17th Century Europe
• Society
• France and Louis XIV
• Russia and Peter
• England and its Civil War
Society in 17th Century Europe
• Manor System (feudalism) is slowly
declining in West, still common in East
• Vast majority were poor
• Life for poor similar to life of last millennium
• “Little Ice Age” continued to reduce
temperatures that brought wet summers and
cold winters– reduced food supply
• Smaller birth rate and more malnutrition
Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715)
• Ruled from age of 5
• “The Sun King”
• Reduced power of nobles
• Built new palace of
Versailles
• Encouraged art and
literature
• Created large navy
• Involved France in series
of wars that will almost
bankrupt it
Peter the Great (r. 16891725)
• Wanted to modernize
Russia
• Traveled Europe to see
government/military
styles
• Would modernize Russian
army
• Created first Russian fleet
• Created new capital of St.
Petersburg
• Defeated Sweden
Discussion Questions for Thursday
• What signs of opulence do you see in Louis’ court?
• Why do you believe Louis said “I am the state”?
• Can you imagine a modern leader acting this way?
• Why did Louis act this way?
• Do you sense any resentment this may foster?
• Was Versailles an effective way to hold power?
• Was Louis’ extravagance justified?
• What problems may arise from constantly praising Louis?
• Do you think this opulence is more than other rulers of
the day?
Charles I(r. 1625-1649)
• Started expensive wars with
Spain that bankrupted
England
• Facing war with Scotland he
agreed to share power with
Parliament
• Both formed armies,
sparking Civil War (16421649)
• Was put on trial and
beheaded
Oliver Cromwell (r. 16531658)
• Dissolved Parliament to
become military dictator of
England
• Crushed rebellions in
Scotland and Ireland
• Instituted strict Puritan laws