Question 1

How and why did the nobility play a dominant role in the European society of the eighteenth century?

Accepted Answer

The nobility played a dominant role in European society during the eighteenth century for several reasons. Firstly, they held significant political power and influence, often serving as advisors to monarchs and holding high-ranking positions in government and the military. This allowed them to shape and control the direction of European politics and policies.

Secondly, the nobility also held vast amounts of wealth and land, making them the economic elite of society. This allowed them to control the economy and exert influence over trade, agriculture, and industry. Their wealth also allowed them to patronize the arts, leading to a flourishing of culture and intellectual pursuits during this time period.

Additionally, the nobility held a privileged social status, with their titles and lineage granting them prestige and respect. This social hierarchy meant that they were able to dictate social norms and expectations, and their influence extended to matters of etiquette, fashion, and social gatherings.

Furthermore, the nobility often held monopolies on education and learning, with many of them being highly educated and supporting the development of universities and intellectual pursuits. This allowed them to shape the intellectual and philosophical landscape of the time.

Overall, the dominance of the nobility in European society during the eighteenth century was a result of their political, economic, social, and intellectual power, which allowed them to shape and control the direction of European society.

Question 2

define the following term:
-Cardinal Fleury

Accepted Answer

Cardinal Fleury, whose full name was André-Hercule de Fleury, was a prominent French clergyman and statesman who served as the chief minister to King Louis XV from 1726 to 1743. He was known for his efforts to stabilize the French economy and for his cautious foreign policy. Fleury was also a key figure in the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Vienna in 1738, which helped to bring an end to the War of the Polish Succession.

During his time in power, Fleury worked to reduce government debt, improve tax collection, and promote agricultural and industrial development. He also sought to maintain peace in Europe and avoid costly military conflicts. However, his policies were not without controversy, and he faced opposition from various factions within the French court.

Fleury's tenure as chief minister came to an end in 1743, and he spent the remaining years of his life in retirement, focusing on his religious duties as a cardinal. He passed away in 1743, leaving behind a legacy as a skilled administrator and diplomat who played a crucial role in shaping the policies of the French monarchy during the early 18th century.

Question 3

define the following term:
-natural laws and natural rights

Accepted Answer

Natural laws and natural rights are two important concepts in political philosophy and ethics.

Natural laws are principles that are inherent in the natural world and are believed to govern human behavior. These laws are often seen as universal and unchanging, and are thought to be discoverable through reason and observation. Examples of natural laws include the law of gravity and the laws of thermodynamics. In the realm of ethics and politics, natural laws are often seen as providing a foundation for moral and legal principles.

Natural rights, on the other hand, are rights that are believed to be inherent to all human beings by virtue of their humanity. These rights are often seen as fundamental and inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or given up. Examples of natural rights include the right to life, liberty, and property. In political philosophy, natural rights are often seen as the basis for a just and legitimate government, as they provide a framework for understanding the relationship between individuals and the state.

The relationship between natural laws and natural rights is complex. Some philosophers argue that natural laws provide a basis for understanding and justifying natural rights, while others see natural rights as a product of natural laws. Regardless of the exact relationship, both concepts are central to discussions of ethics, politics, and the nature of human existence.

Question 4

Was there an agricultural revolution in the eighteenth century? Why or why not?

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Question 5

What were the characteristics of enlightened absolutism, and to what extent did the monarchies of eighteenth-century Prussia, Austria, and Russia meet the aims of enlightened absolutism? How did they fall short of employing enlightened ideals?

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Question 6

define the following term:
-the United Kingdom of Great Britain

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The answer of define the following term:
-the United Kingdom of...

Question 7

define the following term:
-Madame de Pompadour

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The answer of define the following term:
-Madame de Pompadour...

Question 8

Did family life experience significant change during the eighteenth century? Why or why not?

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Question 9

define the following term:
-Louis XVI

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-Louis XVI...

Question 10

What "advantages" did Britain have over the continental nations in the eighteenth century , politically and economically?

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Question 11

What grievances prompted the Seven Years' War? Which powers gained the most from the conflict, and which powers emerged weakened?

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Question 12

define the following term:
-Louis XV

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-Louis XV...

Question 13

Compare and contrast the development of the two Atlantic seaboard states of France and Great Britain during the eighteenth-century. How were they alike? How were they different?

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Question 14

define the following term:
-Marie Antoinette

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-Marie Antoinette...

Question 15

Given the numerous social and economic changes of the eighteenth century, those at the bottom of society often found themselves much worse off than in earlier centuries. Why?

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Question 16

What is meant by the phrases "balance of power" and "reason of state"? How did those concepts influence international relations in the eighteenth century?

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Question 17

Why did the governments of Europe develop in such radically different ways during the eighteenth century, particularly when comparing east to west?

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Question 18

define the following term:
-enlightened absolutism

Accepted Answer

The term "enlightened absolutism" refers to monarchs who embraced Enlightenment ideals of rationality and humanism while maintaining their absolute power.

Question 19

What was the nature of war and diplomacy in the eighteenth century? How would you compare the nature of war and diplomacy in the eighteenth century with that of the seventeenth century?

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Question 20

Did the social order in Europe genuinely change during the eighteenth century, or were there simply alterations made to an ongoing system?

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Quiz 18: The Eighteenth Century: European States, International Wars, and Social Change

How and why did the nobility play a dominant role in the European society of the eighteenth century?

define the following term: -Cardinal Fleury

define the following term: -natural laws and natural rights

Was there an agricultural revolution in the eighteenth century? Why or why not?

What were the characteristics of enlightened absolutism, and to what extent did the monarchies of eighteenth-century Prussia, Austria, and Russia meet the aims of enlightened absolutism? How did they fall short of employing enlightened ideals?

define the following term: -the United Kingdom of Great Britain

define the following term: -Madame de Pompadour

Did family life experience significant change during the eighteenth century? Why or why not?

define the following term: -Louis XVI