Consolidation of sovereign power into a single ruler or monarch.

The supreme authority of a monarch within their territory, free from external interference.

The theory that a ruler's authority comes directly from God.

Royal officials used by absolute monarchs, such as Louis XIV, to administer provinces and enforce royal decrees.

A system implemented by Peter the Great in Russia to create opportunities for non-nobles to serve the state and join the nobility based on merit and service.

A distribution of power among several states such that no single state can dominate or interfere with the interests of another.

An economic theory that promotes governmental regulation of a nation’s economy for the purpose of augmenting state power at the expense of rival national powers.

A permanent, professional army maintained even in peacetime, allowing for quicker mobilization and greater military power.

The process by which power is concentrated in a single authority or entity, especially a government.

An official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.

Both consolidated power through centralizing administration and controlling the nobility, but their methods differed due to unique contexts. Louis XIV used Versailles, while Peter the Great used the Table of Ranks.

Both were conflicts that challenged royal authority, but the English Civil War resulted in the execution of the monarch, while the Fronde led to a temporary weakening of the monarchy.

Both France and England used mercantilist policies to increase national wealth and power, but their approaches and specific industries they supported differed based on their respective economic strengths.

The Thirty Years' War led to the fragmentation of the Holy Roman Empire and the rise of sovereign states, while the War of the Spanish Succession aimed to maintain the balance of power in Europe and prevent French dominance.

In France, Louis XIV controlled nobles through court life at Versailles, while in Russia, Peter the Great used the Table of Ranks to integrate nobles into state service.

Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes to enforce religious uniformity, while Peter the Great brought the Russian Orthodox Church under state control.

The Dutch Revolt was caused by religious persecution and political oppression by the Spanish Habsburgs, while the Defenestration of Prague was sparked by Czech resistance to Habsburg rule.

The English Civil War led to the temporary abolition of the monarchy, while the Glorious Revolution resulted in the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

Louis XIV created a standing army and standardized military practices, while Peter the Great modernized the Russian army and navy based on Western models.

Colbert implemented mercantilist policies to strengthen the French economy, while Peter the Great focused on industrial development and state-controlled trade.

Developed the Divine Right of Kings theory.

Argued in Leviathan that humanity's natural state is chaotic, requiring a ruler for security.

A symbol of Czech resistance who opposed the Church and was burned at the stake.

King of France and a prime example of an absolute monarch; built Versailles and revoked the Edict of Nantes.

Tsar of Russia who modernized the country, established St. Petersburg, and reformed the military and administration.

King of Prussia, known for his military victories, reforms, and patronage of the arts.

King of England whose conflicts with Parliament led to the English Civil War and his eventual execution.

Dutch stadtholder who, along with his wife Mary, became King of England after the Glorious Revolution.

Chief minister to King Louis XIII of France, who centralized power and strengthened the monarchy.

The controller-general of finances under Louis XIV, who implemented mercantilist policies to strengthen the French economy.