Unit 3
By the mid 17th century the Thirty Years War was at a an end and in its wake political transformations would sweep across Europe. Throughout much of Europe the power of the monarch grew. These monarchs, such as Louis XIV, held absolute power and were in essence “the state”. Absolute monarchies grew in Prussia and Austria. The Russian Empire experienced turmoil and change under the rule of the czar. While much of Europe moved toward absolutism there were a few exceptions. Some European states, such as England and the Dutch Republic, relied on constitutionalism and the rule of law. In these states the power would be held by a ruling elite. These two opposing political philosophies would dominate Europe in the 17th century and beyond.
Lecture/ Notes (PowerPoints) |
Unit Handouts |