Unit 12:

Age of Absolutism

Name:_____________________________________________ Period:__________
Global History & Geography I Commack High School

Please Note:
You are responsible for all information in this packet, supplemental handouts provided in class and on the eboard as
well as your homework, edmodo and class discussions.

Aim: How did absolute monarchs justify their power?

Congratulations! You have just been given total control of the Commack High School!
You are free to make as many changes and incorporate as many rules as you would like. Consider
the following questions, and complete the task below:

 What powers might you grant yourself?

 How much power will you give others?
 Do you want people to love you? Or fear you?
Why?
 How will you treat your people?
 How will your government and community be
funded?
 What is your opinion on those who will question
your authority?

Task: Describe the Commack community under YOUR rule on the lines provided. Be prepared
to share your response with the class.

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Now, let’s define what ABSOLUTISM…
1. What root word do you see in absolutism?
 2. What does it mean to have absolute control?

So, ABSOLUTISM is…

ADVANTAGES OF ABSOLUTISM DISADVANTAGES OF ABSOLUTISM

A NATION-STATE is a country that has defined borders and territory. It is a country in which the same type of
people exists, organized by either race or cultural background. In the nation-state, everyone would speak the same
language, probably practice the same religion, and share the same
set of cultural values.

Aim:
What are the characteristics of Monarchs and why did they develop in
Europe?
 “The King is from God and the
Law from the King”
“Kings are the representative
of the divine majesty (GOD)”
“The majesty (honor) of the king
is borrowed from God, who gives
it to him for the good of the people.”
~ Jacques Bossuet

Motivation:
1. According to the above quotes and cartoon, where does an absolute rulers power come from?

2. How would you describe the power of this monarch?

3. How does this monarch treat his people?

4. Why do the people NOT rebel against their king?

YERTLE THE TURTLE

Impact of the Crusades on Spain:
Efforts by Christian warriors to expel Muslims began in the 700s. Their first real success was in 1085, when they
recaptured the city of Toledo. During the next 200 years, Christian forces pushed slowly and steadily southward.
By 1300, Christians controlled the entire Iberian Peninsula except for Granada. Muslim influence remained strong,
though, and helped shape the arts and literature of Christian Spain.
 Ferdinand and Isabella:
In 1469, Isabella of Castile married Ferdinand of Aragon.
This marriage between the rulers of two powerful
kingdoms opened the way to a unified state. Using their
combined forces, the two monarchs made a final push
against the Muslim stronghold of Granada. In 1492,
Granada fell. The Reconquista was complete.

Isabella and Ferdinand tried to impose unity on their

diverse people. They joined forces with townspeople
against powerful nobles. Isabella was determined to bring
religious as well as political unity for Spain.

Under Muslim rule, Spain had enjoyed a tradition of

religious toleration, that is, a policy of allowing people to
worship as they choose. Christians, Jews and Muslims
lived there in relative peace. Isabella ended that policy.
With the support of the Inquisition, a Church court set up
to try people accused of heresy, Isabella attacked Jews and King Ferdinand & Queen
Muslims. Often those who converted to Christianity
secretly kept their faiths, but if caught they were burned at Isabella
the stake.

Isabella achieved religious unity by expelling all Jews

from Spain in 1492 and driving non-converting Muslims
from Spain in 1502. More than 150,000 people fled, many
of them who
Primary were skilled
Source - Theand educated.of Spain, 1492
Expulsion
“When the edict of expulsion became known in the other countries, vessels came from Genoa to the Spanish harbors to
carry away the Jews. The crews of these vessels, too, acted maliciously and meanly towards the Jews, robbed them and
delivered some of them to the famous pirate … who was called the Corsair of Genoa. To those who escaped and arrived
at Genoa – the people of the city showed themselves merciless, and oppressed and robbed them, and the cruelty of their
wicked hearts went so far that they took the infants from their mothers’ breasts…”

