Imposing Their Will. Kingly Trait. The King Becomes Emperor. The Power of Spain. 1516, King Charles I becomes king of Spain

Transcription

1 The Monarchs of Europe Section 1 The Monarchs of Europe Section 1 Click the icon to play Listen to History audio. Click the icon below to connect to the Interactive Maps. The Monarchs of Europe Section 1 Main Idea Reading Focus The Power of Spain Spain experienced a golden age during the 1500s, but economic problems and military struggles decreased Spanish power by the 1600s. What challenges did King Charles I face when he became Emperor Charles V? What were some artistic achievements of Spain s golden age? How did Spain rise and then decline under Philip II? 1516, King Charles I becomes king of Spain The King Becomes Emperor Kingly Trait Inexperienced teenager, but had one kingly trait as member of ancient, powerful Hapsburg family, prepared to rule as absolute monarch Absolute monarch - ruler whose power is not limited by having to consult with nobles, common people or their representatives Imposing Their Will Absolute monarchs believed they ruled by divine right Monarchs received power from God, must not be challenged 1500 through 1700s, absolute monarchs tried to impose their will across much of Europe, lands beyond In Spain, Charles struggled to keep empire under control

2 Charles V and the Empire When Charles became king of Spain, he inherited the Low Countries of Belgium and the Netherlands, along with colonies in the Americas. Emperor Charles V Enemies Everywhere 1519, throne of Holy Roman Empire became vacant Position elective; Charles borrowed money to buy votes Became Holy Roman Emperor Charles V Holdings expanded to parts of Italy, Austria, various German states So vast the sun never set over it Ruling vast territories not easy task for Charles Faced enemies on all sides Ottoman Turks, French, rebellious German princes Also fought for religious control over Europe Wanted Europe to be Roman Catholic Growing Protestant movement threatened influence Charles I of Spain (aka Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor) Confrontation 1521, Charles confronted Protestant leader Martin Luther directly In spite of Charles efforts, Protestants gained influence Rebellions against Catholic rulers spread After years of warfare, Charles V had to sign Peace of Augsburg Peace Agreement gave each German prince right to decide if his state would be Catholic or Protestant Charles vision of a Catholic Europe never became reality Constant warfare also brought Charles to brink of bankruptcy Success in Americas Charles V more successful in Americas than in Europe During reign, Spanish explorers claimed much of Americas for Spain Among explorers King Charles supported Hernán Cortés, who conquered Aztec empire Francisco de Coronado, who explored American Southwest region Silver and gold flowed from American colonies Brought Spain fabulous wealth

3 Dividing the Empire Relinquished Thrones Imposing Their Will Frustrated by failures in Europe 1556, Charles V gave up thrones Decided to divide his large empire Split between his brother and his son Brother took over Hapsburg holdings in Austria Son, Philip II, ruled Netherlands, Spain, Sicily, Spain s colonies Charles V moved to monastery, dream of unified empire unfulfilled Artistic Achievements From 1550 to 1650, Spanish golden age of artistic achievement Became known as the Golden Century Art One of most prominent painters, Greek Domenicos Theotocopoulos Became known as El Greco; style famous for elongated figures Much work religious, reflected Spain s central role in Counter-Reformation Court Painter Another Spanish painter, Diego Velázquez Created masterpieces portraying people of all social classes with great dignity Velázquez had privilege of being the court painter Writers Spanish golden age also produced fine writers Greatest was Miguel de Cervantes Colonial Writers Writers in Spain s colonies produced works of merit Literature Sister Juana Ines de la Cruz wrote poetry, prose, plays Cervantes Most famous work, Don Quixote de la Mancha About man caught between medieval, modern worlds Church Criticism Church officials criticized Sister Juana for some of her ideas She believed women had right to education Spain under Philip II Spain at peak of grandeur with reign of Philip II One reason stream of gold and silver from colonies in Americas With wealth came power but gold could not solve Spain s problems Religion and Revolt King Philip II devout Catholic Saw himself as leader of Counter- Reformation Marriage to Queen Mary I of England chance to spread Catholicism Catholicism in Territories Mary died before having an heir to return England to the Catholic faith Philip also wanted to secure position of Catholicism in European territories Revolt in the Low Countries Philip s faith clashed with Calvinist Protestantism of northern Low Country provinces 1560s, bloody revolt began

