Chapter 21 Absolute Monarchs in Europe 1500-1800

Spain’s Empire and European Absolutism Section 1

A Powerful Spanish Empire In 1556 Phillip II becomes king of Spain, the wealthiest, most powerful nation in Europe. Phillip defends Roman Catholicism against Protestantism and Islam.

Golden Age of Spanish Art and Literature Spanish Riches help stimulate a golden age in the arts.

The Spanish Empire Weakens Inflation and an unequal tax structure unbalance the Spanish economy. Spain spends much of its money overseas, further harming the economy. The Dutch revolt and break away from Spain to form a new nation.

The Independent Dutch Prosper Religious toleration is practiced in the Dutch Republic. Dutch Art flourishes in a climate of prosperity. Dutch traders make the Netherlands a center of European trade and banking.

Absolutism in Europe Absolute monarchs try to ensure that all power stays in their hands. They believe God gives them the right to rule. Both the Centralization of state authority and crises in Europe fuel the growth of absolute rule.

The Reign of Louis XIV Section 2

Religious Wars and Power Struggles In the late 1500’s, French Protestants and Catholics fight eight civil wars. King Henry IV tries to end the conflict by guaranteeing religious tolerance. After Henry’s death, Cardinal Richelieu becomes the power behind the throne.

Writers Turn Toward Skepticism French thinkers embrace skepticism as a world view.

Louis XIV Comes to Power Cardinal Marazin rules France during Louis XIV’s childhood. Mazarin raises taxes and strengthens the central government, despite nobility-led riots. After Mazarin’s death, Louis rules independently, becoming the most powerful king in the history of France. Louis’s finance minister, Jean Baptiste Colbert, tries to make France economically self-sufficient.

The Sun King’s Grand Style Louis XIV surrounds himself with luxury. He brings nobles to his court and makes them wait on him. He builds a lavish palace at Versailles and becomes a great patron of the arts.

Louis Fights Disastrous Wars Louis XIV builds up a huge army and wages war to expand French territory and influence. Other European nations join forces to equal French power. France gains but eventually weakens from constant war.

Central European Monarchs Clash Section 3

The Thirty Years War In 1618 Protestant and Catholic states in Germany go to war. The Thirty Years’ War causes great destruction. The Peace of Westphalia ends the war in 1648, with major effects on central European states and their allies.

States form in Central Europe The formation of states in central Europe occurs more slowly than in western Europe. Central European nobles hold down serfs and block the development of strong kings. The Holy Roman Empire loses strength after the Thirty Years’ War but Austria remains a powerful force in central Europe.

Prussia and Austria Clash Under Hohenzollern rule, Prussia challenges Austrian power in central Europe. Prussian rulers Frederick William and Frederick the Great forge a military state that limits the power of the nobles. In the 1700’s, Prussia battles Austria in wars that involve other European powers and produce mixed results.

Absolute Rulers of Russia Section 4

The First Czar A series of Russian Czars, including Ivan the Terrible, tries to strengthen the Russian state and reduce the power of the boyars, or nobles. After an initial “good” period, Ivan creates a ruthless police state and persecutes all who oppose him. Russia enters the Time of Troubles after Ivan’s death, but Romanov rulers restore order.

Peter the Great Comes to Power In 1696 Peter the Great becomes sole ruler of Russia. Russia is still a land of nobles and serfs, isolated and backward. Peter visits western Europe to study it’s customs and technology.

Peter Rules Absolutely Peter decides to westernize Russia so it can compete with western Europe. He places religion under state control, limits nobles’ power, and modernizes the army. He gains territory on the Baltic Sea and builds the Warm-water seaport St. Petersburg to gain easier access to the West.

Parliament Limits the English Monarchy Section 5

Monarchs Defy Parliament English kings clash with Parliament over money and power. Charles I dissolves Parliament when it opposes him.

English Civil War Charles I recalls Parliament, but the two sides soon clash. Supporters and opponents of Charles I fight a civil war. The Puritans, led by Oliver Cromwell, win the civil war. Charles I is executed, and Cromwell rules as a dictator.

Restoration and Revolution After Cromwell’s death, disillusionment with Puritan rule leads to the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II. James II takes the throne next but is disposed for his pro-Catholic bias and contempt for Parliament. William and Mary take power in the Glorious Revolution.

Limits on Monarch’s Power William and Mary agree to govern with Parliament in a constitutional monarchy. Parliament drafts a Bill of Rights, limiting royal power. The cabinet, set up as a link between Parliament and the Monarchy, becomes the center of power.