Chapter 13
Paths to Constitutionalism and Absolutism
European History
Key Topics
1. The factors behind the divergent political paths of England and France in the 17th
century
2. The conflicts between Parliament and the King over taxation and religion in early
Stuart England, the English Civil War, and the abolition of the monarchy
3. The Restoration and development of Parliament’s supremacy over the monarchy after
the Glorious Revolution
4. The establishment of an absolutist monarchy in France under Louis XIV
5. Religious policies of Louis XIV
6. The wars of Louis XIV
England and France 17th Century
England develops into a parliamentary monarchy with a policy of limited religious
toleration. Parliament consists of two branches, House of Lords and House of Commons
France developed an absolutist, centralized form of government, dominated by the
monarchy, and an all Catholic nation.
Two Models of European Political Development pg 418
The cost of war increased due to changes in military organization, weapons, and tactics.
Traditional resources of revenue could not handle the increase in growing costs of the
military. The English monarchy threatened local politics and economics interest. The
French monarchy made the nobility dependent upon the king’s good will. A strong
Protestant movement known as Puritanism arose in England and opposed the Stuart
monarchy. In France both the king and the Catholic Church crushed opponents to
Catholicism. In England, Parliament has bargained with the monarchy over political
issues, created legislation and laws. In France the Estates General represented the people
of France however after the 17th century they had no role in government. In both England
and France, the nobility and large landowners were at the top of social hierarchy and
sought to protect their privileges and local interest. In England a Parliamentary form of
government was established to protect the highest class and to limit the power of the
monarchy. In France the nobility concluded the best way to secure its interest was to
support the monarchy.
Constitutional Crisis and Settlement in Stuart England
James I
On the death of Queen Elizabeth, James I the son of Mary Stuart Queen of Scotts
becomes King of England. King James advocated the divine right of the king- wants little
interference from other political groups. Parliament can only meet when the king calls it
into session. To acquire more money the king creates a new custom duty (tax) known as
impositions older versions of this tax was called tonnage and poundage.
Puritans- sought to purify, or reform, that church and establish a middle course between
Roman Catholicism and the ideas of the Protestant reformers. They sought to eliminate
elaborate religious ceremonies and to replace the hierarchical Episcopal system of church
governance with a more representative Presbyterian form like Calvinist. Puritans wrote a
set of grievances to the king called Millenary Petition. King responded at a religious
conference in Hampton Court, declaring he would not accommodate the Puritans.
However he did have the bible translated in 1611. Puritans decide to leave the country
rather to reform to Anglican Church. They founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony and
the Plymouth Colony in America. King James governed by favorites. Duke of
Buckingham the king’s lover controlled royal patronage and openly sold peerages and
titles to the highest bidders. James foreign policy was peace which meant he would not
have to call parliament for money and be dependent on their good will. Parliament
wanted a war with Spain to increase their power and insure that England remains noncatholic
Charles I
The son to King James I. England enters a war with Spain and parliament refuses to
adequately fund it. In response Charles levies new tariffs and duties and attempts to
collect discontinue taxes. He enters into a forced loan tax and those who refuse to pay go
to jail. He has military troops quartered in private homes. 1628 Parliament was called into
session, because the king needed more money for the war in Spain. Parliament was
displeased with the king for his illegal tax collection and would only issue more money if
the king agreed to recognize the Petition of Rights. This meant their would be no forced
loans or taxation without consent of Parliament, no freeman would be imprisoned with
out free cause, and troops should not be quartered in private homes. To prevent
Parliament from gaining more power Charles dissolves it and makes peace with France
and Spain to conserve money. Parliament is not called again until 1640 when the war of
Scotland occurs. Charles becomes creative in tax collecting by extending the scope of
taxes. Ship Money was a tax collected for the purpose for naval protection of the coast;
Charles extends the tax and has all of England paying the tax regardless if they live by
the coast. Charles also sold titles to gain revenues; this practice would reduce the power
of the “older” titles in local influence and social standing. Charles tries to impose
religious conformity within England and Scotland by imposing on Scotland the English
Episcopal system and prayer book. Scotts rebel unleashing a war. Charles calls
Parliament into session. Parliament demands the king to redress a long list of political
and religious grievances, before issuing money for the war. In response the king dissolves
Parliament which becomes known as the Short Parliament (April- May 1640)
The Long Parliament
Landowners and merchant class represented by Parliament were dissatisfied by the king
politically and religiously. Parliament made it illegal to collect taxes that were not
approved and Parliament made a law requiring them to be called at least every three
years, and could not be dissolved without its consent. Parliament was divided on the issue
of religion.
Eruption of Civil War
Charles saw this as an opportunity to reassert his power. Parliament presents the king
with Grand Remonstrance which is a 200 article summary against the crown. The King
invades Parliament to arrest its leaders, who fled prior to his arrival. Parliament passes
the Militia Ordinance which gave them the power to raise their own army. War lasted
from August 1642-1646. Issues that were fought over- 1) Who should rule, King or
Parliament 2) Would English religion be controlled by the king or adopt a decentralized
system. Royal’s supporters were called Cavaliers the Parliament were known as
Roundheads, because of their close-cropped hair.
