absolute monarch
a king or queen who has unlimited power and seeks to control all aspects of society
divine right
the idea that monarchs are God's representatives on earth and are therefore answerable only to God
Louis XIV
King of France from 1643 to 1715; his long reign was marked by the expansion of French influence in Europe and by the magnificence of his court and the Palace of Versailles
War of the Spanish Succession
a conflict, lasting from 1701 to 1713, in which a number of European states fought to prevent the Bourbon family from controlling Spain as well as France
Thirty Years' War
a European conflict over religion and territory and for power among ruling families, lasting from 1618 to 1648
Seven Years' War
a conflict in Europe, North America, and India, lasting from 1756 to 1763, in which the forces of Britain and Prussia battled those of Austria, France, Russia, and other countries
Peter the Great
(1672-1725) Czar of Russia, was responsible for the westernization of Russia in the 18th century
English Civil War
a conflict, lasting from 1642 to 1649, in which Puritan supporters of Parliament battled supporters of England's monarchy
Glorious Revolution
the bloodless overthrow of the English king James II and his replacement by William and Mary
Constitutional Monarchy
A system of governing in which the ruler's power is limited by law.
