After reading the Rise of Absolute Monarchies section you should understand:

• The rise of absolute monarchy in France, particularly under Louis XIV.

• The wars of Louis XIV and the development of a European diplomatic system.

• The sixteenth to eighteenth century developments and influence of the three monarchies of central and eastern Europe.

• Russia Enters the European Political Arena under Peter the Great.

• The decline of the Ottoman Empire

Textbook Reading Sections

Rise of Absolute Monarchy   p. 141-155 

Primary Readings - Rise of Absolute Monarchies 

• Versailles (image) p. 144

Outside Primary Readings

• Louis XIV Revokes the Edict of Nantes 

• The Great Elector Welcomes Protestant Refugees from France

• Peter the Great Tells His Son to Acquire Military Skills

• Frederick the Great- Essays on Forms of Government

Supportive Secondary Documents

Excerpt - The Theory of Absolutism, from Jackson J. Spielvogel. Western Civilization (St. Paul, 1991) pp. 523-528 (CR1c)

After reading the Trade Wars and Colonial Rebellion Section you should understand:

• Europe’s concept of mercantilism and empire-building.

• The nature and decline of Spain’s vast colonial empire in the Americas.

• The wars in Europe and the colonies, particularly the Seven Years’ War.

• The conflict between Britain and its colonies, and its outcome in the War of American Independence

Textbook Reading Sections
Trade Wars and Colonial Rebellion p. 218-227

Outside Primary Readings - Trade Wars and Colonial Rebellion

• King George III:  excerpts from The Royal Proclamation on North America (1763)

• The Stamp Act  - 1765

Useful Absolute Monarchy Links

Age of Absolutism

Versailles Palace

Jean Baptiste Colbert- Memoirs

Romanov Dynasty

BBC - Religion & Ethics - Ottoman Empire (1301-1922)

Useful Trade Wars and Colonial Rebellion Links

Wars in 18th Century Europe

The Seven Years War

Potential Absolute Monarchies LEQ Questions

• Machiavelli suggested that a ruler should behave both "like a lion" and "like a fox." Analyze the policies of TWO of the following European rulers, indicating the degree to which they successfully followed Machiavelli's suggestions: Elizabeth I of England, Henry IV of France, Catherine the Great of Russia, Frederick II of Prussia.

• Louis XIV declared his goal was “one king, one law, one faith.” Analyze the methods the king used to achieve this objective and discuss the extent to which he was successful.

• In what ways and to what extent did absolutism affect the power and status of the European nobility in the period 1650 to 1750? Use examples from at least TWO countries.

• Analyze the military, political and social factors that account for the rise of Prussia between 1640 and 1786.

• Between 1450 and 1800, many women gained power, some as reigning queens, others as regents. Identify two such powerful women and discuss how issues of gender, such as marriage and reproduction, influenced their ability to obtain and exercise power.

• Compare and contrast the goals and major policies of Peter the Great of Russia (ruled 1682-1725) with those of Frederick the Great of Prussia (ruled 1740-1786).

Potential Trade Wars and Colonial Rebellion FRQ Questions

• In the 17th century, how did England and the Dutch Republic compete successfully with France and Spain for control of overseas territory?

• How and to what extent did the Commercial Revolution transform the European economy and diplomatic balance of power in the period from 1650 to 1763?