4 Dutch Revolt Philip and Mary Philip II Dutch refused to declare allegiance to Philip To punish, Philip sent army under command of Duke of Alba Alba set up court Known locally as Court of Blood Tortured, executed thousands suspected of being rebels Cruelties made situation worse; rebellion broke out anew Revolt dragged on for decades 1609, truce reached Seven northern provinces formed independent nation, the Netherlands Southern provinces remained in Spanish hands English Aid to Dutch Dutch revolt deepened another rivalry, between Spain, England As fellow Protestants, England sent aid to Dutch rebels England s assistance to Dutch infuriated Philip Attacks on Spanish Ships Philip also worried about English attacks on his ships England s Queen Elizabeth I allowed ship captains to attack Spanish treasure ships, steal gold, silver for England Invasion Planned King Philip II wanted to stop England from raiding ships, return England to Catholic Church Decided to invade England Spain and England Philip s Armada Philip ordered navy to assemble great fleet, the Spanish Armada Totaled about 130 ships, 20,000 soldiers, sailors 1588, invincible fleet sailed into English channel Queen Elizabeth I rallied troops and prepared for attack Naval Battles Spanish packed ships with soldiers for land invasion Also planned to be joined by Spanish forces in Netherlands Faced fierce naval battles that severely damaged fleet Armada Not Invincible English aimed eight fire ships at remaining ships of Armada Spanish ships fled in panic, disarray As damaged ships made way home, several were wrecked

5 An Empire in Decline The defeat of the Armada was not the end for Spain, which recovered from the loss. But England remained Protestant, defiant, and undefeated. Internal Problems Spain s real problems internal Philip s government centralized He trusted no one Court riddled by factions, suspicion Government action practically Americans Join the Battle Philip spent wealth from Americas on constant warfare Borrowed money often; went bankrupt four times Prices driven up (inflation) Spain did not develop came to standstill industries Relying on traditional agricultural economy, Spain s economy lagged behind that of other countries. Spain declined as a major power. The Impact of Spain s Golden Century The Monarchs of Europe Section 2 Main Idea Reading Focus Absolute Monarchy and France Henry IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV strengthened the French monarchy, with Louis XIV setting the example of an absolute monarch for the rest of Europe. How did Henry IV end France s wars of religion? How did Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu strengthen the French monarchy? What were the main events in the monarchy of Louis XIV?

6 Religious War and Henry IV Soon after Protestant Reformation began in Germany, it spread to France 1560s, one in ten French was Huguenot, French Calvinist Protestant Many noble families Huguenots Large number of Protestants threatened Catholic French monarchy Monarchy thought all should share one king, one law, one religion Religious conflict a challenge to the absolute monarchy Massacre In France fighting broke out between Catholics and Huguenots 1572, Catholic queen of France ordered Huguenots in Paris killed Assassins started with nobles in city for Henry of Navarre s wedding Event became known as Saint Bartholomew s Day Massacre Violence spread; final Huguenot death toll up to 70,000 Conflict and a New King Henry IV Henry of Navarre denied his religion, escaped death Later in line to be king, but as Huguenot had to fight Catholic troops to claim throne 1593, won acceptance by converting to Catholicism Crowned as Henry IV Explained conversion by saying, Paris is well worth a mass. Henry IV s children Henry IV with wife, Marie de Medici and children

7 Compromise Henry knew compromise needed to restore peace Edict of Nantes in 1598; gave Huguenots limited freedom of worship Also, right to hold office, rule in 200 cities where in majority Subjects no longer had to follow the religion of throne; for French Catholics, ended religious wars, but Catholicism was the official religion Progress Henry IV then focused on repairing war-torn country Improved financial situation, eliminated debt, built up surplus Created new industries, encouraged agriculture, stimulated trade, drained swamps, built canals, roads Became one of France s most respected monarchs Louis XIII and Richelieu Henry ruled for another ten years In 1610 he was stabbed by a fanatic Catholic Young son Louis XIII crowned Young King Mother, as regent, governed in his place for several years When Louis XIII old enough to rule, Catholic churchman, Cardinal Richelieu, became chief minister, advisor Resistance Risky Richelieu wanted to reduce power of Huguenots, strengthen monarchy 1627, used situation at port city, La Rochelle, to signal resisting monarchy carried risks Starved Out City La Rochelle had sided with English forces that took nearby island Richelieu s troops cut off supplies to city Ordered walls torn down, all churches to become Catholic The Monarchs of Europe Section 2 Louis XIII