PHILIP II OF SPAIN
PHILIP- THE KING:
Philip II (May 21, 1527 – September 13, 1598) was the
first official King of Spain from 1556 until 1598. He was
born at Valladolid and was the only legitimate son of Holy
Roman Emperor Charles V.
 He is noted for expanding Spain’s empire to the far reaches of the world into continents such as North
America, South America, Africa, Europe and Asia.
Aside from draining state revenues for failed overseas adventurism, the domestic policies of Philip II further
burdened Spain, and would, in the following century, contribute to its decline. For one, far too much power was
concentrated in Philip's hands. This made Spain and its possessions burdensome to rule. The lack of a practical
supreme assembly would lead to a great deal of power being concentrated in Philip's hands. Philip, a compulsive
I
micro-manager, presided over specialized councils for state affairs, finance, war, and the Inquisition. A distrustful
sovereign, Philip played royal bureaucrats against each other, leading to a system of checks and balances that would
manage state affairs in a very inefficient manner, sometimes damaging state.

1. How is Philip II portrayed as a ruler? Explain your answer.

Map of Spanish empire under
Philip II

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MOVING SPAIN INTO THE “GOLDEN AGE” (Siglo de oro):

Philip became King of Portugal, and the success of colonization
in America improved his financial position, enabling him to show
greater aggression towards his enemies. Philip famously remarked
upon his acquisition [gaining] of the Portuguese throne:

"I inherited, I bought, I conquered",

-a variation on Julius Caesar
and “Veni, Vidi,
Vici.”

Thus, Philip added to his possessions a vast colonial empire in

Africa, Brazil, and the East Indies, seeing a flood of new revenues coming to the Habsburg crown. In the ruling of
Portugal however, Philip showed tact, trimming his beard and wearing clothes in the Portuguese style, and ruling
from Lisbon [capital of Portugal] for the next couple of years.

2. Why did gainging Portugal help Philip II and the Spanish monarchy? _____________________________
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3. Why would Philip II want to rule from Portugal instead of from Spain? ____________________________
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INVADING ENGLAND:

Spanish hegemony (dominant influence of one state/country over another)

achieved a clear boost in 1554, when Philip married Mary Tudor, a Catholic.
 However, they had no children; Queen Mary, or "Bloody Mary" as she came to be known, died in 1558 before the
union could revitalize the Catholic Church in England.
The throne went to the unpopular Elizabeth, the Protestant daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. This
ended Philip's hopes of placing a Catholic on the English throne. He turned instead to more direct plans to return
England to Catholicism by invasion.
In 1588 he sent a fleet of vessels, the Spanish Armada, to
lead an invasion. The fact that the Spanish fleet had no deep bay in
m
which it could deploy its main fleet meant that it was unable to land and
was vulnerable to the smaller English ships. The absence of a backup
from the troop carrying ships that were unable to link up with the Armada
meant that they were isolated and open to the English fire ships and close
range artillery. It was a tightly fought Original battle plan map for the battle, but the Spanish were
caught in an awkward position and Spanish Armada were forced back into retreat.
Nonetheless, the operation had little chance of success from the
beginning with huge delays, lack of communication between Philip II and his two commanders and of course the
obvious lack of a deep bay. The Anglo-Spanish war would be fought to a grinding end, but not until both Philip II
(d. 1598) and Elizabeth I (d. 1603) were dead.

4. Why did Philip II want a Catholic on the English throne? ________________________________________

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5. What were some reasons the Spanish Armada failed? ___________________________________________

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AFTER THE ARMADA:

The stunning defeat of the Spanish Armada gave great heart to the Protestant
cause across Europe. Many Spaniards blamed the admiral of the Armada for its
failure, but Philip was not among them. The Spanish navy was rebuilt, and
intelligence networks were improved. An example of the character of Philip II can
be given by the fact that he personally saw that the wounded of this expedition were
treated and received a pension, which was unusual for the time.
While the invasion had been stopped, England was unable to take advantage of this
success. An attempt to use her newfound advantage at sea with a counter armada the
following year failed disastrously. Likewise, English buccaneering and attempts to
seize territories in the Caribbean were defeated by Spain's rebuilt navy and her intelligence networks. Even though
Philip was bankrupt by 1596 in the last decade of his life more silver and gold were shipped safely to Spain than
ever before. This allowed Spain to continue her military efforts.

