Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism Timeline

During the 1350s through the 1800s, many monarchs in Europe used their absolute power for different reasons. Many of these monarchs intensions were to expand their territory and try to please their people in order to keep their position, while others used their divine power to take control of everything. This virtual timeline shows important events that led to the rise and fall of government that occured in Spain, England, Austria, France, Russia, and Prussia. Significant events in history that impacted the power of the monarchs are also shown.

By: Megan Sitlinger and Caroline Tadduni.

1492-03-01 00:00:00

Isabella and Ferdinand

Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain were in power when Spain became the first modern European power. They took large roles in Spain’s expansion around the world. In 1492, Queen Isabella sponsored Christopher Columbus’ expedition to seek land across the atlantic. Because of her support and the entire exploration, Spain “discovered” the Americas. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, also, used their power to drive all of the muslims out of Spain and force religious unity. By doing so, most of Spain was now Christian.

1509-03-01 00:00:00

Henry VIII

Henry VIII of England reigned from 1509 - 1547.

1516-03-01 00:00:00

Charles V

Charles V of Spain reigned from 1516 - 1556.

1531-03-01 00:00:00

Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand

Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand of Austria reigned from 1531 - 1564.

1556-03-01 00:00:00

Philip II

Philip II of Spain reigned from 1556-1598.

1558-03-01 00:00:00

Queen Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth I of England reigned from 1558 - 1603.

1567-03-01 00:00:00

James I

James I of England reigned from 1567 - 1625.

1589-03-01 00:00:00

Henry IV

Henry IV of France reigned from 1589 - 1610.

1610-03-01 00:00:00

Louis XIII

Louis XIII of France reigned from 1610 - 1643.

1624-03-01 00:00:00

Cardinal Armand Richelieu

Cardinal Armand Richelieu of France was appointed as Louis XIII’s chief minister. He sought to restrain the power of the nobility and destroy the Huguenots power. By doing so, he ruined city walls of the Huguenots and outlawed their armies. He also destroyed the castles of the nobles and defeated their armies. By reducing these groups independence, he transformed France into a strong, centralized state.

1625-03-01 00:00:00

Charles I

Charles I of England reigned from 1625 - 1649.

1643-03-01 00:00:00

Louis XIV

Louis XIV was the ruler of France who reigned from 1643-1715.

1653-03-01 00:00:00

Oliver Cromwell

After the death of Charles I of England, the House of Commons decided to abolish the monarchy, the House of Lords, and the official Church of England. Oliver Cromwell became the leader of the Commonwealth, declaring England as republic. There were many challenges from having this new government. Many supporters of Charles II, the son of Charles I, were upset that he was not crowned King, and attacked Ireland and Scotland. Because Puritans imposed a ruling of saints instead of a godliness figure, Cromwell gave strict Puritan rules to England. Many acts these laws consisted of were mostly recreational activies, such as the theaters and taverns. Puritans encouraged education and taught Christians on how to read the Bible. Even though Cromwell did not accept open worship, he allowed religious freedom and welcomed Jews back to England. Unfortunately, Cromwell died in 1658, and Puritans were unable to control the people in England.

1660-03-01 00:00:00

Charles II

Charles II of England reigned from 1660 - 1685.

1682-03-01 00:00:00

Peter the Great

Peter the Great of Russia reigned from 1682 - 1698.

1685-03-01 00:00:00

James II

James II of England reigned from 1685 - 1688.

1689-03-01 00:00:00

William and Mary of Orange

William and Mary of England reigned from 1689 - 1702.

1713-03-01 00:00:00

Frederick William I

Frederick William I of Prussia reigned from 1713 - 1740.

1740-03-01 00:00:00

Frederick II

Frederick II of Prussia reigned from 1740 - 1786.

1740-03-01 00:00:00

Maria Theresa

Maria Theresa of Austria reigned from 1740 - 1765.

1756-03-01 00:00:00

Seven Year's War

The Seven Year’s War involved the great powers of Europe, which included, Austria, Prussia, France, England, and Russia. To maintain the balance of power, many nations formed alliances. The two main rivalries that ignited the worldwide conflict consisted between Prussia against Austria and France against Britain. The Seven Year’s war began in 1756 and took place in four continents, which included Europe, India, Africa, and North America. The Treaty of Paris ended the war in 1763.