8 Threat from Nobles Richelieu and the king saw the nobles as a threat Cardinal Richelieu turned to suppressing them Punishing Nobles Richelieu s spies uncovered series of planned revolts Punishments were severe Richelieu had three prominent nobles publicly executed for treason Fighting Catholics As chief minister, Richelieu also directed foreign policy Thirty Years War involved Catholics against Protestants in Central Europe Richelieu involved France on side of Protestants in attempt to bring down the Hapsburgs The Monarchy of Louis XIV Richelieu died in 1642, Louis XIII, 1643; Louis XIV crowned Ruled during time of great power, prosperity and glory His reign had lasting impact both positive and negative Rise of the Sun King Louis XIV also became king at young age, with mother as regent Cardinal Mazarin, chief minister after Richelieu, provided advice Louis raised to be king, taught skills needed from childhood Confident in Ability to Rule Young king supremely confident in ability to rule When Mazarin died, 18- year-old Louis declared he would run government himself I am the state, he declared Louis XIV chose the sun as his personal symbol, implying that the world revolved around him. He thus became known as the Sun King. Louis XIV Absolutism at Versailles Absolute Monarchy Louis XIV retained absolute power for rest of his long reign Began tradition of absolute monarchy to last more than century Demanded to be in charge of all military, political, economic initiatives Central Government Drew power to himself, deprived nobles of influence Built palace outside Paris at Versailles; demanded nobles visit regularly Nobles gained prestige being servants at Versailles court, not by fighting Absolutely Dependent Additionally, Louis urged nobles to develop expensive new habits of dressing, dining, and gambling As nobles grew poorer, had to depend on king s generosity just to survive

9 Spectacle at Versailles Versailles was a grand spectacle of kingly power Louis XIV s style, ceremony emphasized political strength Practically every moment of king s day required rituals by bowing courtiers Eating, dressing, walking in garden, all required a ritual Louis always knew who had given what he considered proper attention The Palace of Versailles Louis and Protestantism Louis smashed power of Huguenots Edict of Nantes had protected Huguenots since reign of Henry IV Even Richelieu had not be able to eliminate that protection 1685, Louis revoked edict, outlawed Protestantism in France Over 200,000 Huguenots fled prosperous merchants, artisans Loss of their skills, wealth helped cause financial crisis Money and the Military Louis finances always a concern Grand lifestyle cost great deal of money Treasury saved by efficient policies of Jean-Baptiste Colbert Limited imports, increased exports Even reduced government s debt Most Powerful Ruler Louis needed cash to build up military, expand French territory Enlarged army to more than 200,000 disciplined soldiers Spent money on good equipment Was most powerful ruler in Europe, taking France to war four times War over a Throne No heir in Spain Louis wanted to increase power beyond France s borders; wars cost dearly Most costly war, War of the Spanish Succession Began when Spanish king died without an heir Successor Three rulers claimed they should name the successor (for Spain) Louis wanted the Spanish throne for his oldest son Other European monarchs did not want France & Spain so closely connected Alliances 1701, England, Netherlands, Holy Roman Empire went to war against France Fighting not limited to Europe, spread to North America as well Conflict connected to phase of French and Indian Wars