Oliver Cromwell and the Puritan Republic
Parliament wins against the King for two reasons 1) Parliament allied its self with
Scotland in 1643. Solemn League and Covenant an agreement with the Scots to a
Presbyterian system of church government. 2) Oliver Cromwell becomes the leader of the
Parliament army. Prides Purge – Colonel Thomas Pride physically barred the
Presbyterians from taking their seats in Parliament. As a result only 50 members were
able to take there seats and vote, known as the Independent Rump Parliament. They tried
and executed Charles. They also abolished the monarchy. 1649-1660 England was a
Puritan republic. Parliament tries to disband Cromwell’s army; Cromwell retaliates and
disbands Parliament and making him Lord Protector according to the Constitution
Instrument of Government. 1658 Cromwell dies ending the military dictatorship, which
was hated by Parliament and Protestants.
Charles II and the Restoration of the Monarchy
Charles II restores England to the status quo of 1642 with a hereditary monarch on the
throne, king decides when to call parliament and the Anglican Church is the Church of
the land, however he believes in being tolerant to other religions. Parliament passes laws
called Clarendon Code which excludes no Anglicans from religious and political life of
the nation. Parliament reinstates the navigation act which requires all imports to be
carried in English ships or in ships registered to the country from which the cargo
originated from. This law dramatically affected the Dutch for its main industry was
shipping. This caused a series of naval wars between Dutch and England. Treaty of Dover
France and England formally allied against the Dutch. Declaration of Indulgences this
law suspended all laws against Roman Catholics and Protestant nonconformist. Test Actwhich required all officials of the crown, civil and military, to swear an oath against the
doctrine of transubstantiation Charles dies in 1685
James II and Renewed Fears of a Catholic England
James II 1685-1688 He repealed the Test Act and appointed Catholics to high positions
alienating parliament. 1687 he issues the Declaration of Indulgences which suspends all
religious test and permits free worship. Parliament worried about having the King declare
England Catholic they unite. James second wife gives birth to a Catholic son the heir to
the English throne causing fear within Parliament. James older daughter is married to
William III of Orange in the Netherlands who Parliament hoped would gain the throne if
James never had a male heir.
The Glorious Revolution
William of Orange and his wife the daughter to James was asked by Parliament to invade
England. James flees to France when William III shows with his army. Parliament
declares the throne vacant and proclaims Mary and William the new monarchy in 1689.
William agrees to recognize a Bill of Rights that limits the powers of the monarchy and
guarantees the civil liberties of the English privilege classes, except it prohibits Catholics
from occupying the English throne. Toleration Act of 1689 permitted worship by all
protestants but outlawed Roman Catholics and anti-Trinitarians. Act of Settlement- in
1701 this bill provides for the English crown to go to James II second daughter and her
children, however if the daughter dies after her children then the throne would go to
Germany to the House of Hanover. George I of Germany becomes King of England. John
Locke writes Second Treaties of Government 1690 describes the relationship of the king
and his people as a bilateral contract. If the king breaks the contract the people have the
right to rebel.
Rise of Absolute Monarchy in France
Louis XIV subjected his people at home to “one king, one law, one faith”. Louis would
support the noble’s local authority and in return the nobles would support his central
royal authority.
Henry IV and Sully
Henry Navarre 1589-1610
Henry sought to curtail the privileges of the French nobility by targeting governors, and
regional parlements. Royal civil servants known as intendants goals were to prevent
abuses from the sale of royal offices that had the right to collect revenues, sell licenses, or
carry out other smaller forms of administration. Corvee was a royal labor tax that created
a national force of drafted workers who were employed to improve roads and facilitate
internal travel. Henry assassinated in 1610
Louis XIII and Richelieu
Henry’s 9 year old son becomes king with his mom Marie de Medicis becoming regent.
Treaty of Fontainebleau 1611 was a 10 year mutual defense pact with Spain, it also
arranged for the marriage of Louis XIII and a Spanish princess and a marriage between
Elizabeth her daughter with the heir to the Spanish throne.
Cardinal Richelieu 1585-1642 becomes the king’s chief advisor. Richelieu pursued a
strongly anti Habsburg policy. He also tries to limit Spain’s power over France by
supporting Protestants in foreign countries. Treaty of the Pyrenees 1659 seals peace
between France and Spain.
Richelieu campaigns against the Huguenots. Peace of Alais 1629 shortened the Edict of
Nantes by denying Protestants the right to maintain garrisoned cities, separate political
organizations, and independent law courts. Richelieu’s policies created strong resentment
of the monarchy by the nobility and wealthy commercial groups.
