Absolutism in France and Spain Flashcards
Why did Spain become less powerful in the seventeenth century?
The revuene from American silver declined.
Who gave the law?
Kings discovered the laws that were given by the grace of God.
Who is seen as the perfect example of an “absolute” monarch?
King Louis XIV
What was Cardinal Richelieu’s motivation for joing the war?
He joined the war so the Hapsburgs would not gain any more power.
Who did Richelieu side with during the war?
He sided with the Lutheran king Gustavus Adolphus and supported other Hapsburg enemies.
What did Louis revoke in 1685?
The Edict of Nanes, the new law ordered the destruction of Huguenot schools, the basptism of Huguenots and the exile of those who would no renouce their faith.
What important was located in Versailles?
In 1682, King Louis moved his court and governement to a newly renovatied palace in Versailles.
What did the palace in Versailles serve as?
It served as living quarters for the royal family and nobles, government offices, and a place of work for hundreds of domestic servants.
What are some examples of France growing in power?
French became the language of polite society and diplomacy, the royal courts of Sweden, Russia, Poland and Germany all spoke French, and the French inspired a cosmopolitian European country.
What is mercantilism?
It is a collection of government policies for the regulation of economic activies for and by the state.
How did Jean-Baptiste Colbert increase exports?
He supported the old industries and created new ones, focusing expcially on textiles. Textiles were the most important sector of the economy.
How did Louvais change the way the army was formed?
He created a professional army where the French state employed the soilders, instead of nobles.
What was the Peace of Utrecht?
It ended the War of Spanish Succession and allowed Louis’s grandson Philip to remain king of Spain, while understanding the the French and Spainsh crowns would never be united.
Why could the Spanish not keep up with the demands of their country?
The crown expelled three hundred thousand former Muslims and that reduced the number of skilled workers significantly.
How did Colbert encourage the purchase of French goods?
He enacted new production regulations, created guilds to boost quality standards, and raised tarrifs on foreign products.
