Primary Source Packet

1. What conditions facilitated the development of monarchical absolutism in the seventeenth century? What policies were used by kings to this end?
       The conditions that facilitated the development of monarchical absolutism in the seventeenth century were that kings were constantly trying to free themselves from being controlled, This made them to try and restrict anything or anyone that could match or check their power. They did this by having Councillors whom they chose rule so they would do what they asked. They would set up an inner circle of council usually done in secret, and then their larger judicial branch which still allowed the monarch to have his say. These led to the absolute monarchs being the only ones with the say in their government.

2. Why might mercantilist doctrines be particularly appealing to seventeenth century monarchs
       Mercantilist doctrines of the time were the positive balance of trade, and economic self sufficiency. This would have been appealing to the monarchs of the seventeenth century because there was an increase of importance on trade in the states because the Atlantic World was becoming more prominent, so balancing trade would keep them in trade power, and self sufficiency would allow these countries and their colonies to survive without being in debt to others. Also a new value of this time was to be able to think for yourself (usually in the context of science) so an embodiment of that in government would be self- sustaining government so that they were not reliant on others.

3. How does family life reflect broader social, economic, and political aspects of the seventeenth century?
       The family life in the seventeenth century is urban focused, and has an emphasis on wealth. This reflects the trade focus of the time. As the world became more connected and the wealth of countries increased, families began to show their wealth. It also showed the industrialization of the time in that cities were becoming more prominent as production centers, and the family depiction shows that in its value of city life.

Leviathan

1. What is Hobbes' view of human nature?
       Hobbes' view of human nature is that humans love liberty and asserting dominance over others. They thus have a natural tendency to war. This is because of our tendency to lean towards partiality, pride, and revenge.

3. What, according to Hobbes, is the purpose of the state
       According to Hobbes, the purpose of the state is to eliminate the constant competition and conflict that humans have, and get them to work together and be united
      

4. Why do human beings come together to form a political society
         According to Hobbes, human beings come together to form a political society to have common power that can defend from invaders and internal conflicts. States also help humans use the land to nourish themselves and produce.
      

6.  What is the sovereign's highest obligation
       The sovereign's highest obligation is securing the safety of the people. This does not only entail basic survival, but also different luxuries in life. They should put out public instruction and follows these instructions themselves


7.  Does Hobbes hold out any hope that the state can improve human nature
       Hobbes holds out hope that the state can improve the state of human nature because it creates mutual agreement that allows humans to live together and work cohesively. This improves our nature because we are naturally territorial beings, so now we can work together to survive.
      

Art Presentation

       One artist from the Northern Renaissance was Albrecht Durer. Albrecht Durer was known as the "Leonardo of the North". His work had an emphasis on his study of nature, and he had religious influence in his paintings. One of his works is a self- portrait in which he depicts himself as Jesus Christ. This shows the influence of the religious movements around him.

Peace of Westphalia

4. what becomes of the constitution of the Holy Roman Empire as a result of the peace?
        As a result of the peace, the constitution of the Holy Roman Empire was changed in that Spain was forced to recognize the independence of the Dutch Republic, and made peace between the Holy Roman Empire, France, and Sweden.


5. How does the treaty define sovereignty?
        The treaty defines sovereignty as "national self- determination and a new system of political order..." This means that states and monarchs had a national identity in their country, and they had power over the politics of their nation.


6. What internal affairs of states does the peace officially address
       The peace addresses the internal affairs of the discord between the H.R.E, France, and the Dutch Republic, and the papal power distribution