6. How come England did not conquer Spain after the failed Spanish Armada? ________________________
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 Absolutism Timeline
Absolutism Nation-State Ferdinand & Isabella Reconquista

Inquisition Philip II & Siglo de Spanish Armada After the Aramda

Oro
 Interpreting Visuals
St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre (1572)
François Dubois

The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre

— a contemporary painting

1. In your own words, what do you see happening in the pictures?

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2. During this time period, why was their conflict between groups?
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St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre -

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Huguenots – French followers of John Calvin’s religious philosophy.

Let’s Review… What are some of John Calvin’s beliefs?

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French Absolutism
• From the 1560s  1590s religious wars between the
________________________________________ (French Protestants) and
the Catholic majority tore apart France.
• On August 24, 1572 3,000 Huguenots were
_________________________________:
• In the following days, thousands more were slaughtered
• This event symbolized the complete break down of
______________________________ in France.

Henry IV
• Huguenot leader of France Henry of Navarre, inherited the throne as ____________________________
• He recognized that ruling a predominantly Catholic France would be impossible --converted to
_____________________________________________
• Paris is “way worth a mass”
• Despite converting to Catholicism, Henry wanted to protect the protestants
• Issued the _______________________________________________________________________- 1598
• Edict of Nantes-granted religious toleration, and allowed the Huguenots to fortify their cities
• The government reached into every area of life
• Royal officials administered justice, improved roads, built bridges, and revived
_______________________.
• Henry laid the foundations for royal _______________________________________

Louis XIV: “I am the State” – the Boy King

• Grandson of _______________________________________ of Spain
• Took the _________________________ as the symbol of his power.
• Like the sun that stands at the center of the universe the king stands at the center of France.
 • Claimed the ____________________________________________________ to rule.
• Louis never called the ___________________________________________ (parliament)
• While he did not rely on Parliament, he found an expert organizer in his chief finance minister, Jean Baptise
_________________________________.
• Encouraged _____________________________, expanded French colonial empire and made France the
wealthiest state in Europe
• Despite this wealth Louis was able to assume tremendous debt with his luxurious overspending.

King Louis XIV

Louis XIV became King of France in 1643 at the age of 5. Until Louis was 23, Cardinal
Mazarin, the head of the French Catholic Church, controlled the government. At that time,
France was the most populated and prosperous country in Europe. Wealthy nobles with
great estates, who had been powerful for many years, were not being forced to share their
power and influence with a new middle class of merchants who were becoming wealthy
through international trade. Louis’s own grandiose (extravagant) life-style symbolized
the grandeur (magnificence) and wealth of his country. At only five feet four inches in
height, Louis was a charismatic leader who built himself a glorious new palace named
Versailles near Paris. The enormous Palace of Versailles was full of polished mirrors,
gleaming chandeliers, and gardens with fountains. Versailles was marveled at throughout
Europe and envied by many other kings. He came to be called the “Sun King” because it
seemed that his power and influence radiated from Versailles out to the entire world.

1. What was France like when Louis XIV took the throne?

2. What did Louis’s lavish lifestyle symbolize?

3. Describe the palace at Versailles.

4. Why would Louis call himself the Sun King?

Louis XIV believed in his right to exercise absolute power over France. He
was considered an absolute ruler because no other persons or institutions in
France could exercise control over him. Louis believed that, as the king, he
should be informed about everything in his country; he should have sole
power to decide France’s foreign policy; he should control how French
money was spent; and he should have the right to keep his actions secret if
he chose. This philosophy of absolutism was supported by the Catholic
Church, an institution that was very influential in Louis’ thinking. The
church taught that kings were chosen by god and thus had divine (god given)
right to rule. Since all power came from God, the king was only responsible
to God- not to the people- for the way in which he exercised that power.
Louis believed that “however bad a king may be, the revolt of his subjects
was criminal.” The doctrine of divine right taught that only God had the power and right to punish a bad ruler.
Louis’ court preacher, Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet, was a staunch defender of divine right. Bossuet wrote, “As
all perfection and all strength are united in God, so all the power of individuals is united in the person of the [king]..
What grandeur that a single man should embody so much!”

