| Absolute Monarchs in Europe, 1500-1800 |
 |
| Section 1--Spain's Empire and European Absolutism What factors contribute to the development of a powerful Spanish Empire? King Philip built a remarkable palace in the Escorial. What does that building say about the power of the his monarchy. Writers and painters flourished during this Spanish Golden Age. Miguel de Cervantes published his novel, Don Quixote. What problems weakened the Spanish Empire? The Challenge to Spain (student developed) Period 1 Period 3 Period 6 What factors/conditions made it possible for the Dutch to develop a prosperous economy? Spain had tremendous wealth, yet experienced tremendous economic difficulties. Meanwhile, the Netherlands and its people prospered. Why do you think this is the case? What conditions in Europe gave rise to absolute rule? How did these absolute monarchs exercise their power? Bishop Jacques Bousset justified divine right. A reading guide. Key Terms and Names-- Phillip II Spanish Armada absolute monarch divine right El Greco |
 |
|
|
| This page last modified on 14 October, 2003. |
| Section 2--France's Ultimate Monarch What was the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre? Wars of Religion divided France from 1562-1598. King Henry IV converted to Catholicism and issued the Edict of Nantes. What effect did these two actions have on France? What was skepticism? Read an essay by Montaigne. Have you seen the palace of Louis XIV? How did Louis rule? What role did Mazarin and Colbert play in the reign of Louis? (explore online images at City University of New York website) What effects did the years of riots have on Louis XIV? on his subjects? How did Louis XIV's treatment of his nobles reflect his belief in absolute authority? Life at Versailles Letters from the Duchess of Orleans How did the wars that Louis XIV waged against weaker countries backfire? How did the policies of Colbert and Louis XIV positively/negatively affect the French economy? Terms and Names-- Edict of Nantes Cardinal Richelieu Henry IV Louis XIII intendant Jean Baptiste Colbert skepticism War of the Spanish Succession Louis XIV Michel de Montaigne Cardinal Richelieu |
| Section 3--Central European Monarchs Clash Why did Ferdinand II attack Germany? Judging from their actions, do you think Cardinals Richelieu and Mazarin were motivated more by religion or politics? Why? How did the Peace of Westphalia, which ended the Thirty Years' War, lay the foundation of modern Europe? How did the economies of central and western Europe differ? What steps did the Prussian monarchs take to become absolute monarchs? Why would Frederick II, King of Prussia, want the resources of Silesia? Terms and Names-- Thirty Years' War Maria Theresa Frederick the Great Seven Years War Frederick II |
| Section 4--Russian Czars Increase Power What steps did Ivan III, Ivan IV (also known as "the Terrible"), and later Russian rulers do to build a strong Russian state? Look at the PBS website on Russian History. What long-term effects did the death of Ivan IV's son have on Russian leadership? Can you restate the key cultural differences separating Russian from Western Europe? Your text reports Czar Peter saying to an official, " For you know yourself that, though a thing be good and necessary, our people will not do it unless forced to." As you think about this remark, what was Peter's view of his people? Which of Czar Peter's actions in the building of St. Petersburg demonstrate his power as an absolute monarch? Identify the reforms Peter the Great made to westernize Russia. Why are each of these reforms significant? Key Terms and Names-- Ivan the Terrible boyars Peter the Great westernization |
| Section 5--Parliament Limits the English Monarchy How did the Petition of Right contradict absolute monarchy? What did Cromwell's rule have in common with an absolute monarchy? How was the overthrow of Charles II different from the overthrow of Charles I? Key Terms and Names-- Charles I English Civil War Restoration James I habeas corpus Glorious Revolution constitutional monarchy James II cabinet Charles II William (of Orange) and Mary Summarize the ideas from the English Civil War and Glorious Revolution concerning separation of powers, liberty, equality, democracy, popular sovereignty, human rights, constitutionalism, and nationalism. |