Unit 3: States and Other Institutions of Power (Absolutism)

Absolutism

A form of monarchical power where the ruler claims sole and incontestable power.

Constitutionalism

A political system that limits government power, emerging alongside absolutism.

Sovereignty

Complete authority residing in the king, not the nobility or a parliament.

Divine Right of Kings

The doctrine that monarchs derive their authority from God and are answerable only to Him.

Bishop Bossuet

The theologian who famously articulated the Divine Right of Kings.

Control Mechanisms

Methods used by monarchs to consolidate power, including control over the military and tax collection.

Edict of Nantes

Issued by Henry IV, it laid the groundwork for religious toleration in France.

Cardinal Richelieu

First Minister to Louis XIII who dismantled the power of nobility in France.

Intendant System

A system of royal officials sent to provinces to execute orders and ensure loyalty to the crown.

Louis XIV

The quintessential absolute monarch of France, known as 'The Sun King'.

Palace of Versailles

Louis XIV's court, serving as both a home and a political trap for nobles.

Edict of Fontainebleau (1685)

Revoked the Edict of Nantes, enforcing Catholic uniformity in France.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Louis XIV's finance minister who implemented mercantilism.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that a nation's power lies in its wealth, emphasizing exports over imports.

Serfdom

A system where nobility had total control over peasantry, consolidating their power.

War of the Spanish Succession

A conflict during Louis XIV's reign aimed at expanding France's territory.

Balance of Power

A strategy to prevent any one nation from becoming too powerful, particularly against France.

Frederick William

A leader in Prussia who helped transform the state into a military powerhouse.

Bourbon dynasty

The royal family under which French absolutism reached its height.

L'état, c'est moi

Louis XIV's declaration meaning 'I am the state,' summarizing his belief in absolutism.

Religious Uniformity

The policy of enforcing a single religion for unity, exemplified by Louis XIV's actions.

Colonization

The process of establishing control over foreign territories, promoted by Colbert.

Military Power

A key aspect of absolutism where monarchs maintained control over armies to enforce their will.

Tyranny

Ruler's arbitrary use of power that absolutism often contrasts with constitutional governments.

Legacy of Absolutism

The lasting impact of absolute monarchy on European governance and society.

Political Trap

A strategy to keep nobles occupied and prevent them from plotting against the king.

Economic Impact

The consequences of Louis XIV's policies that affected trade and industry in France.