Despotic+Rulers

STATION 1 - SPAIN

Spain lost a war against England. Economy was week, and prices rose. Provinces started declaring independence.
 * Why did Spain lose power at the end of the 1500’s?**

The silver from the colonies went to Spain's enemies. Prices of goods constantly rose as an inflation. Inflation occurs when the nation acquires too much gold, and therefore prices rise. Spain kept acquiring silver, but didn't spend them correctly as mercantilism made stated keeping the silver is more beneficial than importing goods.
 * What problems did Spain have because of all the new wealth from the colonies in the Americas?**

The church's help made all this possible. The reason is because the the church could prove that the rulers had the divine rights.
 * What made absolute power possible in many European countries?**

STATION 2 - Louis XIV and France

Skepticism stated that certain knowledge are impossible to gain.
 * What was “Skepticism”?**

He used middle class men to work in the governments which cut down the nobles' powers and increased the power of the king.
 * How did Richelieu (not even a King!) increase the power of the French government?**


 * How did Louis XIV increase his power?**


 * What factors eventually led to the weakening of France?**

STATION 3 - Central Europe

In the first half of war, Catholic forces led by Ferdinand, the Holy Roman Emperor, won. However, Germany suffered as the army looted towns. Then Protestant king of Sweden won several battles. Last years of war, France helped Protestant although France was a Catholic nation. France was afraid of Hapsburg. It ended in 1648 with Peace of Westphalia.
 * Explain how the Thirty Years’ War progressed and how it was such a disaster for Germany.**

The weak states were located at central Europe. The economies were less developed. Most people were peasants, and region was not built with economy based on towns. Nobles had much power.
 * What were the characteristics of the weak states in central Europe?**

STATION 4 - Russia


 * Describe Ivan IV’s rule (Ivanthe Terrible)**

secret police to hunt opponents and kill. Killed oldest sons.


 * Describe Peter the Great’s rule.**

modernize Russia. new tech and ways of working from Europe. Back to russia. Increased power of ruler. Cut power of nobles, built force of army. More social status for women, began media. Promoted education.

STATION 5 - England


 * Describe the causes and consequences of the English Civil War.**

The king, Charles I, made relationship between king and Parliament uneasy. Charles I closed the parliament. When Charles I tried to raise tax, Parliament opened again and passed laws to limit the King's power. Then, royalists fought against the Olive Cromwell's puritan supporters of Parliament.


 * Explain how the “Glorious Revolution” began moving England AWAY from Absolutism.**

The glorious revolution shows how England's Parliament changed the king without using any violence. This shows the king doesn't hold the absolute power anymore, and that the subjects could change the king when not satisfied.