THE IMPACT OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT

Ch 17.3

THE ARTS

Architecture Court of Versailles Austrian emperor,

Swedish King and others had grandiose residences.

Rococo style of art– emphasized grace, charm and gentle action

MUSIC

Johann Sebastian Bach Organist Composer

George Frederic Handel Religious music including Handel’s Messiah

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Child prodigy composer

ENLIGHTENED DESPOT (ABSOLUTISM) A new type of monarchy emerges in late 18th

century Rulers tried to govern by Enlightenment

principles while maintaining their royal powers. (Enlightenment - characterized by belief in the

power of human reason and by innovations in political, religious, and educational doctrine.)

(Despot - a king or other ruler with absolute, unlimited power)

ENLIGHTENED DESPOT (ABSOLUTISM) Prussia

Frederick the Great One of the best educated and most cultured

monarchs Established Enlightenment reforms including

abolished the use of torture (except in treason and murder). He granted limited freedom of speech and press and greater religious toleration.

But – he kept Prussia’s serfdom and rigid social structuresWelcome to Discovery Education Player

PRUSSIA – FREDERICK IIRULED 1740-1786

Absolute ruler of Prussia (Germany)

Attacked Austria, sparking the War of Austrian Succession

Unified Prussia, part of the Holy Roman Empire, into one nation

THE AUSTRIAN EMPIRE

Empress Maria Theresa

Ruled 1740 - 1780 Worked to centralize

the Austrian Empire She was not open to

philosophes’ calls for reform

She did help alleviate the condition of serfs

AUSTRIA – MARIA THERESARULED 1740 - 1780

Absolute monarch of Austria Fought Frederick II of Prussia for

control of Hungary and Silesia Reorganized the government Eased tax burden on her people Gave more rights to her subjects Gave birth to 16 children while in

power

Maria Theresa had 16 children including Marie Antoinette (#15) who married King Louis XVI of France

Joseph II (son of Maria Theresa) Co-ruled with mom 1765-1780 Ruled alone 1780 - 1790

Established reform ideas but largely failed Eliminated death penalty Established religious reform and principles of equality

RUSSIA

Catherine the Great 1762 – 1796 Intelligent Skeptical of

enlightenment ideasBut did put these reforms into place:

Free economic societyEncouraged educationRelaxed censorship Great military success

WARS

War of the Austrian Succession 1740 - 1748 When Maria Theresa took the Austrian throne,

King Frederick II of Prussia took advantage of “a woman” and invaded Austria.

France enters war on Prussia’s side Maria Theresa then makes alliance with Great

Britain 1748 – treaty made to return all territories

(except Silesia to Prussia) to their original owners

THE SEVEN YEARS’ WAR

New Allies (1756) France and England rivalry over American

colonies Prussia and Austria rivalry over Silesia This lead to France allying with Austria and

Russia joins in alliance Britain and Prussia align as allies

This allies led to the Seven Years’ War

THE SEVEN YEARS’ WAR

Three major areas of conflict Europe India North America

The War in Europe British and Prussians against the Austrians,

Russia and the French This part of the war ended in 1763 with all

territories going back to original owners

THE SEVEN YEARS’ WAR

The War in India Known as “the Great War for Empire” Fought in India and North America France against England England won because of persistence

THE SEVEN YEARS’ WAR

The War in North America Greatest of all the conflicts Known as the French and Indian War Areas of conflict

Waterways of the Gulf of St. Lawrence Ohio River valley

French moved down from Canada and up from Louisiana to establish forts in the Ohio River Valley.

French had support of Native Americans Treaty of Paris, 1763, lands east of the Mississippi River went

to England GREAT BRITAIN gained control of India and North America,

making it the world’s greatest colonial power. (test question) Seven Years' War video

end

16TH CENTURY

The 16th century began with European explorers traveling the globe and initiating a process that led to radical changes in the world; the 16th century fostered creativity and change, resulting in new inventions. It experience the growth of material wealth; it inspired new interest in learning; and it led to the formation of strong national states. These states would battle for the next few centuries

Over political freedom, absolutism, constitutionalism, and nationalism, and make western Europe a world leader. The forces that began in the 16th century have spread to every continent and influenced development all over the world. This is an important era in history.

Your assignment:

THE PRUSSIAN PRESS

You will assume the role of a political cartoonist or a columnist during the War of the Austrian Succession or the Seven Years’ War. Depict or write about a major event in a cartoon for a fictitious newspaper, The Prussian Press. You may include the balance of power in Europe, the fight over Silesia, or alliances formed by different countries. Consider whether Prussia would have invaded Austrian Silesia if it had known England would ally itself with Austria and enter the war against Prussia.