CRISIS AND ABSOLUTISM IN

EUROPE1550-1715

FRENCH WARS OF RELIGION Calvinism and Catholicism had become militant

religions. Why? French Wars of Religion

Huguenots were French Protestants and a powerful threat to the crown.

Catholic majority greatly outnumbered them. Ultra-Catholics Strongly opposed the Huguenots

Conflict lasted for over thirty years. Henry IV took the throne. Political leader of the Huguenots but converted to

Catholicism. He issued the Edict of Nantes

Recognized Catholicism as the official religion of France, but gave Huguenots the right to worship and to political privileges.

SPAIN’S CONFLICTS Philip II – Greatest

supporter of militant Catholicism.

Goals: Consolidate lands Strict conformity to

Catholicism Absolute monarchy

The “Most Catholic King” was both a success and failure at championing the Catholic faith.

He sought to strengthen his control over the Spanish Netherlands as well. Nobles of this area greatly

resented this. Outraged people by trying

to end Calvinism. William, the prince of

Orange, helped to end his attempted domination of this area.

He had left Spain bankrupt with an out dated army, and an inefficient government.

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CRISIS From 1560 to 1650,

Europe experienced a severe economic and social crisis. Due to: Inflation Smaller amounts of

available gold and silver Growing population

The religious zeal that led to the Inquisition and the hunt for heretics was extended to the belief in witchcraft.

THIRTY YEARS’ WAR Religious disputes continued in Germany after

the Peace of Augsburg. The war began in 1618 in the lands of the Holy

Roman Empire. Catholics – Led by Hapsburg Holy Roman emperors. Protestants – Led by Calvinist nobles.

However, France got involved which turned the war into a political conflict. Several major European powers did…

Conflict lasted for more than thirty years, but ended with the Peace of Westphalia. All German states could determine their own religion. The more than 300 states that made up the Holy

Roman Empire became independent states.

REVOLUTIONS IN ENGLAND

REVOLUTION IN ENGLAND Complaints grew until England slipped

into Civil War. Adversaries were:Cavaliers – Supporters of the King, Charles IRoundheads – Supporters of Parliament

Parliament was successful due to the assistance of the New Model Army of Oliver Cromwell. “Rump Parliament” soon took over. Executed Charles I Abolished both the monarchy and the House

of Lords England was now a commonwealth.

REVOLUTION IN ENGLAND

THE RESTORATION Charles II is restored to absolute power

after the death of Cromwell. Parliament and the monarchy begin to

have disputes over the religious beliefs. Parliament passes the Exclusion Bill:

Would have barred James II from the throne.Created two groups: Whigs and Tories

Charles II dismisses Parliament, and then upon his death James II takes the throne.

THE GLORIOUS REVOLUTION

ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS Gave Parliament more power than the

monarchy.Right to make laws and levy taxesArmies could only be raised with their

approvalCitizens had the right to bear arms and a

jury trialCreated a freely elected ParliamentLaid the foundation for a limited,

constitutional monarchy.

WRITING ASSIGNMENT The Board of Directors at the Louvre art

museum in Paris have a new project in mind. They hope to create a memorial in honor of the “Sun King,” Louis XIV. You are a member of the Board of Trustees, who decide on whether or not projects are funded. Each trustee must compose a letter in favor of the memorial or opposing the construction of the memorial. If the majority agree, the project will move forward. What do you think?