History 17.1-17.2 Questions
8. Why did the Fronde occur in France between 1648 and 1653?  What were the immediate and long-term results of this uprising for the future of the French monarchy?
An uprising where nobles, merchants, peasants, and the poor rebelled for their own reasons. The king was driven from his palace during a riot. After this he took control of the government himself.
10. Cardinal Richelieu's two goals, as Louis XIII's chief minister, was to strengthen the power of the king/central government and to make France the dominant power in Europe.  How did he attempt to achieve these goals?
Appointed by Louis XIII as chief minister, he spent 18 years strengthening the government. He destroyed the Nobles power and got rid of the Huguenots in order to defend central power. He also made the Nobles work for their king to ensure loyalty.
2. How did Philip II try to further Catholicism in the areas he ruled and did not rule?
As the guardian of the Church, he was to defend it and he did so by stopping the Protestant rise and he turned the inquisition against all non-Catholics. He also fought many wars in the name of the Church.
9. Why did Louis XIV build his palace complex at Versailles?  What was life like there for the French nobility?
He built it to escape the city, it became the symbol of his rule. It was his home and the seat of government. It was lavish and for the nobility and life there was rich and suiting for a king.
1. How did Philip II ensure absolute power?
He ruled by divine right, which gave him religious power, and he also centralized the government so he could control all.
7. How did Louis’s persecution of the Huguenots harm France?
He saw religion as something that must be unified and after 100,000 Huguenots fled to escape persecution, France realized they were among the most hard working people in the country. This harmed France more than religious disunity would have.
6. Discuss how Louis XIV strengthened the power of the monarchy.
He strengthened the monarchy by recruited soldiers, collected taxes and centralized power. He also gave jobs to middle class men, which helped them gain trust and more power.
3. Explain why the period from 1550 to 1650 is considered Spain’s golden age?
It is the Golden Age for its brilliance in art and literature. Philip II was a patron of both and founded schools.
5. What were the effects of the French wars of religion? How did Henry IV rebuild French unity?
The French wars of religion tore France apart and were mostly for individual purpose. Henry IV issued the Edict of Milan to protect the Protestants. It gave them guaranteed tolerance and let them fortify their towns. He wanted peace between religions and a good Sunday dinner for all. His government provided many social services from roads to justice. He laid the road for Royal Absolutism.
4. Discuss the reasons for Spain’s decline in power and prosperity.
The lack of strong leaders after Philip II was the biggest reason. With the economy falling due to war, neglecting farming, and heavy taxes on the middle class along with loss of other religious groups the Spanish lost most of its power to France.
