Chapter 7 Notes Absolutism in Europe

The French Wars of Religion Calvinism (Protestant) and Catholicism had become militant towards each other for converts. Huguenots (French Protestant) influenced by John Calvin. Only 7% of the population was Huguenots but 50% of the nobility, including the house of Navarre, which was next in line to be ruler of the Valois dynasty.

The French Wars of Religion - Big Problem! The Valois monarchy was strongly Catholic, that strongly opposed the Huguenots. Civil War raged for 30 years until Henry of Navarre, leader of the Huguenots, took over the French throne.

The French Wars of Religion Henry converted to Catholicism in order to make peace, and issued the Edict of Nantes in 1598. It recognized Catholicism as France’s official religion, but gave the Huguenots the right to worship and have political privileges.

Phillip II and Militant Catholicism Phillip started a period of cultural and political greatness for Spain. He insisted that his entire “domain” (Netherlands, possessions in Italy and America) be Catholic.

Phillip II and Militant Catholicism He saw Spain as a nation of God and it was his job to convert people to Catholicism, saving them from the protestant faith. When Phillip II died in 1598 Spain seemed like they had great power, but he had bankrupted the country, and power shifted to England.

The England of Elizabeth During the reign of Queen Elizabeth she laid the foundation for becoming a world power and became the leader of Protestant nations. She repealed laws favoring Catholics, and named herself the “only supreme governor” of church and state.

The England of Elizabeth She tried to keep France and Spain from becoming too powerful by supporting first one then the other, which balanced their power. Spanish Armada was sent to invade England, but was defeated and then on the way home storms sank many of the ships.

Economic and Social Crises in Europe From 1550-1650 Europe experienced economic and social crises. Inflation-rising prices because more gold from the Americas and increased demand for land and food Spain’s economy fell because pirates stole a lot of the goods coming from the Americas and lost trade. Population fell in central and southern Europe and warfare, plague, and famine all helped this.

Witchcraft Trials Believing in witchcraft had been a part of tradition village life for centuries. Because of the Inquisition, people began to focus on witchcraft.

Witchcraft Trials People think that more than 100,000 people were charged with witchcraft, usually commoners, 75% were women that were single, widowed women 50 or over. Accused witches were tortured and usually confessed to things such as swearing allegiance to the devil, casting spells, and attending ceremonies.

The Thirty Years’ War Religion, politics, and territory problems started the 30 Years War and was Europe’s most destructive war ever. Religious problems continue in Germany, because the government did not recognize Calvinism. The war started in the Holy Roman Empire and ended with every major European country being involved but England.

The Thirty Years’ War All the battles took place in Germany. Better weapons and better trained army leads to a great number of deaths.

Revolutions in England In the 1600s England had their Civil War, the English Revolution It was a fight between the King and Parliament to determine the power of each in the English government.

Revolutions in England After Queen Elizabeth died, James I took the throne. He believed in the divine right for kings (the kings receive their power from God and are responsible to only God)

Revolutions in England Religion was a big issue as well Puritans disagreed with the kings Church of England (they thought the church of England was to much like Catholicism) Problems started with Charles I (James I son)

Revolutions in England Parliament passed a law that taxes cannot be passed without being passed by Parliament, the king did not follow this law. Puritans got very upset and many left for America instead of staying and fighting the King.

Oliver Cromwell More Civil War in 1642. There were two sides- Cavaliers (supporters of the King) and Roundheads (supporters of Parliament) Parliament won because of military genius, Oliver Cromwell and his Army (the New Model Army that was made up of puritans that believed that they were doing battle for God) Cromwell kicked out anybody in Parliament that did not support him, executed Charles I, abolished the House of Lords, and declared a republic.

Oliver Cromwell Cromwell dismisses Parliament and set up a military dictatorship, and ruled until his death. After his death the Monarch was restored and Charles II took over, but Parliament kept a lot of power, and restricted the rights of Catholics and Puritans while restoring the Church of England.

The Glorious Revolution James II named Catholics to all high positions in the Government. Dutch leader William of Orange, was paid to invade England with wife, Mary. They marched into England and James II fled without a fight.

The Glorious Revolution William and Mary took the throne with a Bill of Rights, which gave parliament the rights to make laws and levy taxes, and helped to rule with freely elected Parliament. Toleration Act- gave puritans right to free public worship, not Catholics

Louis XIV Absolute monarchs could make laws, levy taxes, administer justice, control the states officials, and determine foreign policy. The best example of this was King Louis XIV of France.

Louis XIV He was only 4 when he came to power in 1643, a royal minister held power until he came of age. At the age of 23 Louis XIV took complete control, he started a myth about himself, calling himself the Sun King (a source of light for his people) Established a royal court in Versailles to control the central policy making government for three reasons The kings house Location for all chief offices A place where the powerful could come to find favors and offices

Louis XIV Louis’ government were to obey his every wish Had an anti-Huguenot policy, pushing everyone to become Catholic He controlled a standing army of 400,000 and waged 4 wars, causing several countries to form alliances against him When he died France was in debt and was the most hated country in Europe.