10 The Monarchs of Europe Section 3 Treaty of Utrecht 1713, after many defeats, Louis accepted the Treaty of Utrecht Treaty said Louis s grandson got Spanish throne Also said France & Spain was never to be ruled by the same monarch Louis had to give up most of territory he had taken War benefited England at expense of France, Spain Despite setback, Louis XIV remained in power until death, 1715 still absolute monarch Main Idea Reading Focus Monarchy in England In contrast to the absolute monarchies of Spain and France, the English monarchy was limited by Parliament; following a civil war, Parliament became even more powerful. How did the Tudors work with Parliament? What led the first two Stuart kings to clash with Parliament? What were the causes and results of the English Civil War? What happened when monarchy returned to England? Two prominent members of Tudor dynasty, Henry VIII and daughter Elizabeth I, ruled when absolutism was common on European continent Parliament stopped England from becoming an absolute monarchy The Tudors and Parliament Henry and Elizabeth Both father, daughter had to learn to work with Parliament to fulfill goals Henry and Parliament Henry VIII created Protestant Church in England to divorce first wife Had Parliament pass laws ending power of pope in England In 1534 Act of Supremacy named king as head of Church of England Edward, Mary, Elizabeth After Henry s death and short reign of son Edward, Mary I became queen Often called Bloody Mary, briefly made England Catholic again 1558, Mary died; Elizabeth crowned queen Returned England to Anglican Church (Church of England) with Parliament s help Tension Tension developed between Parliament, queen Parliament pressured her to marry so she would have heir to throne Elizabeth refused, knowing marriage would limit her freedom Still managed to talk Parliament into approving funds she needed

11 Elizabeth in Charge Major reason for Elizabeth s good relationship with Parliament, her willingness to let the members speak openly without fear of punishment Close ties shown in fact that she called Parliament into session 10 times in 45-year reign Elizabeth clearly in charge, but had difficulty keeping subjects from questioning her actions Earl of Essex rebelled against authority Asked publicly, Cannot princes err? Cannot subjects receive wrong? Is an earthly power or authority infinite? Essex tried, executed as a traitor Not the last to question Elizabeth s authority The Stuarts and Parliament The Tudors success with Parliament not repeated Relative of the Scotland Tudors succeeded Elizabeth James I James I, first of Stuart dynasty to rule in England View of absolute monarchy caused conflict with Parliament Previous wars, own spending left him low on funds Clashes with Parliament From Scotland, considered outsider James rarely got all money he wanted from Parliament Puritans wanted reform of Church of England Puritan Reform Seen as threat to James s power; church leadership supported him Refused to pass Puritans requests for reform Did agree to publication of King James Bible Charles I Defies Parliament When James I died in 1625, his younger son was crowned king as Charles I. Issues of Money Petition of Right Placed limits on king s Popular at first, but married power Catholic princess Could not levy taxes without Involved England in military Parliamentary approval adventures overseas Parliament later refused to 1628, summoned Parliament give Charles money again to request money He taxed English people on Parliament refused until own, forced bankers to lend Charles signed Petition of him money Right Parliament was furious Petition of Right was a direct Charles dismissed Parliament challenge to absolute 1629, decided to rule without monarchy consulting Parliament again James I Charles I

12 The English Civil War Conflict Continued Parliament Reconvened 1640, Charles I finally reconvened Parliament to ask for more money Conflict continued between king who believed in absolute monarchy, Parliament that saw itself independent Conflict led to war, king s death Limited King s Powers Having been ignored 11 years, Parliament took opportunity to further limit king s powers Demanded Parliament be called at least every three years Long Parliament did not disband for several years Grudging Acceptance Parliament also ruled king could no longer dismiss Parliament Charles accepted new rules; but awaited right time to overturn War with Parliament Strategy Charles moment came when radical Puritan group in Parliament moved to abolish appointment of bishops in Anglican Church King, whose power connected to power of church, was outraged Charles Tries Power Grab Charles decided to arrest Puritan leaders for treason Led troops into House of Commons, but men had already escaped Charles had tipped hand on intentions to take back power Civil War Begins Some members of Parliament decided to rise up against king Charles I called for support of English people 1642, English Civil War began Royalists and Roundheads Without Parliament s $, king relied on contributions to pay army Wealthy nobles were called Royalists for their allegiance to Charles Parliament could back its army by voting for funding Supporters of Parliament called Roundheads for short, bowlshaped haircuts Roundheads included Puritans, merchants, some upper classes Roundhead Forces King Surrenders Parliament member Oliver Royalist army outmatched by Cromwell led Roundhead forces Cromwell s troops Rose to leadership as army general 1644, led victory in which 4,000 of king s soldiers died Cromwell soon became commander of Parliament s army 1646, king surrendered Cromwell dismissed members of Parliament who disagreed with him Those left made up what was called the Rump Parliament Oliver Cromwell A Roundhead by John Pettie

