MODERN HISTORY: UNIT 2 – THE AGE OF ABSOLUTISM

Unit Summary:

The Age of Absolutism is a term used to describe a form of monarchy that is unrestrained by any other groups, such as churches, legislatures, or social elites. Absolutism is typically used in conjunction with some European monarchs during the transition from feudalism to capitalism, and monarchs described as absolute can especially be found in the 17th century through the 19th century. Absolutism is characterized by consolidation of power with the monarch, rise of state power, unification of the state laws, and a decrease in the influence of nobility.

Journal Questions:

You are responsible for answering each of the questions below by the day of the unit test. You are expected to provide a one paragraph response to each question.

1. How did France become the leading power of Europe under the rule of Louis XIV?

2. How did the British Parliament fight back against royal power? Why did it do this?

3. How did Peter and Catherine the Great strengthen Russia and expand its territory?

Unit Assignments:

Choose TWO of the following assignments, and complete them by the due date listed in your schedule.

1. Choose one of the countries studied in this unit (see the schedule below) and create a timeline of at least 10 major events in that nation’s history between 1500-1700. You may use either short descriptions, or illustrations, to indicate each major event (but still mark the year it happens).

2. Read A Busy Day in the Sun Kings Court and in approximately 2-3 paragraphs answer questions 1-3.

3. Choose one of the kings or queens from this unit (see your notes or textbook for names, do not use Maria Theresa) and in approximately 2-3 paragraphs write a biography of that ruler in your own words. Remember, Copy pasting = zero.

4. Read “Empress Maria Theresa” and in approximately 2-3 paragraphs, answer questions 1-3.

5. Create a graphic organizer comparing the five nations studied in this unit. You may use any format, but include: leaders, major cities, major events, and important ideas/inventions.

Unit Schedule:

DAY TOPIC ASSIGNMENTS DUE TODAY

Day 1 Spain & Her Empire Europe/Absolutism Map Activity Sept 8 PPT & Discussion, Map Activity Roman Numerals Review Day 2 France & Louis XIV Read Chapter 16, Section 2 Sept 10 PPT & Discussion, Roman Numerals Reading Review & Vocabulary Day 3 England & The Civil War Read Chapter 16, Section 3 Unit Assignment 1 Sept 14 PPT& Discussion, Documentary Reading Review & Vocabulary MODERN HISTORY: UNIT 2 – THE AGE OF ABSOLUTISM

Day 4 Austria/Prussia Read Chapter 16, Section 4 Sept 16 Finish Film, PPT & Discussion Reading Review & Vocabulary Day 5 The Rise of Russia Read Chapter 16, Section 5 Unit Assignment 2 Sept 18 PPT& Discussion, Review Game Reading Review & Vocabulary Day 6 Unit Test Unit Test Journal Questions Sept 22 Unit Test, Begin Reading for Ch 17