Crisis and absolutism in Europe 1550-1715

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

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

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

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

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

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