Midterm- Ap European History: European State Consolidation in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries (Chapter 5)

The Dutch Golden Age was a period when individuals of many religious backgrounds coexisted peacefully. It also shared an overseas empire with East India , making some goods more accessible at a cheaper price.

Its decline was caused by the death of William III of Britain and naval supremacy passing on to Britain. Countries stopped trading through Dutch ships and traded directly with one another.

The cost of warfare increased due to the change of military organization, weapons, and tactics. France was able to bring new revenues and built a secure financial base and achieved political absolutism. England failed which brought parliamentary monarchy in England.

Taxation

• Charles I collected taxes and forced land owners to pay their loans in order to gain money for England for the war without the need for calling parliament. (He later had no choice but to call the parliament)

Religion

• Extreme puritans who were a part of the parliament wanted to abolish bishops and the book of common prayer.

In France, Louis XVI wanted the monarchy to be the most important political institution while also giving power to the nobility and other wealthy groups. He also wanted political unity through religious unity to consolidate power.

Meanwhile in England, Charles I was too focused on collecting taxes so that he could rule England without the need to call the parliament.

• Founding of St. Petersburg, where he built smaller versions of versailles

• Created the Table of Ranks which equated a person’s social position with their rank in the military

• Gained secular control over the church