Question

crisis and absolutism in europe, 1550 - 1715
directions: write one of the following terms on each numbered line below to complete the paragraphs.

• absolutism
• commonwealth
• inflation
• armada
• czar
• mannerism
• baroque
• divine - right
• natural - rights
• boyars
• heretic
• witchcraft

in spain, the rule of philip ii was an example of (1) __ as he held virtually unlimited power over his subjects. about 15,000 spanish soldiers died as a result of the disastrous defeat of the (2) philip had sent to invade england. another result of the defeat was (3) __, which sent prices soaring.
during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, an intense hysteria over the belief in (4) __, or magic, affected the lives of many europeans. the religious zeal that led to the inquisition and the hunt for (5) __ was extended to concern about witchcraft.
following the death of england’s queen elizabeth i, james i ascended to the throne with his belief in (6) ____, the conviction that a ruler derives complete authority to govern directly from god and is responsible to god alone.
in 1642, england slipped into a civil war between the supporters of the king and the parliamentary forces. victorious, parliament abolished the monarchy and the house of lords and declared england a republic, or (7) ____.
in the sixteenth century, russia’s ivan iv became the first ruler to take the title of (8) __, the russian word for caesar. ivan iv took steps against the (9) __ to reduce their potential threat to his throne.
the artistic renaissance came to an end when a new movement, called (10) __, emerged in italy and distorted elements such as scale and perspective. this movement was eventually replaced by (11) __, known for its use of dramatic effects to arouse the emotions.
john locke, an english political thinker, argued against absolutism. locke believed that humans had certain (12) ____, including life, liberty, and property.

Explanation:

1. Absolutism is a system where a ruler has unlimited power, which fits Philip II's rule.
2. The Armada was the Spanish fleet sent to invade England.
3. Inflation causes prices to rise, which is a result of the Armada's defeat (as resources were misused and economy affected).
4. Witchcraft is related to magic, which was the hysteria in Europe.
5. Heresy was what the Inquisition hunted (those who went against religious orthodoxy, and this was extended to witchcraft concerns).
6. Divine right is the belief that a ruler's authority comes directly from God.
7. A Commonwealth is a republic form of government.
8. Czar is the Russian title (like Caesar).
9. Boyars were the Russian nobility that Ivan IV took steps against.
10. Mannerism was an art movement that distorted elements like scale and perspective.
11. Baroque is known for its dramatic effects to arouse emotions.
12. Natural rights are the rights Locke believed humans had (life, liberty, property).

Answer:

1. Absolutism
2. Armada
3. Inflation
4. Witchcraft
5. Heresy
6. Divine right
7. Commonwealth
8. Czar
9. Boyars
10. Mannerism
11. Baroque
12. Natural rights