13 Trial and Execution Eventually Rump Parliament charged king with treason, put him on trial During trial, Charles defended self with great eloquence, refused to even recognize Parliament s authority to try him In the end, Charles sentenced to death for treason January 30, 1649, publicly beheaded in front of his own palace To some he was martyr; to others tyrant who got what he deserved Commonwealth England under Cromwell England s government changed completely for the next 11 years House of Commons abolished House of Lords, outlawed monarchy Became a commonwealth - government based on the common good of all people Lord Protector 1653, Cromwell given title Lord Protector of England, Scotland, Ireland Skilled leader, but demanded complete obedience Clamped down on social life, closed theaters, limited other entertainment Foreign Issues Cromwell also had to deal with foreign issues Led military expeditions to Scotland, Ireland Economic policies led to war with Dutch over trade; also warred on Spain Questions of Rule Cromwell, the king s death, war troubled many English people One was Thomas Hobbes, Royalist who fled to France during Cromwell s rule Hobbes wrote classic work of political science, Leviathan A Defender of Absolutism Leviathan In Leviathan, Hobbes described humans as being naturally selfish, fearful Hobbes argued that people needed all-powerful monarch to tell them how to live Views sparked controversy when England trying to find balance in government The Monarchy Returns Hobbes s ideas reflected the fact that many people were unhappy under Cromwell, especially when he dismissed Parliament to rule alone like a king. Attitudes were changing so much that a return to monarchy became possible. The Restoration 1658, Cromwell died; son took place; Richard Cromwell lacked father s leadership abilities His government collapsed Eventually Parliament reconvened, voted to bring back monarchy event known as the Restoration The New King Spring 1660, Parliament invited son of Charles I to be new king Parliament laid out certain conditions which Charles accepted Was crowned as Charles II People shouted their good wishes Pepys: Great joy all yesterday at London, and at night more bonfires that ever, and ringing of bells every body seems to be very joyfull in the business

14 Charles II The Reign of Charles II Charles had to address many issues 1. conflict with Dutch continued; 2. religious tensions remained; 3. role of Parliament still being developed Charles supported religious toleration for Catholics, but Parliament insisted on laws to strengthen the Church of England Restoration years, mixture of positive, negative events Positive and Negative Charles reopened theaters, flowering of English drama resulted Habeas Corpus Act passed, guaranteeing someone accused of a crime had right to appear in court to determine if should be held, released 1665, bubonic plague returned; following year Great Fire of London After fire, Charles supported public construction projects James II Later in Charles s reign the question of who would succeed him remained. His brother James was next in line, but he was a Catholic. Not Popular James married to Catholic princess, whose Catholic son would outrank James s Protestant daughters from first marriage 1685, Charles died, James crowned king Many wondered if another destructive war would follow James not popular; believed in right to rule as an absolute monarch English did not tolerate that belief Glorious Revolution 1688, group of nobles invited James s daughter Mary, husband William to become king, queen William and Mary both Protestants, lived in Netherlands James fled to France Parliament gave throne to William III & Mary II as joint rulers; transfer became known as the Glorious Revolution William and Mary painted on a ceiling at The Painted Hall. Building at the College of William and Mary. The 2nd oldest educational institution in the US after Harvard.

