THE GROWING POWER OF WTESTERN EUROPE, 1640-1715

THE GRAND MONARQUE AND THE BALANCE OF POWER

Louis XIV of France, born in 1643, held a powerful and influential position in modern history,
influencing international events and promoting pro-French interests. He inherited and
developed state institutions, promoting French culture and language, and engaged in diplomatic
intrigue to secure Spanish possessions.

The idea of balance of power

The balance of power in the 17th and 18th centuries was crucial for maintaining European
states' independence and sovereignty. This was achieved through alliances against dominant
states, such as Austria, Spain, France, England, Holland, Sweden, and Bayern. The Dutch, led by
William III, played a significant role in preventing universal monarchy.

THE DUTCH REPUBLIC

Dutch civilization and government
The 17th-century Dutch Republic was a prosperous and influential nation known for its unique
culture, government, and intellectual success. The Dutch Republic was characterized by a
diverse religious landscape, extensive trade, and a decentralized political system. Notable
figures included Hugo Grotius, Baruch Spinoza, and Christian Huyghens. The Dutch Baroque
style in painting and their exploration and maritime prowess contributed to their cultural and
political success.

Foreign affairs: conflict with the English and French

In the late 17th century, the Dutch Republic faced economic threats from the Navigation Act
and French military threats. The Dutch formed an alliance with the English and Sweden, creating
the Triple Alliance. Louis XIV invaded in 1672, leading to William of Orange's election as
stadholder. William formed alliances with minor powers, leading to the Treaty of Nijmegen. In
1689, William became king of England, aligning the British Isles with French expansionism.

BRITAIN THE CIVIL WAR

The text highlights England's isolation from European affairs after the Spanish Armada's defeat,
its absence from the Congress of Westphalia, and its internal issues, particularly the English Civil
War. This marked a strategic shift away from direct involvement in European conflicts and led to
tensions in the British Isles, particularly with Ireland.

England in the seventeenth century

In the early 17th century, the English population was small, but over time, it spread due to
religious and economic pressures. The English government built their empire, acquiring colonies
like New York and Jamaica. The English developed a unique literary culture, with notable figures
like Shakespeare and John Milton shaping the language. The English engaged in international
trade and primarily derived wealth from land.

background to the civil war: parliament and the Stuart king

The 17th century saw kings clash with medieval representative institutions, leading to the
formation of Parliament in England. James I, an advocate of royal absolutism, faced financial
challenges and strained relations with Parliament. Charles I attempted to rule without
Parliament, leading to the ship-money dispute. The Scottish Rebellion and the Long Parliament
led to the English Civil War, with the Solemn League and Covenant establishing uniformity in
religion.

The emergence of cownwell

During the English Civil War, the Roundheads, led by Thomas Fairfax, played a crucial role in the
parliamentary cause. Oliver Cromwell, a devout Protestant, led the New Model Army, which
became a center for democratic ideas. After King Charles I's execution, England was declared a
republic called the Commonwealth, with Cromwell as its governing figure. However, his rule
faced challenges, leading to the end of his rule and the restoration of monarchy.

BRITAIN: THE TRIUMPH OF PARLIAMENT

The restoration 1660-1688 the later Stuarts
During the period, England's political factions were the Whigs and Tories, with Whigs supporting
the king, Catholics, and French, and Tories loyal to the church and king, with their respective
party sizes being small.

The revolution of 1688

James II, king of England, appointed Catholics to influential positions and promoted religious
toleration, leading to tensions with the Church of England. The Glorious Revolution, a Protestant
son of James II, led to the king's son, Mary, being proclaimed co-rulers over England and
Scotland. The English Parliament enacted a Bill of Rights, allowing Protestant Dissenters to
practice their religion but excluding them from politics.

THE FRANCE OF LOUIS XIV 1643-1715

The triumph of absolutism
France, with a population of 19 million in 1700, was a wealthy country with a diverse society. It
excelled in arts and culture, with notable schools and influential architecture. Louis XIV
patronized the arts and established royal academies, promoting classical aesthetics. Parisian
salons emerged as unofficial gathering places, promoting French culture and attracting foreign
visitors.

The development of absolutism in France

Absolutism is a governance system where political liberties are limited and the king holds
centralized power. Louis XIV's power was limited due to regional institutions, legal traditions,
and local economies. France had a feudal tradition of political freedom, but Louis XIV sought to
centralize power. The doctrine of absolutism, popular in France, emphasized the divine right of
kings and the need for reasonable and just power.

Government and administration

Louis XIV centralized military control in France, ensuring all armed individuals fought for him. He
aimed to create a unified command structure, organized military ranks, and placed artillery
under the army's control. A large civilian administration allowed for more organized military
management. The Palace of Versailles, built near Paris, symbolized aristocracy and authority.
Louis XIV preferred recent upper-class status for government positions and established a strong
administrative coordination system.

Economic and financial policies

The French monarchy faced financial challenges due to costly and inefficient tax collection
methods. Louis XIV aimed to strengthen France's economic power through mercantilism and
reduced internal tariffs. He introduced a Commercial Code, supported manufacturing, and
founded colonies. However, the Old Regime of Bourbon rule was characterized by
inconsistencies, with the government restricting privileges of provinces and nobles while
protecting them to generate revenue. The French Revolution of 1789 resolved this
inconsistency.

Religion: The evocation of the edict of Nantes 1685

Louis XIV supported the Gallican church's independence claims and repressed the Jansenist
movement, aiming for religious unity. However, his policies shifted towards intolerance, leading
to the mass emigration of Protestants. Despite economic and social consequences, France's
economy grew stronger by 1700, but peasants suffered heavy taxation and famines. Despite
these challenges, France remained organized and well-organized.

THE WARS OF LOUIS XIV THE PEACE OF UTRECHT 1713

 Before 1700
Louis XIV pursued ambitious foreign policy during his reign, aiming to expand French territories
and achieve a frontier on the Rhine and Alps. He faced opposition from the Triple Alliance and
the Dutch War. He formed an alliance with Charles II of England and signed the Treaty of
Nimwegen, expanding France's power. The League of Augsburg formed, involving Catholic and
Protestant states.

The war of Spanish succession

The War of the Spanish Succession, lasting 11 years (1702-1713), marked a shift in warfare from
religious to professional armies. The war focused on commerce and sea power, with English
money playing a significant role in Continental politics. The Grand Alliance, formed in 1701,
included England, Holland, Austria, Brandenburg, Portugal, and the Italian duchy of Savoy,
aiming to counter Louis XIV's expansionist ambitions. The Allies achieved notable victories at
Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet.

The peace of Utrecht

The Treaties of Utrecht and Rastadt in 1713 ended the War of the Spanish Succession, dividing
Spanish territories between the British and French. The British retained control of Gibraltar and
Minorca, while the Duke of Savoy acquired Sardinia. The rest of the Spanish Mediterranean was
passed to the Austrian Habsburgs. The war had significant impacts on France, leading to
poverty, misery, and depopulation. The treaties confirmed the international system of relations
established by the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, leaving France and Great Britain as the two
most vigorous imperial powers in Europe.