Chapter 14 Absolutism

Absolute Rule & its problems Covering the following European nations: –France –Spain –Netherlands –England –German (Hapsburg) States

French Wars of Religion Catholics and French Protestant CalvinistsThe French Wars of Religion were a series of eight conflicts in France fought between Catholics and French Protestant Calvinists (or “Huguenots”). combativeBoth groups had become highly militant or combative.

A series of Eight wars were fought Between Catholics & Huguenots. St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre 1572

French ProtestantsHuguenots were French Protestants (Calvinists) influenced by John Calvin. Seven percentThey made up about Seven percent of the total French population. Huguenot cross

house of BourbonThe house of Bourbon ruled the southern French kingdom of Navarre. Navarre was the Huguenots’ stronghold.

House of Bourbon Coat of Arms

to appease the majority of the FrenchAlthough Henry of Navarre was the political leader of the Huguenots, he converted to Catholicism to appease the majority of the French when he succeeded Henry IV to the throne. Henry

Ending the French Religious Wars recognized Catholicism as the official religion of Francegave the Huguenots the right to worshipTo solve the religious problems, the Edict of Nantes recognized Catholicism as the official religion of France, and gave the Huguenots the right to worship and to enjoy all political privileges.

Philip II of Spain and Militant Catholicism Most Catholic KingPhilip II of Spain was known as the “Most Catholic King.” to solidify & strengthen his father’s territoriesHis goal was to solidify & strengthen his father’s territories. Philip

Netherlands declares independence from Spain Philip was losing money and prestige as a world powerAs he waged war against William the Silent, the prince of Orange, and other Dutch territories Philip was losing money and prestige as a world power

England of Elizabeth England became a world playerElizabeth Tudor was the daughter of Henry VIII and during her reign the island of England became a world player and leader for Protestant nations.

Philip II of Spain, “Invincible” Spanish ArmadaPhilip II of Spain, who hated the Protestant Elizabeth, attacked the English fleet in 1588 with his “Invincible” Spanish Armada of warships.

English won the battlesolidified England as a world power and Spain declinedThe English won the battle and solidified England as a world power and Spain declined as a world power.

Economic and Social Crisis inflation and religious zealDue to inflation and religious zeal Europe witnessed severe economic and social crises. Growing hysteria about witchcraft led to intense torture and witch trials.

Salem Witch Trials

Religious disputes continued in GermanyReligious disputes continued in Germany and played a major role in the Thirty Years War.

England.The Thirty Years’ War involved all the major European powers except England.

Peace of WestphaliaPeace of Westphalia officially ended the Thirty Years’ War.

Simplified map after The Treaty

Revolutions in England James I of England idea that kings receive their power from GodJames I of England (who was protestant) believed in the divine right of kings, which is the idea that kings receive their power from God and are responsible only to God.

Not all believed in James’ ideas. In 1605, a group of Catholic conspirators plotted to assassinate King James I of England (and VI of Scotland) by blowing up the House of Lords during the opening of parliament. Guy Fawkes

Protestants in England who were inspired by Calvinist ideas.The Puritans were Protestants in England who were inspired by Calvinist ideas. They eventually were driven out and settled in the New World.

differences between Charles I and Parliament.The conflict worsened due to differences between Charles I and Parliament.

Cavaliers RoundheadsThis led to the English Civil War between those loyal to the king (Cavaliers) and those loyal to parliament (Roundheads).

soldiers in the New Model Army of Oliver Cromwell.Independents were soldiers in the New Model Army of Oliver Cromwell.

Oliver Cromwell’s defeat of the king’s forces allowed him to take control of England and eventually establish a military dictatorship and Charles I was executed, which horrified much of Europe. Charles I getting executed

The Rump Parliament was what was left after Cromwell purged the members who did not support him. Cromwell

Cromwell forcibly ruled until his death, and then Parliament reinstated the monarchy with Charles II, then James II. Charles II James II

At Parliament’s wishing, the “Glorious Revolution” occurred which was the invasion of England by William of Orange, which overthrew James II with almost no bloodshed.

The importance of the English Parliament’s Bill of Rights is that the Bill of Rights, established after the “Glorious Revolution” set forth Parliament’s right to make laws and levy taxes.

It also stated that standing armies could be raised only with Parliament’s consent, thus making it impossible for kings to oppose or to do without Parliament. William was now king by the grace of parliament NOT God.

The rights of citizens to keep arms and have a jury trial were also confirmed. The Bill of Rights helped create a system of government based on the rule of law and a freely elected Parliament.

This bill in essence laid the foundations for a limited, or constitutional monarchy. Also, The Toleration Act of 1689 granted Puritans, but not Catholics, the right of public worship.

France under Louis XIV Absolutism is a system of government in which a ruler holds total power – Louis XIV was the best example of this.

Louis XIV maintained complete authority as monarch by distracting the nobles and royal princes with court life, to keep them out of politics.

Louis’ Court

Louis’ palace: Versailles

Cardinal Richelieu strengthened the power of the French monarchy (under Louis XIII) by taking away the Huguenots’ political and military rights and executing conspirators.

Cardinal Richelieu directing the Siege of La Rochelle involving war against the Huguenots

Timeline Carndinal Mazarin takes Cardinal Richelieu’s place after his death in Mazarin becomes advisor to King Louis XIII & the XIV. Mazarin’s death in 1661 led to the rise of financier Jean-Baptiste Colbert’s influence on the French King.

Colbert did well to increase the wealth and power of France by following the ideas of mercantilism despite continual draining of money from wars sponsored by Louis XIV.

World of European Culture Mannerism marked the end of the artistic Renaissance El Greco was the most notable of the Mannerism painters.

Baroque Period The style of painting known as baroque is known for its use of dramatic effects to arouse the emotions.

Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome is an example of the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini – perhaps the most well known and greatest baroque artist and sculpture.

Rubens

David

St. Peter’s Basilica

Golden Age of Literature Considered the masterpiece of Spanish Golden Age of Literature, Miguel de Cervantes wrote the novel Don QuixoteDon Quixote

The works of William Shakespeare is perhaps the best example of Elizabethan literature. He greatly influenced the English vernacular (language).

Globe Theatre

Political Thought In his book the Two Treatises of Government, the ideas of John Locke, ruled against just one person having absolute power.

Each person has human natural rights such as the right to life, liberty, and property. “Life, Liberty, & Pursuit of Happiness…” - Jefferson

Locke’s ideas can be found in the American Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. TJ

People are born with a blank mind and government is needed in order to protect natural human rights.

On the other Hand, Thomas Hobbes wrote the Leviathan, which claims that human society is driven by self-preservation with no morals or reason.

Humans are guided by a ruthless struggle for the benefit of one’s self. People are evil and government is needed to control the masses.