15 Bill of Rights With Glorious Revolution, Parliament had essentially crowned new king, queen More important, a document William and Mary had to sign before taking throne the English Bill of Rights Document prevented monarch from levying taxes without consent of Parliament, among other provisions U.S. Bill of Rights based on this document Changes in Government The Monarchs of Europe Section 4 Constitutional Monarchy Bill of Rights central to England s growth as Constitutional Monarchy - monarchy limited by law Document s approval came after decades of dramatic changes in English government England had rejected concept of absolute monarch who ruled by divine right, for monarchy ruled by law Main Idea Reading Focus Rulers of Russia and Central Europe The czars of Russia struggled with the westernization of their empire, while powerful families battled for control of Central Europe. How did Ivan IV strengthen the Russian monarchy? What reforms did Peter the Great make in Russia? How did the rule of Catherine the Great affect Russia? What states formed in Central Europe in the 1600s and 1700s? The Monarchy of Ivan IV In the 1500s Russia far behind western Europe in technical advancement and centralized government Russia run by church officials and boyars, or landowners Had conservative viewpoints Rule Without Limits 1546, young prince claimed title of czar, put Russia on different course Title was version of Latin word caesar, or emperor Ivan intended to rule without limits on power (like an absolute monarch) His own madness created chaos Reforms of Ivan IV During early years, Ivan IV made many reforms created general council that included merchants, lower-level nobles Promoted military officers on merit; drew up legal code Expanded Russia s borders, trade As a result of such achievements, the years from 1547 to 1563 are known as Ivan s good period. Ivan the Terrible During 1560s, Ivan changed Strict policies, violent actions sealed reputation as Ivan the Terrible Suspicious of closest advisors; sent them away, killed supporters Was convinced wife was murdered, people conspiring against him Private Police Force Created private police force to investigate, punish opposition Men dressed in black, rode black horses Controlled almost half of Russia s territory in Ivan s name Brutally punished anyone who spoke out against czar s policies

16 Descent into Mental Illness 1565, harshness continued; seized land from 12,000 boyars Ordered killing of thousands of people in Novgorod; suspected they wanted to separate from Russia 1581, killed his own son, next in line to be czar Descent into mental illness seemed complete Last Years of Ivan Time of Troubles Death of Ivan s son may have been accident, but left Russia without heir to throne Uncertainty about succession, economic problems, foreign invasions made chaotic period known as Time of Troubles 1613, Michael, relative of Ivan s first wife, crowned czar; first of Romanov dynasty Dynasty lasted until 1917 Ivan IV aka Ivan the Terrible Peter the Great About 70 years later, Peter I crowned czar. Became known as Peter the Great for his efforts to transform Russia into a modern state. Early Rule Building a Navy 1682, Peter became czar while a child; sister ruled in his place Age 17, removed sister from throne, took power for himself Tall, strong man Had strong personality, boundless energy One of first acts, stormed Azov, Black Sea port held by Turks Attack disaster, but inspired Peter to build navy Labored side-by-side with thousands of carpenters Built hundreds of ships New navy took up Azov campaign Turks surrendered Modernization and Reform Westernization Peter realized country needed to modernize to catch up with rest of Europe Wanted westernization; bringing elements of Western culture to Russia 1697, journeyed to western Europe to see what Russia needed to modernize New Skills Peter traveled in disguise, was sometimes recognized anyway Learned hands-on skills, especially shipbuilding Recruited European experts to bring skills to Russia Rebellion Trip cut short by rebellion of streltsy, military corps with political influence Thought streltsy wanted sister on throne; had members tortured, executed Disbanded streltsy, organized more modern army

17 Reforms In addition to modernizing army, Peter made many other reforms Brought church under state control Built up Russian industry Started first newspaper in Russia Sponsored new schools Modernized calendar, promoted officials on service, not social status Cues from West Supported education; believed Russians needed to learn more about science from West Wanted Russians to adopt European-style clothing, grooming Cut off boyars traditional long coats, beards to look European Modern Russia Through these, other reforms Peter tried to impose will on Russians Goal was to make Russia more modern country Not always successful, but considered founder of modern Russia St. Petersburg Peter also founded a new city Early 1700s, fought Sweden to acquire warm-water port Other ports choked by ice much of year Port farther south on Baltic Sea to keep Russia open to western trade all year, connect Russia to west On land won from Sweden, Peter built new capital, St. Petersburg Russia s government moved to new city Featured Western-style architecture Catherine the Great Russia s next important ruler was actually a German princess who came to Russia to marry a grandson of Peter the Great. She became known as Catherine the Great. Takes Power Husband became Czar Peter III Catherine and many nobles grew angry at his incompetent, weak rule Catherine seized power, was declared czarina of Russia Honoring Peter I Catherine saw self as true successor of Peter the Great Worked to continue his westernization efforts To emphasize legitimacy of her claim, built statue honoring Peter Early Reforms Influenced by European thinkers believed strong, wise ruler could improve life for subjects Reformed legal, education systems Removed restrictions on trade; promoted science, the arts

