SAMPLE FREE RESPONSE ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. Account for the fact that by the end of the 17th century, France was an absolute monarchy and England was a constitutional monarchy.
2. Compare the ways and methods by which the political rulers of France, Prussia and Russia developed absolute states in the 17th century.
3. How glorious was the Glorious Revolution of 688-1689 in England? What arguments can be made for and against the use of the term, 'Glorious Revolution'?
4. "Louis XIV's chief asset as a political leader was his ability to defuse class tensions in France." Assess the validity of this statement, paying particular attention to the roles of the nobility and the bourgeoisie.
5. How successful was Peter the Great is realizing his dream of a westernized Russia? Consider domestic and foreign policy in your answer.
6. Even with Louis XIV's leadership, why was France unable to dominate Europe militarily?
7. To what extent could the overthrow of the Stuart monarchy be considered a triumph of the middle class in England?
8. Did the Cromwellian revolution and subsequent Glorious Revolution result in any greater democratization of English society?