European History

Chapter 16: Absolutism and Constitutionalism in Western Europe Seventeen-Century Crisis and Rebuilding Economic and Demographic Crisis Majority of peasants lived in villages Hierarchy Independent farmers?landless peasants?dependent laborers and peasants Bread was primary source of nutrition When food prices got to expensive, peasants raided local food shops Moral economy Economic perspective in which the needs of a community take precedence over competition and profit Seventeenth-Century State Building: Common Obstacles and Acvhievements Absolutist monarchies All power under personal control Constitutional monarchies Respected laws passed by representative institutions Rulers who wanted to increase power encountered obstacles Lack of communication btw different parts of the state