5. What theory did Louis use to justify his control over France?

6. Who else supported this theory of divine right?

Louis XIV ensured his absolute control over France by strengthening

royal power over the nobles and French provincial governments. To do
this, Louis sent royal officials to the provinces to ensure that local
governments were obedient and ordered that all local mayors had to be
approved by the king. At one time, the Estates General, composed of
nobles, had been a powerful political body in France that monarchs
consulted with for advice. Louis abolished the Estates General and
stripped the nobles of all political authority. To observe and control the
nobles, he provided many of them with positions at the beautiful
Versailles palace, the center of elite social life in France. Instead of nobles, Louis employed middle class merchants
and church leaders to run the real affairs of government because these people had more loyalty to him. Louis also
felt that religious unity contributed to the strength of his rule. During Louis’ rule, Protestants were persecuted more
and more. In 1685 he revoked the Edict of Nantes, a law that had ensured freedom of religion for Protestants. After
this, soldiers were stationed in Protestant homes to ensure that the families did not practice their religion. Many
Protestants fled France for Holland, Germany, and America during this time. The loss of successful Protestant
businessmen damaged the French economy.

7. Why can Louis be considered an absolute monarch?

8. How did Louis treat the nobles?

9. How did Louis treat the Protestants in France? What did this lead to?

Louis XIV is famous for saying of himself, “I am the state.” His reign of over 60 years was the longest rule by a
king in French history. His immense confidence in his own greatness and Divine Right to rule encouraged him to
use his control over the military to expand the boundaries of France. In the beginning, the French people loved
these military exploits, as it made France seem even stronger, and new territory meant new income. The battles
increased the peoples love for him and therefore his power. However, other countries in Europe feared Louis’ greed
and went to war against France. Continual fighting eventually left France weakened and in debt. On his deathbed in
1715, Louis confessed that he “loved war too much.”

10. What do you think Louis meant by the expression “I am the state?”

11. What did Louis’s extreme confidence and belief in Divine Right lead to?
12. What condition was France in at the time of Louis’s death?

FRANCE IN THE 1500S AND 1600S:

Religious wars between French Catholics and Huguenots (French Protestants) created chaos in France. For
example, in 1572 the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre sparked a 6-week slaughter of Huguenots. Peace between
Catholics and Huguenots was finalized in the Edict of Nantes, which allowed Huguenots to worship and live in
Peace throughout France.
Religious tensions persisted, but France began to prosper. At age 23, King Louis XIV took control of the
government. His goal was to make France wealthy and make himself the most powerful king in Europe. Now
YOU must decide if King Louis XIV decisions Strengthened (S) or Weakened (W) his position as an absolute
monarch.

S W
Situation (Strengthen) (Weaken) Explanation
1. Louis XIV spent a fortune to
surround himself in luxury.

2. Louis had the nobles leave their

homes to live with him at the
Palace of Versailles.

3. Louis and his finance minister,

Colbert, supported mercantilism
(making France self-sufficient
to support French industries and
selling French goods to French
colonies)

4. Louis wanted France to acquire

as many overseas colonies as
possible.

5. Louis cancelled the Edict of

Nantes. Now many Huguenots
(many of whom were skilled
workers) left France for nations
that tolerated Protestants.

6. Louis had many unsuccessful

wars and imposed new taxes.

7. Louis was a patron of the arts in

France. He made opera and
ballet popular. French art was
 made to glorify the power of the
king.

PLAY
 William The Conqueror 1066
In 1066, the Anglo- Saxon King Edward died without an heir. As a result, a power struggle occurred that changed
the course of English history. A council of nobles chose Edward’s brother-in-law Harold to rule. Duke William of
Normandy, a tough, ruthless, descendent of the Vikings, also claimed the English throne. Duke William readied
an army and won the favor of the pope in his bid for the throne. He sailed across the English Channel and at the
Battle of Hastings, William and his Norman knights triumphed over Harold. William the Conqueror took the
throne of England. This battle marks the beginning of English’s history as a nation- state. Once in power, William
had a census completed in order to learn more about his kingdom. The result was the Domesday Book, which
listed every castle, field, pigpen in England. Information from the book helped William and his successors to
build an efficient system of tax collection. He also required that all feudal lords pledge direct allegiance and
military service to him. This was called the Salisbury Oath.

