Define absolutism.
A political system where a single ruler holds absolute power over the state.
True or false: Absolutism promotes shared power with nobility.
FALSE
Absolutism centralizes power in the hands of the monarch, reducing noble influence.
Who is known as the Sun King?
Louis XIV of France, who epitomized absolute monarchy.
Fill in the blank: Divine right is the belief that a monarch’s authority comes from _______.
God
What is the Edict of Nantes?
A 1598 decree granting religious freedom to Huguenots in France.
Define mercantilism.
An economic theory promoting government regulation of a nation’s economy for augmenting state power.
True or false: Peter the Great modernized Russia through absolutism.
TRUE
He implemented reforms to centralize power and modernize the military.
What was the Glorious Revolution?
The 1688 overthrow of King James II of England, leading to constitutional monarchy.
Fill in the blank: Louis XIV built the palace of _______.
Versailles
What is parliamentary sovereignty?
The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority in the UK.
True or false: Absolutism was prevalent in 18th century Europe.
TRUE
Many European states were ruled by absolute monarchs during this period.
Define centralization in the context of absolutism.
The concentration of political power and authority in a central government.
What role did taxation play in absolutism?
It funded the state and military, reinforcing the monarch’s power.
Fill in the blank: Frederick the Great ruled _______.
Prussia
What is the Social Contract theory?
The idea that individuals consent to form a government for protection and order.
True or false: Absolutism allowed for individual freedoms.
FALSE
Individual liberties were often suppressed under absolute rule.
Define enlightened absolutism.
A form of absolute monarchy influenced by the Enlightenment, promoting reforms for the people’s welfare.
What was the Treaty of Utrecht?
A 1713 agreement ending the War of Spanish Succession, redistributing territories.
Fill in the blank: Catherine the Great was the empress of _______.
Russia
What was the impact of absolutism on European society?
It led to centralized power, reduced noble influence, and often sparked resistance.
Define Age of Exploration.
A period from the 15th to 17th century marked by European global exploration.
Who was Christopher Columbus?
An Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean.
True or false: The Treaty of Tordesillas divided the New World between Spain and Portugal.
TRUE
Signed in 1494, it aimed to resolve disputes over newly discovered lands.
Fill in the blank: Ferdinand Magellan led the first successful _______ around the world.
circumnavigation