For Each Term Or Name Below, Briefly Explain Its Connection ✓ Solved

For each term or name below, briefly explain its connection

Identify and briefly explain the connection of the following terms or names to European history from 1500 to 1800:

1. absolute monarch
2. divine right
3. Louis XIV
4. War of the Spanish Succession
5. Thirty Years’ War
6. Seven Years’ War
7. Peter the Great
8. English Civil War
9. Glorious Revolution
10. constitutional monarchy

Also, investigate Peter the Great and the highlights of the Romanov dynasty. Address the following components in your research report:

1. The Role of Peter the Great:

   Summarize the highlights of his life and influence by addressing two categories:

   1. Biography/Interesting Information: Who was he as a person (his upbringing, family, etc.)?
   2. Key Actions/Highlights of His Leadership: What did he do and what is he known for? What were his views and actions to bring about change in Russia, both in the short and long term? Focus more on this section than on the biography.

2. Romanov Ruler - Free Choice:

   Write a report that summarizes one other Romanov ruler (free choice) addressing the same two categories as above.

3. Romanov Dynasty Timeline:

   Create a timeline summarizing important dates and events of the Romanov Dynasty from 1613 until 1917. Limit to a maximum of two pages, including a minimum of 10 dates and brief descriptions.

Cite all sources, including any clip art or pictures used.

Paper For Above Instructions

The time period between 1500 to 1800 in Europe was marked by significant political, social, and economic changes that shaped modern systems of governance and society. Key terms such as absolute monarch, divine right, and notable figures such as Louis XIV and Peter the Great epitomize the era of European absolutism and centralization of power. This paper will explore these terms and figures, providing a comprehensive understanding of their connections to European history.

Absolute Monarch

An absolute monarch is a ruler who wields undivided power over the state and its government. During the period from 1500 to 1800, many European nations were governed by absolute monarchs who believed in the divine right of kings – the idea that monarchs derive their authority directly from God and are accountable only to Him. This concept was pivotal in justifying the rule of leaders such as Louis XIV of France, who famously declared, "L'état, c'est moi" ("I am the state"). His reign represented the epitome of absolute monarchy, where he centralized power and curtailed the influence of nobles, asserting his control over various aspects of governance and society.

Divine Right

The doctrine of divine right held that a monarch's authority is sanctioned by divine will. This ideology was prevalent in European thought, especially among absolute monarchs. Kings such as James I of England and Louis XIV of France utilized this principle to solidify their power and suppress opposition, framing their rule as divinely ordained. These monarchs often resisted parliamentary or civic inputs in governance, leading to tensions and conflicts, notably the English Civil War, which arose from disputes over the extent of monarchical power versus parliamentary authority.

Louis XIV

Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, ruled France from 1643 to 1715 and is one of the most iconic examples of an absolute monarch. His reign exemplified the use of divine right and centralization of authority. By establishing a strong bureaucratic system and maintaining a lavish court at Versailles, he aimed to control the nobility and consolidate his power. His foreign policies and involvement in wars, including the War of the Spanish Succession, sought to expand French influence but also drained resources and led to suffering among the French populace.

War of the Spanish Succession

This conflict (1701-1714) arose from the desire of Louis XIV to expand the French empire by placing his grandson on the Spanish throne. The war involved a coalition of European powers, including England, the Netherlands, Austria, and Prussia, who fought to prevent the unification of the French and Spanish crowns. The war ended with the Treaty of Utrecht, which significantly curtailed French ambitions and established a balance of power in Europe, revealing the limits of absolute monarchy.

Thirty Years’ War

Fought primarily in Central Europe from 1618 to 1648, the Thirty Years’ War was a devastating conflict fueled by religious and political strife between Catholic and Protestant states. The war not only led to significant loss of life but also transformed the political landscape of Europe. The Peace of Westphalia (1648), which ended the war, recognized the rights of states to choose their own religion and shifted the balance of power, leading to the rise of nation-states and secularity in governance.

Seven Years’ War

Often considered the first global conflict, the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) involved fighting between major powers, including Britain and France, across Europe, North America, and India. This conflict stemmed from competition for colonial dominance and control of trade routes. The outcomes of the war, particularly with the Treaty of Paris (1763), resulted in significant territorial gains for Britain and financial strain on France, shaping future relations and conflicts leading up to the American Revolution.

Peter the Great

Peter the Great ruled Russia from 1682 to 1725 and is best known for his efforts to modernize and Westernize Russia. He implemented significant reforms in government, military organization, and cultural practices. By visiting Western Europe to learn about advancements, Peter sought to transform Russia into a major European power. His establishment of St. Petersburg symbolized his commitment to opening Russia to the West, while his policies dramatically altered the social fabric of Russian society.

English Civil War

The English Civil War (1642-1651) was a pivotal conflict between supporters of King Charles I and Parliament over governance and authority. Rooted in issues of power and religion, the war ultimately led to the execution of Charles I and the brief establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. The conflict underscored the tensions inherent in absolute monarchy and paved the way for the later Glorious Revolution, which established constitutional monarchy in England.

Glorious Revolution

In 1688, the Glorious Revolution resulted in the overthrow of King James II and the ascension of William of Orange and Mary II to the throne. This bloodless coup represents a critical shift towards parliamentary sovereignty and constitutional monarchy, marking the decline of absolute rule in England. The resultant Bill of Rights laid the groundwork for democratic governance and established limits on monarchical power.

Constitutional Monarchy

A constitutional monarchy is a governance system where a monarch's powers are limited by a constitution or laws. The establishment of constitutional monarchy in England, particularly following the Glorious Revolution, signified a fundamental change in political philosophy where authority is derived from the consent of the governed rather than divine right. This shift promoted democratic principles and influenced the development of other nations' political systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the period from 1500 to 1800 witnessed profound transformations in European governance and society, primarily characterized by the tensions between absolute monarchy and the emerging ideals of constitutionalism. Monarchs like Louis XIV and Peter the Great exemplified the principles of absolute rule, while significant conflicts such as the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution catalyzed the transition towards parliamentary democracy. The legacies of these movements and figures continue to resonate in modern governance structures.

References

• Beck, W. (2005). World History: Patterns of Interaction Survey. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt K-12.
• Collins, R. (1995). The Thirty Years' War. The History Book Club.
• Ferguson, N. (2001). The Cash Nexus: Money and Power in the Modern World, 1700-2000. Basic Books.
• Marquardt, E. (2013). The Rules of the Game: The Global Impact of 18th Century Wars. Cambridge University Press.
• Parker, C. (2013). The Seven Years War: A Global History. Routledge.
• Ramsay, N. (2007). Peter the Great: His Life and World. The University of California Press.
• Smith, A. (2015). The Age of Revolution: Europe 1789-1848. Vintage Books.
• Tilly, C. (1992). Coercion, Capital, and European States, AD 990-1992. Blackwell Publishing.
• Wood, G. S. (1991). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage Books.
• Yasugi, F. (2019). Historical Monarchies and Their Discontents: An Overview. Oxford University Press.