Module 4: Absolutism and Constitutionalism

Plaster mask of Oliver Cromwell's headDuring the late 1600s and 1700s, political changes occured throughout Europes. In this module, you will explore the differing types of governments which developed in England, France, Prussia, and Russia during this time period. In particular, you will focus on the absolute monarchies of France and Russia and how the rulers in those countries consolidated power. Then, you will contrast these with the government that developed in England where people protested against the formation of an absolute monarch. This resulted in the declining power of the monarchy and increased power for the Parliament.

Pre-Assessment

Before you learn about the important people and events of Europe and Russia during a time of political upheaval, see how well you can identify several geographic locations. In this non-graded activity, find each of the countries, empires, geographic features, or cities provided on the map and click Submit. Click the player to get started.


Key Vocabulary

To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.

absolute monarch Glorious Revolution Roundheads
Cardinal Richelieu habeas corpus Stuarts
Cavaliers Hapsburg Empire Tories
Charles I James II Tudors
Charles II limited monarchy Versailles
constitutional monarchy Louis XIV westernization
divine right Oliver Cromwell Whigs
English Bill of Rights of 1689 Parliament William & Mary
English Civil War Peter the Great  
Frederick the Great Restoration