Why Bother Building Versailles?• Symbolic expression of France’s power• Sun King/Louis Vanity• Contained the wealth of the country within the Throne, not the nobles

“I am the Senate!”

Effects of Louis’ WarsPros• Art• Literature• State’s Power• Military (?)

Cons• Debt• Taxes• Power Abuse• Military (?)

“I am the LAW!”

Thirty Years War

• Who: Protestant Union and Catholic League• When: 1618 – 1648

1. Ferdinand – Total War (Pillage/Plunder) gave the edge to the Habsburgs

2. Richelieu/Mazarin – Fearful of Habsburgs more than of Protestants, their aid of French Military turned the tides of war in 1635 and ultimately destroyed Modern day Germany

Peace of Westphalia

• When: 1648• Death toll: Germanic states from 20 mil to 16 mil• French Motivations: Religious or Political?• Consequences:

1. Ended Religious Wars in Europe2. New Peace Negotiations3. Strengthened France/ Weakened Germany4. Ended Holy Roman Empire’s Rule5. Began modern state system

Central Europe

Contrast Central/Western • Laws prohibited the

development of cosmopolitan urban centers necessary to foster capitalist/mercantalist economies.

• Serfs in Central Europe grew staple/cash crops vital to sustain urban centers in Western Europe

Central European States

• Poland– Opposite of France– Nobles elected King– Restricted his power

• Ottoman/H.R.E.– Both in decline– 30 years War hurt power– H.R.E – no more control

over Germanic States

House of Hapsburg and Maria Theresa

• The Hapsburg Family, upon coming to power removed Protestants from Austria

• Instated new royalty loyal to their throne• Created a standing army• By 1699, they had taken Hungary from Ottomans• Austria, Hungary, Bohemian crowns united under

Charles VI• To keep unified state Charles VI ensured that other

European families would recognize his heir – Maria Theresa – Successful?

Serfdom