1. Who was William the Conqueror?

2. How did he become the king of England?

3. What was the purpose of the Domesday Book?

4. How does the Salisbury Oath reveal that William was an absolute monarch?

Henry II: Common Law 1154-1189

William’s successors strengthened two key areas of government: finances and law. In 1154, Henry II
inherited the throne. He began to establish the basis for Common Law -or law that was “common”-
 1. How did the establishment of Common law under Henry II influence the World ?

King John: Magna Carta 1215

Unlike the absolute monarchs of France, the kings of England, beginning with King John, had to share their political power.
The Magna Carta created a limited monarchy denying the future kings of England the absolute power claimed by other
Absolute Monarchs. It is considered to be the first step in the evolution of English democracy. King John ruled from 1199 -
1216. He lost a war to France and was forced to surrender the English possession of Normandy (in the northern part of
France) to the French. Generally, he was mean to his subjects and tried to squeeze money out of them. He raised taxes to an
all time high to finance his wars. Because of this high taxation in 1215, a group of nobles forced King John to sign the Magna
Carta (or the Great Charter) as a way to deal with his unfair taxation, abuse of power, and unfair laws. This established the
basis for “no taxation without representation.” The Magna Carta guaranteed what are now considered basic legal rights in
England and in the U.S.A. It also ensured that jury trials and equal protection under law was maintained.

1. Why did the nobles force King John to sign the Magna Carta?

2. Were the nobles successful in limiting the power of the monarch? Why or why not?

King Edward I: Parliament 1272-1307

King Edward summoned the Parliament ( a law- making body) to help him pay for impending war with France.
Parliament included nobles, clergy, knights, and townspeople. Later this became known as the Model Parliament. Future
kings would call the Parliament into session when they needed something (generally money). Like the Magna Carta, the
Parliament provided a check on royal power.
 1. What was the Parliament? How did it represent the opinions of ALL English citizens?

2. What is similar to the Parliament in the U.S.?

3. How did the Parliament limited the power of the English Monarchy?

Petition of Right (1628)

Son of James I, Charles I, acted as an absolute monarch. Because of his actions, he was forced to sign the Petition of Right by the
Parliament. Its purpose was to prohibit the king from raising taxes or imprisoning anyone without just cause or without the consent of
the Parliament. Charles signed the petition but ignored Parliament claiming “divine right”. He did not call Parliament into session for
eleven years. He raised money illegally; strengthen the Star Chamber Courts – used to get prisoners to give information through
torture. He also demanded that Puritans conform to Anglican practices. In 1642, Civil War broke out after he called Parliament into
session to grant him money to put down the Scottish rebellion (Scottish were upset about Charles imposing the Anglican prayer book
in Scotland- Calvinist revolted.) House of Commons refused to grant him his wish unless he stopped ruling autocratically. He tried to
arrest the Puritan leaders of the House and the Civil War started. It lasted from 1642-1648.
1. What was the purpose of the Petition of Right?

2. Did the Petition of Right limit Charles I ‘s power? Why or why not? Explain.

3. How did the English Civil War begin?

English Civil War (1642-1649)

The Cavaliers, wealthy nobles, proud of their plumed hats and fashionable long hair, supported Charles I, while the Roundheads,
(named this because their hair was cut close around their heads), led by Oliver Cromwell, supported the Parliament. Cromwell
defeated the Cavaliers and by 1647, the king was in the hands of the Parliament. The king was put on trial, found guilty and
1. Who was victorious in the English Civil War?

2. Why is King’s Charles’s death significant in history?

Puritan Revolution (1650-1660)

After the execution of King Charles I, Oliver Cromwell ruled the Commonwealth (republic) and in 1653 took the title Lord Protector.
Cromwell put in a place many changes due to his Puritan faith. All English citizens had to practice a severe Puritan moral code
which prohibited dancing, athletic games, theatrical performances, and other amusements. He and his Roundheads lost support due
to Cromwell’s dictatorial government and heavy taxes. After Cromwell’s death, many people became tired of the military and
Puritan rule and invited the exiled Charles II to return to England.

