I. Absolutism in France

1			In what ways did the policies of Louis XIV build the state's power? What evidences success or failure of these policies?
2			Which view of Louis XIV's reign do you find more persuasive, Albert Sorel's or John Rule's? Why?

II. Other Patterns of Absolutism

3			Explain the relative success of Prussia during the eighteenth century.
4			How did Austria centralize state power during this period?
5			Compare Russian absolutism to that of France and Prussia. In what ways was it similar to each? How was it different from both?

III. Alternatives to Absolutism

6			What developments support the argument that during the late seventeenth century the gentry triumphed in England?
7			Compare the decentralization of government and society that occurred in the United Provinces, Sweden, and Poland during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.

IV. The International System

8			Compare the nature of war and diplomacy during the eighteenth century with that of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries.
9			What role did "reasons of state" and dynastic interests play in the wars, diplomacy, and internal policies of European states during the eighteenth century? Give examples.