1. Crisis and absolutism in Europe

2. Religious Crisis Spain England France
Insisted on strict conformity to Catholicism
All conquered lands had to conform and some resisted
Saw themselves as the “savior of Catholicism”
England
Leader of Protestant nations of Europe
Church and state were one
Battle with Spanish Armada, but England prevailed
France
Protestants were persecuted
French Civil Wars
Between Catholics and Huguenots (protestants)
Edict of Nantes Issued-Recognized Catholicism as official religion, but Huguenots were free to worship

3. Economic & Social Crisis
Economic slowdown
Social
Population Decline: War, Famine, Plague
Witchcraft Hysteria

4. Thirty Years War Between many different countries throughout Europe
Primarily a religious war
Causes
Religion
Political motives
Territorial motives
Effects
All major European powers except England were involved
End of Holy Roman Empire

5. Revolutions in England
Struggle between the King and Parliament
Arguing over what role each should play in governing England
The Stuart Dynasty arose and members believed in the divine right of kings-their power to rule came from God
Many distrusted this absolute right
Civil war erupted between supporters of the king and Parliament
Supporters of the Parliament won

6. Response to Crisis: Absolutism
Absolutism is a system in which a ruler holds total power
Tied to the divine right of kings
Reign of Louis XIV is the best example of this in the 17th century
Known as the Sun King because he was a source of light for all of his people
Centralized government at Versailles
Increased France’s financial power in Europe
Developed a strong standing army to protect France and increase territory

7. New Political Ideas Thomas Hobbes John Locke Early social contract
To keep from destroying one another, people form a state
John Locke
Natural rights
Rights that people are born with