1. Name three changes made by Cromwell.

2. Why did people begin to lose support for Oliver Cromwell?

Restoration (1660-1688)
Charles II, son of Charles I, was invited back from exile to return to England and be restored to the throne. He became a popular
ruler. He restored the Church of England, but tolerated other Protestants such as Presbyterians, Quakers, and Baptists and Catholics.
He accepted the Petition of Right yet still believed in an absolute monarchy as his father did. When Charles II died, his brother
James II flaunted his Catholic faith. He appointed Catholics to high office and many soon began to fear he would restore the Roman
Catholic Church. In 1688, the Parliament decided to remove James II and replace him with James’s Protestant daughter, Mary, and
her Dutch Protestant husband, William III of Orange.
 1. Why was Charles II a popular leader when he was restored to the throne?

2. Why did Parliament choose to replace James II as a ruler?

3. Why would the Parliament choose Mary and William III of Orange as the new rulers?

The Glorious Revolution (1688)

William and Mary soon took over the English throne in a bloodless coup d’état (overthrow). James II was forced to flee to France.
This overthrow became known as the Glorious Revolution In order to be crowned however, William and Mary had to agree to sign
the English Bill of Rights which ensured the superiority of Parliament over the monarchy. They also signed the Toleration Act
granting religious freedom to non-Anglican Protestant sects, such as the Puritans and Quakers. Catholics, however, were denied
toleration.

Basic Facts- English Bill of Rights

1. Monarch many not make or suspend laws, levy taxes, or maintain an army without Parliament’s consent.
2. Monarch may not interfere with parliamentary elections or debates.
3. People are guaranteed basic civil liberties (right to petition government, impartial speedy jury trial, protection from excessive
bails/fines and against unusual and cruel punishments)
4. Affirmed habeas corpus, meaning that no person could be held in jail without first being charged with a crime.

With the Bill of Rights, England became a limited monarchy, a government in which a legislative body limits the monarch’s power.

1. What is the Glorious Revolution?

2. What was the purpose of the English Bill of Rights?

3. What is the purpose of the Toleration Act?

4. Which fact about the English Bill of Rights seems to be the most influential? Explain.
STEPS
 Glorious Revolution
To a large extent, the Roman Catholic James II (1633-1701), King of Great Britain from 1685 -1688, brought the
"Glorious" revolution (also called the Bloodless Revolution) down upon himself. He succeeded his brother
Charles II on the English throne, and proceeded to create tensions between nearly every politically and militarily
significant segment of English society. He did this by attempting to Catholicize the army and the government and
to pack parliament with his own supporters. The people of England became increasingly distrust full of James II
because he was not being responsive to Parliament, was too tolerant of Catholic dissent (disobedience), and
because he favored alliances with Catholic powers in Europe. James also employed use of the Dispensing Power
— the royal right of suspending various statutes, such as declaring the bill of rights illegal. In June 1688, he had a
son; fears of the establishment of a Catholic dynasty in England led prominent Protestant statesmen to invite
William of Orange, James's son-in-law, to assume the throne. William crossed the English Channel with 15,000
men in November 1688 and promised to defend the liberty of England and the Protestant religion. James’ army
disserted him and William marched unopposed on London. James was forced to flee the country. There was some
debate in England on how to transfer power; recall James on strict conditions, whether to depose (formally
remove him from the throne), or to treat his flight as an abdication (abandonment). James fled to France.
Parliament then met, and offered the throne to William and his wife Mary as joint sovereigns (rulers), and placed
significant legal and practical limitations on the monarchy. William and Mary were expected to and did sign the
Bill of Right which created a limited monarchy and formally stated the right of all English citizens to trial by
jury. In addition, it abolished excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishment. Finally, the Bill of Right
guaranteed Habeas Corpus (no person can be imprisoned without first being charged for a crime). It also sets
out (or in the view of its writers, restates) certain constitutional requirements where the actions of the Crown
require the consent of the governed as represented in Parliament.

