The Age of Absolutism Chapter 17
Spain First European Empire Made powerful by Ferdinand and Isabella United by the Catholic Church
Charles V of Spain Grandson of Ferdinand & Isabella Heir to the Hapsburg Empire (Holy Roman Empire) Had absolute power from 1516-1556 Gave up his power over the Hapsburg region to his brother and Spain to his son
Phillip II of Spain Son of Charles V Ruled for 42 years (1556-1598) Reigned with absolute power over Spain Devout Catholic Persecuted many non-Catholics Led the Inquisition against Protestants
Spanish Power Spanish monarchs waged war against all Protestants 1588 - Spanish attempts to invade England and the armada (fleet of ships) was defeated by the English Power was lost after Phillip II from a poor economy and poor leaders
France Torn between the Catholics and the Huguenots (French Protestants) Aug. 24, 1572 - St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre: 3,000 Protestants were killed by a Catholic revolt 1589: Henry IV establishes an absolute monarchy in France 1598: King Henry IV issues the Edict of Nantes (religious toleration for Huguenots)
Louis XIII & Richelieu 1610 – 9 yr old Louis XIII becomes absolute ruler of France 1624 – Louis appoints Cardinal Richelieu to be chief minister Richelieu helps Louis solidify power
Louis XIV 1643 – King at age 5 The country is ruled by his mother (a Hapsburg) and other leaders 1661 – takes absolute control believed to be his divine right
Louis XIV Expels all Huguenots Built an elaborate palace at Versailles Created a society that replaced the Renaissance
Louis XIV Tried to unite Spain and France when his grandson (Philip V) became King of Spain After war with England, France signed the Treaty Utrecht promising not to unite Spain & France Reigned for 72 year The throne went to his great-grandson Louis XV
England Not an absolute monarchy English monarchs worked with Parliament The Tudor dynasty consulted and controlled Parliament until Elizabeth died with no heir Tudor monarchs: Henry VIII & Elizabeth I Stuart dynasty clashed with Parliament
Stuarts James I attempted to gain absolute power He clashed with Parliament, military leaders, and religious leaders like the Puritans Charles I (James’ son) ruled the same way 1628 – The English economy failed and Charles asked Parliament for help They forced him to sign the Petition of Right Gives the power to tax to Parliament
Civil War Caused by Parliaments revolt against the King & the King’s attempt to arrest members of Parliament Battle between King’s supporters (Cavaliers) & Parliament supporters (Roundheads) Charles I was captured and executed
The Commonwealth 1653 – Oliver Cromwell named Lord Protector of England (absolute power) Puritanism rakes over Parliament Established strict social laws Encouraged education 1658 – Cromwell dies and Puritans loose power 1660 – Charles II takes absolute control of the throne and ends the Commonwealth
The new monarchy 1685 – Charles dies and his brother James II becomes king 1688 – James II is removed because of his ties to Catholicism 1688 – James’ daughter Mary and husband William become rulers (known as the Glorious Revolution because there is no bloodshed) 1689 – William & Mary sign the Bill of Rights
English Bill of Rights Grants absolute control to the Parliament Bans any Roman Catholic from being monarch Abolishes any unjust taxes or punishments Gives establishes a limited monarchy
German states Controlled by the Holy Roman Empire Split by religion Protestants of the North & Catholics in the South Disputes over the monarchy and religion caused the Thirty Years War
Thirty Years War 1618 – Ferdinand of Bohemia suppresses the Protestants Rebels throw two nobles out a window in protest causing a revolt 1619 – Many Catholics countries send aid to Ferdinand & Protestant countries send aid to the rebels
Thirty Years War War caused many towns and countries to collapse 1648 – A series of treaties was reached called the Peace at Westphalia It ended the Holy Roman Empire power
Austria Hapsburgs controlled the Austrian Empire that included: Bohemia, Hungary, Poland, & Italy 1700s – Controlled by Hapsburg empress Maria Theresa Strengthened the power and wealth of Austria Had 11 children that would become powerful European leaders
Prussia A powerful Protestant state controlled by the Hohenzollerns Ex: Frederick I created a strong military Frederick II tried to control Austria but failed 1750 – The major powers of Europe began to form alliances to maintain a balance of power in Europe
Russia Not affected by the Renaissance or the Reformation 1600s – Chaos and disorder reigned 1689 – Peter Mikhailov becomes Czar Peter of Russia at the age of 10
Peter the Great Established an absolute monarchy Strengthened the military Expanded the borders Established the Russian Orthodox Church Improved education Improved the economy Established Russia as one of the greatest powers in Europe
Catherine the Great German princess married to Czar Peter III Became absolute ruler after Peter III was killed Accomplishments: Reorganized the government Brought western ideas to Russia Expanded Russia borders