Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

During the eighteenth century, both France and Great Britain experienced significant development and growth as Atlantic seaboard states. However, there were also notable differences in their economic, political, and social trajectories.

In terms of similarities, both France and Great Britain saw a rise in maritime trade and colonial expansion during this period. They both established and expanded their colonial empires in the Americas, Africa, and Asia, leading to increased wealth and power. Additionally, both countries experienced significant urbanization and industrialization, leading to the growth of cities and the emergence of a capitalist economy.

Despite these similarities, there were also significant differences in the development of the two states. In France, the monarchy maintained a strong central authority, which led to a more top-down approach to economic and social development. The French economy was heavily regulated by the state, and there was a rigid social hierarchy that limited social mobility.

In contrast, Great Britain experienced a more decentralized and market-driven approach to development. The British government was less interventionist in the economy, allowing for greater economic freedom and innovation. This led to the rise of a powerful merchant class and the development of a more fluid social structure.

Furthermore, the two countries had different colonial strategies and relationships with their colonies. France focused on establishing a mercantilist system in its colonies, where resources were extracted and sent back to the motherland. In contrast, Great Britain developed a more diverse and decentralized colonial economy, with a focus on trade and the development of local industries.

In conclusion, while both France and Great Britain experienced significant development as Atlantic seaboard states during the eighteenth century, they had distinct approaches to economic, political, and social development. These differences shaped their respective trajectories and legacies in the modern world.

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Enlightened absolutism was a form of government in which absolute monarchs pursued legal, social, and educational reforms inspired by the Enlightenment. The characteristics of enlightened absolutism included the belief in the ruler as a "benevolent despot" who would use their power to improve the lives of their subjects, the promotion of religious tolerance, the implementation of legal reforms to protect the rights of citizens, and the support of education and culture.

In eighteenth-century Prussia, Austria, and Russia, the monarchies of these countries attempted to meet the aims of enlightened absolutism to varying degrees. In Prussia, King Frederick the Great implemented legal reforms, abolished torture, and promoted religious tolerance, but fell short in fully embracing Enlightenment ideals due to his continued support of serfdom and limited political freedoms. In Austria, Empress Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II implemented legal and administrative reforms, abolished torture, and promoted education, but also faced challenges in fully implementing Enlightenment ideals due to resistance from the nobility and clergy. In Russia, Catherine the Great implemented legal reforms, promoted education and culture, and corresponded with Enlightenment thinkers, but her rule was also marked by the suppression of political dissent and the maintenance of serfdom.

Overall, while the monarchies of Prussia, Austria, and Russia made efforts to embrace enlightened absolutism, they fell short in fully employing enlightened ideals due to the persistence of serfdom, limited political freedoms, and the resistance of the nobility and clergy. Despite their efforts, the monarchs of these countries were unable to fully realize the Enlightenment's vision of a just and equitable society.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

In the eighteenth century, Britain had several advantages over the continental nations, both politically and economically.

Politically, Britain had a stable and relatively unified government compared to the fragmented and often unstable governments of the continental nations. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 had established a constitutional monarchy and limited the power of the monarchy, leading to a more stable political system. This stability allowed for more consistent and long-term policies, which in turn provided a more favorable environment for economic growth.

Economically, Britain had several advantages over the continental nations. The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century, giving them a head start in industrialization and technological advancements. This allowed Britain to develop a more advanced and efficient economy, with a focus on manufacturing and trade. Additionally, Britain had a strong navy and a vast overseas empire, which provided access to valuable resources and markets. This global trade network gave Britain a significant economic advantage over the continental nations.

Overall, Britain's stable government, early industrialization, and global trade network gave them significant political and economic advantages over the continental nations in the eighteenth century.

Question 4

Talk about :
-Marie Antoinette

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-Marie Antoinette...

Question 5

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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Question 6

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 7

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

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Question 8

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

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Question 9

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 10

Talk about :
-Cardinal Fleury

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-Cardinal Fleury...

Question 11

Talk about :
-natural laws and natural rights

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-natural laws and natural rights...

Question 12

Talk about :
-Louis XV

Accepted Answer

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-Louis XV...

Question 13

Talk about :
-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 14

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 15

Talk about :
-Madame de Pompadour

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-Madame de Pompadour...

Question 16

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 17

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 18

Talk about :
-the United Kingdom of Great Britain

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-the United Kingdom of Great...

Question 19

Talk about :
-Louis XVI

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-Louis XVI...

Question 20

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

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

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?

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?

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

Talk about : -Marie Antoinette

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

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

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

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

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

Talk about : -Cardinal Fleury

Talk about : -natural laws and natural rights

Talk about : -Louis XV

Talk about : -enlightened absolutism

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

Talk about : -Madame de Pompadour

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?

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?

Talk about : -the United Kingdom of Great Britain

Talk about : -Louis XVI

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