
- What was the purpose of the St. Petersburg establishment by Peter the Great?
- To serve as a new, western-style capital and symbol of modernization. Demonstrated Russia's commitment to European integration.
- Which war solidified Prussia's status as a European power?
- The War of Austrian Succession. Frederick II's victories established Prussian great power status.
- What was the purpose of the Spanish Armada in 1588?
- To invade England and restore Catholicism. Failed attempt to impose Catholic rule on Protestant England.
- What was the Edict on Idle Institutions?
- Joseph II's edict reducing monasteries and convents. Reduced Church power to strengthen state authority.
- Identify the impact of the Treaty of Utrecht (1713).
- Ended the War of Spanish Succession; shifted European power balance. Prevented French hegemony and maintained balance of power.