Retrieved and edited 5/27/2008 http://www.victorianweb.org/history/Glorious_Revolution.html

G. M. Trevelyan, The English Revolution, 1688-1689 (1938); L. Pinkham, William III and the Respectable Revolution (1954); J. Childs, The Army,
James II, and the Glorious Revolution (1981); S. E. Prall, The Bloodless Revolution (1972)

1. In what ways did James II bring the Glorious revolution “down upon himself”? Support with at least 3
examples.
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2. What is the Glorious Revolution also known as and why do you think it earned this nickname?
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3. For what reasons were William and Mary asked to invade England? Evaluate the extent of their success. What
limitations were placed on them as a result of their actions
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4. What influence does the Bill of Right have on other nations in the world?
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ABSOLUTISM WANTED POSTER

King John fled the castle, and it is your job to create a WANTED POSTER!
Be sure to include:
His name
Wanted dead? Wanted alive?
Reason he is wanted
Illustration
Reward?

R U S S I A ‘S D I F F E R E N C E S F R O M E U R O P E
Name: _______________________________ Date:_________________ Period:_________________
Global History & Geography I Commack High School Age of Absolutism

TASK: Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.

BACKGROUND:
Serfdom in Russia lasted longer than it did in Western Europe. Serfdom continued in Russia
until the mid-1800’s. When a Russian landowner sold a piece of land, he sold the serfs with it.

Religious differences widened the gap between Western Europe and Russia. The Russians had
adopted the Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity while Western Europeans were mostly
Catholics and Protestants.

Most boyars (Russian nobles) knew little of Western Europe. In the Middle Ages, Russia had
looked to Constantinople, not Rome, for leadership. Then Mongol rule had cut Russia off from
the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration. Geographic barriers also isolated Russia. Its only
seaport was covered with ice for most of the year.

1. What are TWO differences that existed between Russia and Western Europe?

2. Why didn’t Russia experience the

Renaissance or Age of Exploration?

3. How would Western European

countries view Russia based on its
isolation during the Renaissance?
 PETER THE GREAT
“THE GREAT WESTERNIZER”
(1698-1725)
Introduction:
In 1697, Peter embarked on a long visit to Western Europe. Peter’s goal was to learn about European customs and
industrial techniques. Peter believed that Russia needed to change in order to complete with Western Europe on
both military and commercial terms. Peter’s goal of westernization, of using Western Europe as a model for
change, was seen as a way to make Russia stronger.

Religious Reforms:
Religious differences widened the gap between Western Europe and Russia. The Russians had adopted the Eastern
Orthodox branch of Christianity. Western Europeans were mostly Catholics or Protestants, and the Russians
viewed them as heretics and avoided them.

Many people in Russia believed that the religion did not have to be changed. Peter believed that changing the
religion would make Russia stronger and overall increased his powers as an absolute ruler.

Peter made many reforms in Russia. He brought the Russian Orthodox Church under state control. He abolished
the office of patriarch (head of the Church) and a created a group called the Holy Synod to run the Church-under
his direction. He reduced the power of the landowners and modernized his army by teaching them European tactics
and using European weapons.

Social and Cultural Reforms:

Due to Russia’s isolation, they were lagging behind in technology.
When he became king, Peter embarked on the “Grand Embassy,” a
long visit to Western Europe. His goal was to learn about European
customs and industrial techniques. Peter was the first Czar to ever
make such a trip.

Inspired by his trip to the West, Peter resolved that Russia would
compete with Europe on both military and commercial terms. Peter’s
goal of Westernization, of using Western Europe as a model for
change, was not an end in itself. Peter saw it as a way to make Russia
stronger.

As part of his westernization, Peter

ordered the nobles to give up their
traditional clothes for Western fashions.
What’s more, he decided that the Russian
custom of wearing beards showed too much Mongol influence, thus he forced
men to shave their beards. Saving off beards came to symbolize Peter’s reign. He
actually shaved off the beards of some nobility and officials himself. If someone
paid the “beard tax,” they would receive a token to prove that they had the right to
keep their beard.

