This comprehensive study guide covers the key themes, concepts, and figures of Unit 3 in AP European History, focusing on the rise of absolutism and the transformative impact of the Scientific Revolution. We'll explore the shift in power dynamics, the intellectual ferment of the era, and the long-term consequences that shaped modern Europe.
I. Absolutism in the 17th Century:
A. Key Characteristics of Absolutism:
- Centralized Power: Monarchs consolidated power, weakening the authority of the nobility and other competing power structures. Think about how this differed from the feudal system.
- Divine Right of Kings: The belief that monarchs derived their authority directly from God, making them accountable only to God. This ideology served to legitimize their rule.
- Control of the Church: Many absolute monarchs exerted significant influence over religious institutions within their realms. Consider the examples of Louis XIV and the French Catholic Church.
- Standing Armies: The development of large, professional armies allowed monarchs to enforce their will and suppress dissent. This significantly altered warfare in Europe.
- Mercantilism: Economic policies aimed at increasing national wealth and power, often through government regulation and protectionist trade practices. Understand the role of colonies in mercantilist systems.
B. Case Studies of Absolute Monarchs:
- Louis XIV of France ("The Sun King"): The epitome of absolutism. Analyze his methods of consolidating power, his role in building Versailles, and the impact of his reign on France and Europe. What were the long-term consequences of his reign?
- Philip II of Spain: Examine his attempts to maintain Spanish power in Europe and the Americas, the challenges he faced, and the ultimate decline of Spanish power. How did religious factors influence his reign?
- Peter the Great of Russia: Focus on his modernization efforts, his westernization policies, and the impact of these reforms on Russian society and the state. Consider the costs associated with his reforms.
C. The Limits of Absolutism:
- Internal Resistance: Nobility, religious groups, and other segments of society often resisted the centralization of power. Explore examples of rebellions or conspiracies against absolute monarchs.
- External Conflicts: Wars and international pressures placed constraints on the power of absolute monarchs. Consider the impact of major wars on the financial and political stability of absolutist states.
- Economic Factors: Economic crises and famines could undermine the legitimacy and stability of absolute regimes. Discuss how economic hardship could lead to social unrest and challenge the authority of the monarch.
II. The Scientific Revolution:
A. Key Figures and Their Contributions:
- Nicolaus Copernicus: Heliocentric theory, challenging the geocentric model of the universe.
- Johannes Kepler: Laws of planetary motion, providing mathematical support for the heliocentric model.
- Galileo Galilei: Astronomical observations using the telescope, further supporting the heliocentric model. Understand the conflict between Galileo and the Catholic Church.
- Isaac Newton: Laws of motion and universal gravitation, establishing a unified framework for understanding the physical world.
B. The Scientific Method:
- Emphasis on observation, experimentation, and mathematical reasoning.
- Development of a systematic approach to acquiring knowledge.
- The role of reason and empiricism in challenging traditional authority.
C. Impact of the Scientific Revolution:
- Shift in Worldview: The Scientific Revolution challenged traditional beliefs about the universe and humanity's place in it.
- Technological Advancements: Scientific discoveries led to innovations in various fields, such as medicine, engineering, and navigation.
- Rise of Scientific Societies: The establishment of organizations dedicated to the advancement of science and the dissemination of scientific knowledge.
- The Enlightenment: The Scientific Revolution laid the intellectual groundwork for the Enlightenment, paving the way for new ideas about reason, liberty, and government.
III. Connecting Absolutism and the Scientific Revolution:
- How did absolutist rulers use scientific and technological advancements to consolidate their power?
- Did the Scientific Revolution challenge or support absolutist rule? Explore both sides of this complex relationship.
- How did the emphasis on reason and observation impact political thought and social structures during this period?
This study guide provides a framework for your Unit 3 AP European History review. Remember to consult your textbook, class notes, and other supplemental materials for a more comprehensive understanding. Good luck with your studies!
