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Constraints on absolute power. Internal Pressures for Reform - Britain: Corrupt electoral process John Wilkes (1727-97) 1760s and 1770s Calls for parliamentary reform in Britain. Internal Pressures for Reform - France: Conflict over parlements Involvement of Jansenists
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Internal Pressures for Reform - Britain: Corrupt electoral process John Wilkes (1727-97) 1760s and 1770s Calls for parliamentary reform in Britain
Internal Pressures for Reform - France: Conflict over parlements Involvement of Jansenists Question of taxation Protests at abolition of parlements Map Link: Parlements of France: <http://upload.wikimedia.org/ wikipedia/commons/a/ad/ Provinces_of_France.png>.
Role of Public Opinion: Wilkes as popular hero in Britain Public support of parlements in France Governments having to pay attention
External Constraints – Balance of Power: Map Link: Europe, 1748-66: <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/ Europe_1748-1766_en.png>.
External Constraints - Ottoman Empire: Map Link: Ottoman Empire, 1481-1683: <http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/shepherd/ ottoman_empire_1481-1683.jpg>
External Constraints - Ottoman Empire: 17th-18th c. Start of the decline of the Ottoman Empire Military defeats Lagging military technology
External Constraints - Britain and America: 1773 Boston Tea Party 1774 Quebec Act 1775 Start of AmericanRevolution Map Link: British Colonies in North America: <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/ British_colonies_1763-76_shepherd1923.PNG>
External Constraints - Britain and America: 4th July 1776 Declaration of Independence “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” International involvement 1783 Britain recognises American independence. Subsequently reviews relations with other territories
Summing Up – Limitations on Power: Internal limits Influence of public opinion External limits from other powers External limits from parts of own empires
Thomas Paine (1737-1809) English-Americanwriter, political activist, revolutionary Common Sense (1776)