AP European History: Unit 3 Review

Absolutism and Constitutionalism

• Absolutism: Centralization of power under a single monarch.

  • Monarchs consolidate power, reducing roles of nobles and the church.
  • Example: Louis XIV of France - "I am the state."
  • Measures to ensure power:
    • Intendant system to enforce the king’s policies.
    • Construction of the Palace of Versailles to control nobles.
    • Revocation of the Edict of Nantes to unify religious beliefs.
    • Military expansion funded by mercantilist policies.

• Constitutionalism: Limitation of government by law.

  • Example: England moves towards constitutionalism amidst European absolutism.
  • Causes of the English Civil War (1642–1651):
    • Divine right of kings clashing with parliamentary power.
    • Economic conflicts post-30 Years War.
    • Religious tensions between Anglicans and Puritans.
  • Outcomes:
    • Rise of Oliver Cromwell's military dictatorship.
    • Restoration of the monarchy.
    • Glorious Revolution: William and Mary, English Bill of Rights.

Key Figures

• Louis XIV (France): Strengthened monarchy, expanded military, revoked religious tolerance.
• Peter the Great (Russia): Westernization, introduced reforms in military, church and culture.
• William of Orange (Netherlands and England): Led Dutch revolt, later crowned in England.

Political and Military Developments

• Balance of Power: Preventing any one nation from dominating.
  • Partition of Poland: Divided by Russia, Prussia, Austria to maintain balance.
  • Battle of Vienna (1683): Ended Ottoman expansion into Europe.
  • War of Spanish Succession (1702-1713): Prevented union of French and Spanish thrones.

Economic Changes

• Agricultural Revolution: New farming techniques (crop rotation, seed drill) increased productivity.
• Cottage Industry: Pre-industrial manufacturing in homes.
  • Transition to textile factories powered by water.
• Mercantilism to Early Capitalism:
  • Colonies for raw materials and markets.
  • Rise of specialized banking and venture capital.

Global Trade and Consumer Culture

• Triangle Trade: Exchange of enslaved Africans, sugar, rum.
• Impact on Europe:
  • Lower prices led to increased consumer culture.
  • Expanded the availability of luxury goods like sugar and tobacco.

This summary covers the key topics and transitions in European history during Unit 3, highlighting the political, military, economic, and social developments that shaped the continent in this period.