This document provides an overview of the rise of absolutism in Europe between 1550-1800. It covers: - The expansion of Spanish power under Charles V and Philip II, as well as Spain's Golden Age in arts and literature. However, costly wars and economic issues led to decline. - In France, Louis XIV strengthened royal authority through expanding the bureaucracy and building the palace of Versailles. However, his religious persecutions and costly wars had negative impacts. - In England, the Stuarts increasingly challenged Parliament's authority, leading to the English Civil War and Cromwell's rule. The Glorious Revolution established a limited monarchy under William and Mary. - It also briefly mentions the

1. Chapter 17 The Age of Absolutism (1550–1800) Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. World History: Connection to Today

2. Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. Chapter 17: The Age of Absolutism (1550–1800) Section 1: Extending Spanish Power Section 2: France Under Louis XIV Section 3: Triumph of Parliament in England Section 4: Rise of Austria and Prussia Section 5: Absolute Monarchy in Russia World History: Connection to Today

5. The Wars of Philip II, 1571–1588 1

6. Spain’s Golden Age Lope de Vega wrote more than 1,500 plays, including witty comedies and action-packed romances. Miguel de Cervantes wrote Don Quixote, the first modern novel in Europe. El Greco produced haunting religious pictures, dramatic views of the city of Toledo, and striking portraits of Spanish nobles. Diego Vel á zquez painted vivid portraits of Spanish royalty. WRITERS PAINTERS The century from 1550 to 1650 is often called Spain’s siglo de oro , or “golden century,” for the brilliance of its arts and literature. 1

18. Events in England, 1603 – 1689 3

29. Peter the Great

31. St. Petersburg

33. Expansion of Russia, 1689 – 1796 5