World history/WHME101/Political and military development/Rise of absolutism

Reading

Read chapters 31-32 of the volume below, pp. 565-668. As you do so, pay particular attention to the sections that discuss the Near East, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Americas.

Consider the following questions as you complete your reading:

• Which powers contested for dominance during this period?

• What was life like for ordinary people in Europe in the 1600s and 1700s?

• What was the Treaty of Westphalia and what impact did it have in Europe?

• What was the impact of plague?

Jack Maxfield, A Comprehensive Outline of World History, Houston: Connexions, 2011, pp. 565-668.

Can you imagine what life might have been like for you if you lived during this period? Share a thought about this with your fellow students by posting a comment on WEnotes below. For example:

• As a woman ...
• The fear of plague ...

(Visit the course feed to read comments from participants)