Young Louis XIV and Mazarin
Louis becomes king in 1643 at the age of 5, is mother Anne of Austria places the power
of government in the hands of Cardinal Mazarin. Mazarin continues Richelieu’s policy
creating more resentment. A series of widespread rebellions break out known as Fronde.
Nobility and townspeople sought to reverse the trend of a growing absolute monarchy
and to preserve local autonomy. Louis flees the country for a short while, until he is
asked to return. Nobility were unable to govern themselves effectively.
The Years of Louis XIV’s Personal Rule
Mazarin dies and Louis does not appoint another chief administer. Louis used
propaganda to show the public of his great achievements. Louis also allowed local
governments to retain most of their power. Any laws or taxations that might affect the
local region Louis consulted with the local parlements. However he did clash with the
Parlements of Paris, so he curtails their power, local parlements also dislike the
Parlements of Paris.
King by Divine Right
Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet a political theorist who believes the rights of the French
king and the church against the pope in appointments and taxation.
VersaillesThe permanent residence of Louis after 1682, and is located on the outskirts of Paris.
Louis uses the court life to have nobles ask for their favors.
Suppression of Jansenists
Louis believed that political unity and stability required religious conformity.
Jansenism believed that original sin had so corrupted humankind that individuals could
do nothing good nor secure their own salvation without divine grace. Movement started
by Cornelius Jansen, and was in conflict with the teachings of the Jesuits. 1660 Louis
permitted the Sacram Sedem 1656 to be enforced which banned the Jansenism from
France.
Government Geared for Warfare
By 1660 France was superior to any other European nation in administrative bureaucracy,
armed forces, and national unity. Three French ministers established and supported Louis
great war machine: Colbert, Louvois, and Vauban
Colbert and the French Economy
Jean-Baptiste Colbert 1619-1683 was the controller general of finances. Colbert
economic policy was carefully regulating the flow of imports and exports create new
industries, and public works. He also cut down on administrative positions, reduced the
number of tax-exempt nobles, and increased taxes on peasants. Mercantilism is when
governmental control was exercised over industry and trade in accordance with the theory
that national strength is increased by a preponderance of exports over imports.
Louvois, Vauban, and the French Military
Louvois is the war minister from 1677-1691. Louvois instituted good salaries and
improved discipline, making soldering a respected position. Introduced a system of
promotion by merit
Sebastien Vauban perfected the arts of fortifying and besieging towns. He devised a
system of trench warfare
Louis’s Early Wars
War of Devotion 1667-1668 fought over Louis’s claim to the Spanish Belgium provinces.
He believed his wife should have inherited properties on the death of her father the
Spanish King. England, Sweden, and the United provinces of Holland form a triple
alliance to compel Louis to back off from the territory and sign the Treaty of Aix-laChapelle 1668.
Invasion of the Netherlands
Treaty of Dover 1670 England and France becomes allies against the Dutch thus
weakening the Triple Alliance and allows Louis to invade the Netherlands in 1672.
During the battle France gains control over the Mediterranean. The Peace of Nijmwegen
ended the hostilities of the second war. United Netherlands retain all of its territory
Revocation of the Edict of Nantes
Louis launched a campaign against the Huguenots in a determined effort to unify France
religiously. Banned Huguenots from government office, excluded them from certain
professions such as printing and medicine. Louis used taxes to encourage converting to
Catholicism. In October 1685 Edict of Nantes was revoked, resulting into the closure of
schools and churches.
Louis’s Later Wars –map on 438
The League of Augsburg created in 1686 to resist French expansion into Germany, it
includes England, Spain, Sweden, the United Providences, and the electorates of Bavaria,
Saxony, and the palatinate. Peace of Ryswick signed in September 1697 secured
Holland’s borders and stopped Louis expansion into Germany.
War of the Spanish Succession: Treaties of Utrecht and Rastatt
November 1 1700 the king of Spain Charles II dies. Louis and the Australian emperor
Leopold had claims to the Spanish inheritance through their grandsons. The throne
should go to Louis grandson because his grandmother was the oldest daughter, however
she renounced her right to the throne when she signed the Treaty of Pyrenees 1659.
Charles II leaves his empire to Phillip of Anjou Louis’s grandson, upsetting the balance
of power. Phillip moves to Madrid Spain and becomes Phillip V king of Spain. Louis
attacks Flounders again, but this time in the name of Spain. September 1701, England,
Holland, and the Holly Roman Empire formed the Grand Alliance to counter Louis
territorial goals. 1701, the 13 year war of the Spanish Succession begins. France goes to
was with a weakened army, archaic weapons, and a weak economy France loses the
majority of battles against England who is superior in weapons, money, and generals.
1713 Frances signed an armistice with England at Utrecht which concluded hostilities. It
confirmed Phillip as king of Spain but gave Gibraltar and the island of Minorca to
England
Politically
16th century belonged to Spain
17th century belonged to France
18th century belonged to England