Absolutism and Key European Conflicts

The video explores the transformation of Central Europe post-Thirty Years' War, focusing on the rise of absolutism in Austria and Prussia. It highlights the Habsburgs' re-conquest of Bohemia and Hungary, the pragmatic sanction, and the emergence of Prussia under the Hohenzollern family. The narrative follows Frederick the Great's enlightened absolutism and the conflicts of the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War, emphasizing the roles of Maria Theresa and Frederick the Great in shaping European history.

What was the primary focus of the lesson's essential questions?

• The cultural achievements of the Habsburg dynasty

• The impact of the Thirty Years' War on absolutism

• The rise of democratic processes in Central Europe

• The economic development of Germany and Austria

How did the Thirty Years' War contribute to the rise of absolutism in Central Europe?

• By strengthening the middle class

• By creating a need for stability and a power vacuum

• By increasing the influence of the Catholic Church

• By promoting democratic ideals

What challenge did Charles the Sixth face regarding his dynasty?

• Economic collapse

• Invasion by the Ottoman Empire

• Lack of male heirs

• Religious conflicts

What was a key characteristic of Frederick William's rule in Prussia?

• Alliance with the Habsburgs

• Development of a strong military

• Expansion of trade routes

• Promotion of the arts

How did Frederick the Great's approach to absolutism differ from his father's?

• He emphasized being a servant of the state

• He abolished all forms of taxation

• He ignored foreign affairs

• He focused solely on military expansion

What was the outcome of the War of Austrian Succession for Maria Theresa?

• She lost all her territories

• She gained new allies in Europe

• She secured recognition of her reign

• She was overthrown by Prussia

How did Maria Theresa strengthen her rule after the War of Austrian Succession?

• By granting tax exemptions to the nobility

• By increasing domestic food production

• By promoting religious tolerance

• By forming an alliance with Prussia

Which two European powers were primarily involved in the Seven Years' War?

• France and the Ottoman Empire

• Russia and the Holy Roman Empire

• Austria and Spain

• Britain and Prussia

What was a significant global impact of the Seven Years' War?

• The decline of British colonial power

• The rise of France as a world power

• The solidification of Britain's global dominance

• The unification of Central Europe

What was a key difference between Frederick the Great and Maria Theresa?

• Frederick sought alliances with France, while Maria allied with Britain

• Frederick focused on cultural development, while Maria focused on military expansion

• Frederick promoted religious intolerance, while Maria was tolerant

• Frederick was an enlightened absolutist, while Maria was a traditional absolutist