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.

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.

Causes: Religious tensions, political rivalries. Effects: Political and religious chaos, increased military power for rulers, rise of absolutism.

Cause: Desire to legitimize absolute rule. Effect: Monarchs believed they were accountable only to God, consolidating their power.

Causes: Religious persecution and political oppression by the Spanish Habsburgs. Effects: Formation of the Dutch Republic, a major commercial power.

Cause: Louis XIV's desire for religious uniformity. Effects: Emigration of skilled Huguenots, weakening the French economy, and increased religious tensions.

Causes: Desire to modernize Russia and strengthen its military. Effects: Westernization of Russia, expansion of the Russian Empire, and increased state control.

Causes: Conflicts between Charles I and Parliament over power and religion. Effects: Execution of Charles I, establishment of the Commonwealth, and eventual restoration of the monarchy with limited powers.

Causes: Fear of Catholic absolutism under James II. Effects: Overthrow of James II, establishment of a constitutional monarchy with William and Mary, and the English Bill of Rights.

Causes: Succession crisis in Spain and the potential union of the French and Spanish thrones. Effects: Philip V became King of Spain, but the thrones were separated, and the balance of power in Europe was maintained.

Causes: Opposition to royal policies and attempts to limit royal power during Louis XIV's minority. Effects: Temporary weakening of the monarchy and a lasting impact on Louis XIV's approach to governance.

Causes: Russia's desire for access to the Baltic Sea and to challenge Swedish dominance. Effects: Russia gained control of the Baltic territories, became a major European power, and established St. Petersburg as its capital.