AP Euro Probs - Absolutism?
So I'm having a hard time interpreting what these questions are asking for my AP Euro class. They're essay topics, and one is bound to be on our test. If anyone could give me the "dumbed down" version of these questions so that I may understand how to go about answering them, or give me a few pointers as to where to find the answers, it'd be very helpful!
The questions are:
- Despite the evolution of a strong, centralized, monarchical system of government, France still experienced periods of civil unrest and war. Describe these periods. How can we explain the discrete occurrences? Is there an overarching reason for why France continued to experience civil unrest?
- In the 17th century England displayed little political stability, yet by the end of the century, England had laid the foundations for constitutional monarchy. What were the political, social, economic, and religious factors and events that led ultimately to the Glorious Revolution
- Absolutism in eastern Europe was built in large part on the social and economic structures that had emerged by the seventeenth century. What were these structures, and how did their evolution affect the development of absolutism in eastern Europe?
- “Peter the Great’s reforms were driven primarily by military exigencies, not by any special attachment to the culture of western Europe.” Make an argument for this statement based on evidence provided in the text.
Comments
What civiol unrest and civil war events were there in France,and why
What were the factors that led to the Glorious Revolution in England
Whate were the social and economic structures in Eastern Europe that led to Absolute Rulers
Argue in favour of the idea that Peter the Great modernized Russia because he wanted to use military aggression to expand Russian territory,not because he admired Western culture.
The first part is biggest....French system v English system. Both these systems came about and grew after the Medieval 100 Years War between England and France finally ended about (1450). The 2 countries after all that time were then free to go their own ways.
In England the new 'Tudor Monarchy' (1485-1603) made it their policy to make a...partnership...with the nobles/ and parliament, to rule together. The balance of power was not set but was about 60% monarch, 40% parliament/ nobles.
In France after the war...the Monarchy chose the other route to monarch absolutism starting with a deal made with the Pope (1516 Concordat of Bologna) for more absolute rule of the monarch (maybe 70% monarch, 30% nobles, no parliament). France then got itself involved in the 'religious wars of Europe and Pope (1562-1598), strengthening even further the French king.
During the 1600's the two different systems were set. In France absolutism became complete under Louis XIII and Louis IV. Monarch 99% nobles/parliament 1%. In England same century the English Civil war decided the split parliament/ nobles 65%, Monarch 35%.
Unrest/ war in a absolute monarchy....is a given. With no one left at home to contend with the absolute monarch must make his possession and keep it in foreign wars, luxury, glory, for at home the absolute ruler is much feared, hated and resented by all those he's cut out of power. Assassination plots are always around and glory in war/ his luxury keeps the absolute ruler in power.
Both French Louis XIII, XIV, through the 1600's got in constant foreign wars, of no or little purpose to France, except for the king 'to look good' to stay in power. France went broke. In England under a balanced system the monarch was restrained, England stayed out of the 1600's wars and therefore prospered by 1700.