18 Challenges to Catherine s Rule Conflicts Catherine tried to reform Russia, was distracted by conflict Faced war in Poland, where people wanted freedom from Russian influence 1768, Ottoman Empire joined Polish cause War and Rebellion Eventually won war, took over half of Poland, territory on Black Sea While war raging, Catherine faced popular rebellion inside Russia Man claiming to be Peter III traveled countryside, leading ragtag army Strengthening the Monarchy In the end, man captured, beheaded, rebellion put down Rebellion convinced Catherine she needed to strengthen monarchy in rural areas; put local governments in hands of landowners, nobles Catherine the Great (around the time of her wedding, 1745) The Monarchs of Europe Section 4 Monarchy and Conflict in Central Europe 1500s, 1600s Central European rulers never became absolute monarchs Holy Roman Empire headed by single emperor, but did not have total authority Imperial Power Holy Roman Empire included dozens of small states Each had own ruler who fought vigorously against increased imperial power Hapsburg Family Since 1450s, all Holy Roman Emperors came from single family the Hapsburgs 1600s, Thirty Years War began Continent-Wide Affair An attempt by the Hapsburg emperor to exert authority launched the war (30 years war) Alliances between Hapsburgs, other European monarchs, made war continent-wide affair

19 The Thirty Years War Catholics against Protestants War began as a religious dispute 1618, official representing Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II, a Catholic, ordered two Protestant churches in Prague be shut down Religious Revolt Local Protestants furious, threw emperor s representatives out palace windows onto rubbish heap Emperor s attempt to control religion sparked revolt throughout region Rebellion Grew Nobles from 2 German states rebelled against emperor; nobles from other states soon joined them Rulers of other countries became involved as well Choosing Sides Monarchs of Spain, also members of Hapsburg family, joined war on Ferdinand s side King of France, Spain s rival, joined Protestant opposition Kings of Denmark, Sweden also joined on Protestant side Treaty and Toleration War dragged on until 1648, had devastating effects on Germany Two sides agreed to Treaty of Westphalia to end the war Treaty extended religious toleration to both Catholics, Protestants Also reduced even more the power of the Holy Roman Emperor Strengthened rulers of states within it Austria and Prussia Among the rulers who gained the most from the Treaty of Westphalia were the leaders of Austria and Prussia. Austria was governed by the Hapsburg family, while Prussia s rulers came from a rival family, the Hohenzollerns. Pragmatic Sanction Reforms of Ivan IV 1740, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI died without male heir Before he died, approved document called Pragmatic Sanction, stating empire could be passed to a female heir Charles VI s daughter Maria Theresa could now take throne Hohenzollerns had different plan Frederick II of Prussia, Frederick the Great, seized Silesia Offered Maria Theresa an alliance Frederick promised Maria Theresa to help her husband become the Holy Roman Emperor. Monarchy and Conflict in Central Europe Maria Theresa turned Frederick s offer down, War of Austrian Succession broke out, 1740 Spain, France, two German states entered war on Prussia s side Each hoped to gain territory 1748, with so much against her, Maria Theresa asked for peace Prussia kept Silesia, putting Prussia in position of real power

20 Continued Rivalry The Monarchs of Europe Section 4 Another War Prussia Rebounds Prussia s victory only intensified rivalry between Austria and Hungary Not long until war broke out again 1756, Seven Years War began On one side Prussia, Great Britain; on the other Austria, France, Russia During first part of war, Prussia on verge of defeat; at one point Austrian, Russian forces occupied capital of Berlin Russia pulled out, allowing Prussia to regain strength, eventually becoming strongest military power in Europe 1763, war ended, but rivalry far from over; struggle for control of Central Europe continued