Glossary
Absolutism
A political system where all governmental power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler, typically a monarch, who claims unlimited authority.
Example:
Louis XIV of France epitomized Absolutism, famously declaring 'L'état, c'est moi' ('I am the state').
Boyars
The traditional Russian nobility, who held significant power and influence before the reforms of Peter the Great.
Example:
Peter the Great sought to curb the power of the Boyars, forcing them to adopt Western customs and serve the state.
Cardinal Richelieu
Chief Minister to Louis XIII, who played a crucial role in centralizing power in France by weakening the nobility and increasing royal authority.
Example:
Cardinal Richelieu famously dismantled Huguenot strongholds and implemented the intendant system to extend royal control throughout France.
Catherine the Great
Empress of Russia (1762-1796) who continued Peter the Great's reforms, emphasizing education, territorial expansion, and enlightened absolutism.
Example:
Catherine the Great corresponded with Enlightenment thinkers and expanded Russia's territory significantly, including parts of Poland.
Constitutional Monarchy
A form of government in which a monarch's power is limited by a constitution or a legislative body, contrasting with absolute rule.
Example:
After the Glorious Revolution, England developed into a Constitutional Monarchy, where Parliament held significant power alongside the king.
Divine Right
The belief that a monarch's authority to rule comes directly from God, making their power unquestionable by earthly powers.
Example:
Monarchs like James I of England used the concept of Divine Right to justify their absolute power and resist parliamentary oversight.
Edict of Fontainebleau
Issued by Louis XIV in 1685, this edict revoked the Edict of Nantes, outlawing Protestantism in France and leading to the emigration of many Huguenots.
Example:
The Edict of Fontainebleau forced Huguenots to convert to Catholicism or flee, severely impacting France's skilled labor force and international reputation.
Edict of Nantes
A decree issued by Henry IV in 1598 that granted substantial rights to Huguenots (French Protestants) in predominantly Catholic France, promoting religious tolerance.
Example:
The Edict of Nantes allowed Huguenots to worship freely in specified areas and hold public office, ending decades of religious conflict.
Great Northern War
A prolonged conflict (1700-1721) between Russia and Sweden, which resulted in Russia's victory and its acquisition of Baltic Sea territory, securing its access to the West.
Example:
Peter the Great's victory in the Great Northern War against Sweden solidified Russia's position as a dominant power in Northern Europe.
Henry IV
The first Bourbon king of France (1589-1610), who worked to restore peace and stability after the French Wars of Religion.
Example:
Henry IV converted to Catholicism to unite France, famously stating 'Paris is worth a mass,' and issued the Edict of Nantes.
Huguenots
French Protestants who followed the teachings of John Calvin, often facing persecution in Catholic France.
Example:
Many skilled Huguenots fled France after the Edict of Nantes was revoked, impacting the French economy.
Intendant System
An administrative system established by Cardinal Richelieu in France, where royal officials (intendants) were sent to provinces to enforce decrees, collect taxes, and maintain order.
Example:
The Intendant System bypassed local noble authority, directly linking the provinces to the central government and strengthening royal power.
Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Louis XIV's finance minister who implemented mercantilist policies to strengthen the French economy, improve infrastructure, and fund the king's ambitions.
Example:
Jean-Baptiste Colbert promoted French manufacturing, protected industries with tariffs, and oversaw the construction of canals to boost trade.
L'etat, c'est moi
A famous phrase attributed to Louis XIV, meaning 'I am the state,' symbolizing his belief in absolute power and his identification with the French nation.
Example:
The declaration 'L'etat, c'est moi' perfectly encapsulated Louis XIV's conviction that he embodied the entirety of French sovereignty.
Louis XIII
King of France from 1610 to 1643, whose reign saw significant centralization of power under his chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu.
Example:
Though young, Louis XIII allowed Cardinal Richelieu to wield immense power, laying the groundwork for French absolutism.
Louis XIV
Known as the 'Sun King,' he was the epitome of absolute monarchy in France, reigning from 1643 to 1715.
Example:
Louis XIV consolidated royal power, built the Palace of Versailles, and engaged in numerous wars to expand French influence.
Michael Romanov
Elected as Tsar in 1613, he founded the Romanov dynasty, which ruled Russia until 1917.
Example:
Michael Romanov's election brought an end to the Time of Troubles, ushering in a new era of stability for Russia.
Moscow University
One of Russia's first universities, founded in 1755, which expanded under Catherine the Great's reign as part of her educational reforms.
Example:
The growth of Moscow University under Catherine the Great contributed to the spread of Enlightenment ideas and intellectual development in Russia.
Palace of Versailles
A grand royal palace built by Louis XIV outside Paris, serving as a symbol of his absolute power and a tool to control the French nobility.
Example:
By requiring nobles to reside at the Palace of Versailles, Louis XIV kept them under his watchful eye, distracting them with courtly rituals rather than political intrigue.
Peter the Great
Tsar of Russia (1682-1725) who implemented extensive reforms to modernize and westernize Russia, transforming it into a major European power.
Example:
Peter the Great famously traveled to Western Europe to learn about shipbuilding and military technology, which he then applied to Russia.
Robe Nobles
A new class of nobility in France, created by selling judicial and administrative offices, often exempt from taxes.
Example:
The creation of Robe Nobles by Henry IV provided a new source of revenue for the crown but also created tensions with the older 'sword' nobility.
Russian Academy of Sciences
An institution founded by Peter the Great in 1724 to promote scientific research and education in Russia, part of his westernization efforts.
Example:
The establishment of the Russian Academy of Sciences demonstrated Peter the Great's commitment to intellectual and scientific advancement in Russia.
Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens
A boarding school for girls from wealthy families, founded by Catherine the Great, reflecting her focus on education and enlightenment ideals.
Example:
The Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens was a pioneering educational institution for women in Russia, promoting a more enlightened upbringing for the elite.
St. Petersburg
A new capital city built by Peter the Great on the Baltic Sea, intended to be Russia's 'window to the West' and a symbol of its modernization.
Example:
The construction of St. Petersburg was a monumental undertaking, built on marshland with forced labor, symbolizing Peter's determination to integrate Russia into Europe.
Sully
Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, was Henry IV's chief minister who implemented economic reforms to reduce debt and improve infrastructure.
Example:
Sully helped stabilize the French economy by promoting agriculture and building roads and canals during Henry IV's reign.
Time of Troubles
A period of political instability, famine, and civil war in Russia (1598-1613) that preceded the establishment of the Romanov dynasty.
Example:
The Time of Troubles saw multiple pretenders to the throne and foreign intervention, highlighting the need for a strong, centralized Russian state.