The Rise of ABSOLUTISM, Explained [AP Euro Review—Unit 3 Topic 7]

What is absolutism, and which factor contributed to its rise in Europe?

• A system where political power is shared equally between the monarch and the nobility, strengthened by religious unity.

• A process where political power shifted from the nobility and church towards the monarch, partly due to the weakened influence of the Catholic Church.

• A form of government where the monarch's power is limited by a strong parliament, supported by expanding merchant classes.

• A political ideology emphasizing the divine right of kings, leading to increased religious warfare and economic decline.

What was the primary belief of James I regarding his authority as king, and how did it conflict with English political traditions?

• He believed in a constitutional monarchy, where power was shared with Parliament, aligning with the Magna Carta.

• He asserted the Divine Right of Kings, claiming political authority directly from God, which clashed with Parliament's established power to approve spending.

• He advocated for a system of shared governance with the nobility, leading to a peaceful transition of power.

• He sought to establish religious tolerance across England, which was supported by the Catholic Church.

How did Louis XIV use the Intendant System to strengthen his absolute rule in France?

• He appointed intendants to serve as personal advisors, sharing administrative duties with the nobility.

• He sent intendants to various districts to act as his direct representatives, ensuring his policies were enforced and undermining local authority.

• He used intendants to negotiate peace treaties with neighboring countries, expanding France's influence through diplomacy.

• He established intendants as religious leaders to promote Catholicism and suppress Protestantism throughout France.

What was a key aspect of Peter the Great's efforts to Westernize Russia in terms of cultural institutions?

• He encouraged the adoption of Western-style democratic governance and parliamentary systems.

• He promoted the study of Western philosophy and art, leading to a decline in traditional Russian culture.

• He required the nobility to shave their beards and wear Western-style clothing, challenging traditional Russian customs and religious authority.

• He established a new capital city, St. Petersburg, to serve as a symbol of Russia's commitment to Eastern traditions.