MEH Review 3: Absolutism in France and England
What were the differences in the political thought of Claude de Seyssel and Jean Bodin? How did France’s Wars of
religion lead to this change in perception about the monarchy? Who or what were the Politiques?
What was the Edict of Nantes? Why was Henry IV arguably France’s greatest King?
Explain the greatness of Louis XIII. What were the goals of Richelieu’s policies? Give 2-3 examples of how he sought
to achieve these goals. What were the Intendants?
Cardinal Mazarin continued the policies of Richelieu, both in terms of his goals, and in terms of his
willingness to use Machiavellian means to attain them. The only real threat to his position came in the
form of the Frondes. What were these events and why were they so dangerous?
Louis XIV was the epitome of Royal Absolutism, whether it was in France or anywhere else. He
understood the nature of power and the role of symbolism in securing that power. What or who are each
of the following and how did each contribute to Louis’ hold on power?
Nicholas Fouquet (1615-1680)
Jean Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683) and Colbertisme
Versailles
Nobility of the Sword and the Nobility of the Robe
Michel le Tellier (1603-1685) and Francois le Tellier (Marquis de Louvois, 1641-1691)
Sébastien le Prestre, Marquis de Vauban (1633-1707)
Why did Absolutism succeed in France?
During the reign of James I of England (r. 1603-1625), how and why did he come into conflict with
Parliament on issues of Absolutist power?
During the reign of Charles I of England (r. 1625-1649), how did he come into conflict with Parliament
on issues of Absolutist power?
What religious issues arose during these two reigns?
Was the Puritan Revolution/English Civil War chiefly a religious or political event?
What were the Putney Debates?
How did Oliver Cromwell come to power?
What were the terms that restored Charles II and the Stuarts to power?
During the reign of Charles II (r. 1660-1685), how did he come into conflict with Parliament on issues of
Absolutist power? To what extent were these intertwined with religious issues?
How did James II’s Absolutist tendencies lead to the Glorious Revolution in 1688?
What is the significance of the Petition of Right (1628)? the Bill of Rights (1689)?
Why did Absolutism fail in England?