Peter also ended seclusion of women. Peter also believed that education was a key
to change so he set up academics for the study of math, science and engineering.
Unfortunately, Peter also instated a time of terror where over 2,000 people were
executed in tortures, concentration camps or gas chambers for resisting his changes.
Military Reforms:
Peter modernized the army by hiring European officers to drill the Russian soldiers in European tactics with
European weapons. By modernizing the army, Peter made Russia into the strongest standing army in Europe.
Through his army he extended the Russian borders.

Economic Reforms:
To promote education and growth, Peter wanted a seaport that would make it easier to travel to the west.
Therefore, Peter fought Sweden to gain control of the Baltic cost. After 21 long years of war, Russia finally
won the “Window to the West” that Peter wanted.

Peter moved the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg. This was a
strategic move because it allowed Russia to gain a warm-water port for
trade. The land was swampy, and the site was unhealthful. Every
summer, the army forced thousands of luckless serfs to leave home and
work at St. Petersburg. An estimated 25,000 to 100,000 people died
from terrible working conditions and widespread diseases. When St.
Petersburg was finishes, Peter ordered many Russian nobles to leave the
comforts of Moscow and settle in his new capital. Peter also developed
mining and textiles, improved waterways and canals, constructed new
roads and revised the tax system.

CATHERINE THE GREAT

(1762-1796)

Catherine the Great was a well-educated empress. She ruled Russia with absolute
authority, but she took steps to modernize and reform Russia by embracing Western
ideas as Peter did.

Political Reforms:
Catherine formed a commission to review Russian laws and reorganized the
government. She recommended allowing religious toleration and abolishing torture
and capital punishment.

Social Reforms:
Catherine began state sponsored education for boys and girls. She encouraged
French language and customs in performances and wrote histories and plays. At first,
Catherine wanted to help the Russian serfs and end serfdom, but after a peasant
uprising, she changed her mind and gave nobles absolute power over the lives of Russian
serfs.

Economic Reforms:
Catherine encouraged free trade. She expanded that Russian borders both eastward and westward. Catherine’s
army defeated the Ottoman Turks and gained a sea port on the Black Sea. Russia also gained the right to send ships
through the Ottoman-controlled straits leading from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Catherine also
expanded her empire westward by gaining part of Poland. By the end of her reign, Catherine had vastly enlarged
the Russian empire making Russia into an international power.

RUSSIAN CZARS
PETER THE GREAT
Religious Reforms:
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Social Reforms: __________________________________
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Economic Reforms:
Military Reforms:  __________________________________
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Economic Reforms: __________________________________
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CATHERINE THE GREAT

Name: ___________________________________ Date: __________________ Period: ___________
Global History & Geography I Commack High School Test #2 Review Sheet

ABSOLUTISM REVIEW SHEET

 TANG, SONG, YUAN (MONGOLS), MING DYNASTIES

1. Identify and describe some of the accomplishments of the Tang, Song & Ming Dynasties.

2. Explain Chinese foot binding.

3. Who were the Mongols?

4. Why was Genghis Khan seen as one of the greatest rulers in history?

5. What impact did the Mongols have on Russia?

6. Who was Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty? Why is he important?

NATION-STATES
1. What is a nation-state?

2. What is an absolute monarch?

3. What is the divine right theory?

SPAIN
1. What was the Reconquista?

2. Discuss the positive and negative aspects of Ferdinand and Isabella’s rule in Spain. What time period did
they rule?
3. Discuss the positive and negative aspects of Philip II’s rule in Spain. What time period did he rule?

4. What was the importance of the Spanish Armada?

5. Describe the Siglo de oro.

FRANCE
1. What two countries were involved in the Hundred Years War?

2. Explain the importance of Joan of Arc in the Hundred Years War?

3. What was the Estates General?

4. What was the Edict of Nantes?

5. Describe King Louis XIV reign. What time period did he rule? How does he exemplify the idea of
absolutism? Discuss the positive and negative aspects of his reign.

6. What was Versailles? Explain.

7. What kind of relationship did the Huguenots have with King Louis XIV?
 ENGLAND
8. What was the relationship between Parliament and the Tudors and Stuarts?

9. How did the Magna Carta limit absolute rule?

10. What is the Glorious Revolution an important step in the growth of representative governments?

RUSSIA
11. Discuss the positive and negative effects of Peter and Catherine’s rule over Russia.