In this episode we look at the unique form of absolutism that develops in Prussia under Frederick William I and Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great... And yes... that's Prussia with a P.

In this episode we look at the form and shape that absolutism will take in the Holy Roman Empire (Austria) after the Thirty Years War and the Peace of Westphalia with Leopold I.

In this second episode on Louis XIV we look at his foreign policy and the wars he waged during his 72 year reign.

Louis XIV of France is considered to be the most successful absolute monarch in Europe with a 72 year reign that epitomizes the concept of absolutism. In this episode we look at his domestic policies that he put in place to solidify his place in history as the "Le Grande Monarque."

Leveling up! In this first episode of Unit 3 we look at the context by which New Monarchies become Absolute Monarchies by examining the ways Henry IV and Cardinal Richelieu will transform France into an absolutist state.

When studying European history it is easy to forget that the monarchs, nobles, religious leaders, and philosophers that bring about change are actually a very tiny fraction of the population. In this episode we look at how life was for the commoners of Europe in the time period between 1450 to 1648.

A look at how the intellectual focus in the period between 1450-1648 moves from one based on ecclesiastical (church) controlled learning and knowledge, toward a more secular form of learning based on the teachings of the ancient Greeks and Romans, and finally to one that is based on observation, data collection, and the study of science in a systematic and uniform manner... The Scientific Revolution.

A look at the struggles in England between Parliament and the monarchs that rule after Elizabeth I. In this episode we see the development of the English Civil War that brought an end to the reign of King Charles I of England.

A look at the Thirty Years War, a topic that always proves to be a challenge, and how it marks a turning point in European History.

Part 2 in our series on the Wars of Religion. This episode looks at the French Wars of Religion, also known as the French Civil War, and looks at how a new monarch, Henry IV of France will put the interest of the state and his power above religious concerns.