The Enlightened Monarchs of Europe: Stability and Innovation in Spain, Germany, and Russia
This exploration chronicles the reigns of European monarchs from Charles II of Spain to Frederick II of Prussia and Peter the Great of Russia, revealing their impact on political, economic, and cultural landscapes. While facing challenges like bad genetics in succession and economic crises such as the Mississippi Bubble, these rulers advanced their nations through agricultural revolutions, industrial innovations, and enlightened governance. The interplay of power, stability, and progress during this era set the stage for modern Europe.
The Enlightened Monarchs of Europe: Stability and Innovation in Spain, Germany, and Russia
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Presentation Transcript
Spain • Charles II • Philip V • Ferdinand • Charles III • Bad genetics=no heir • Bourbon: grandson Louis XIV Economic/political stability • Weak king; loved his wife • Enlightened monarch; trained, so Spain upward in political, economic and international prestige
Ag Revolution • Seed Drill and better plow • New crop rotations • Conscious breeding of herds (sheep, cattle) • JethroTull • Turnip Townsend • Robert Bakewell
Industrial Revolution Weaving • Spinning Jenny • Flying Shuttle • Power Loom Heavy Industry • Steam engine—pump water from mines • Better steam engine • Puddling to Produce better iron • Industrial uses of Iron (bridges, etc) • Richard Arkwright • James Kay • Edward Cartwright • Newcomen • Watt • Henry Cort • Wilkinson
Economic Problems • Netherlands • France • Britain • Tulip Bulb frenzy • Mississippi Bubble • John Law • South Sea Bubble
Germany • Frederick William the Great Elector • Frederick I • Frederick William I • Frederick II the Great • Clever taking money and power from junkers • Imitation Louis XIV • “soldier’s king”; cruelty to sons; tall blonde blue eyed regiment • Enlightened monarch; warrior, culture, built modern values
Russia • Ivan the Great • Ivan the Terrible • Boris Godunov • Mikhael Romanov • Peter the Great • Victory over opponents united Russia • Strong ruler, but cruel and devout • Not royal • Back to stability • Five tasks • Church • Boyars • Port • Economy Westernized • Streamline bureacracy