#AP European History: State Building & Absolutism - The Night Before Review 🚀

Hey! Let's get you prepped and confident for your AP Euro exam. We're going to break down the key concepts of state-building and absolutism, focusing on what's really important. Think of this as your ultimate cheat sheet! 😉

#I. Contextual Causes: Setting the Stage for Absolutism

#A. The Rise of Monarchical Sovereignty

• The big idea: A shift towards monarchical sovereignty fueled the rise of absolutist rulers like Louis XIV and Peter the Great.
• Absolutism emerged during a period of significant change and instability in Europe.
• New Monarchs of the 16th and 17th centuries had already consolidated power, laying the groundwork for absolutism.

#B. The Divine Right of Kings

• Jacques Bossuet 👑 developed the Divine Right of Kings theory.
• This theory asserted that a ruler's authority came directly from God, granting them both political and religious power.

#C. The Aftermath of the Thirty Years’ War

• The Thirty Years’ War (ended 1648) created political and religious chaos and uncertainty.

• The war led to increased military power for rulers, boosting their prestige and authority.

  Louis XIV, a prime example of an absolute monarch, used his power to control all aspects of French life.

#II. Contesting Sovereignty: Internal and External Challenges

#A. Shifting Power Dynamics

• States struggled to maintain power both internally and externally.
• The Catholic Church's political power de...