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Total Categories: 6
The term 'favourite' is exclusively used to denote a sexual partner of a ruler.
Answer: False
The term 'favourite' does not exclusively denote a sexual partner; while such relationships could exist, favour was often based on administrative skills or personal companionship.
The definition of 'favourite' provided by the Oxford English Dictionary does not carry a neutral connotation.
Answer: True
The OED definition implies undue favour, suggesting a negative or critical perspective rather than neutrality.
The Spanish term 'valido' was generally considered less derogatory than the English term 'favourite'.
Answer: True
The term 'valido' in Spain was generally perceived as less pejorative than the English 'favourite' or the French 'favori'.
What is the fundamental definition of a 'favourite' as delineated in the provided material?
Answer: The intimate companion of a ruler, often delegated significant political power.
The material defines a 'favourite' as an intimate companion of a ruler, frequently delegated substantial political authority, particularly in post-classical and early-modern Europe.
Does the designation 'favourite' invariably connote a sexual relationship with the sovereign?
Answer: No, the source explicitly states it does not always imply a sexual relationship.
The term 'favourite' does not invariably imply a sexual relationship; while such connections existed, favour could also be based on administrative skills or personal companionship.
What specific connotation does the Oxford English Dictionary ascribe to the term 'favourite', as referenced within the provided text?
Answer: An inbuilt element of disapproval, suggesting undue favour.
The OED definition suggests 'undue favour,' implying a connotation of disapproval rather than neutrality.
How is the Spanish term 'valido,' employed for royal favourites, characterized in the text in comparison to its English counterpart?
Answer: Less derogatory than the English 'favourite'.
The Spanish term 'valido' was generally considered less derogatory than the English term 'favourite'.
The phenomenon of royal favourites achieved its greatest prominence in post-classical and early-modern Europe, with particular emphasis between 1600 and 1660.
Answer: True
The role of the favourite was indeed most pronounced in post-classical and early-modern Europe, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries, with a notable peak between 1600 and 1660.
The ascendancy of favourites was primarily attributed to the increasing administrative complexity of governance, which often outpaced the capabilities or inclination of hereditary rulers during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Answer: True
The rise of favourites was largely a response to the growing complexity of state administration, which many rulers found challenging to manage personally, leading them to delegate power.
During which historical epochs and geographical regions did the role of the royal favourite achieve its most significant prominence?
Answer: Post-classical and early-modern Europe (16th-17th centuries).
The role of the favourite was most prominent in post-classical and early-modern Europe, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries.
According to the textual evidence, what were the primary catalysts for the emergence of the favourite as a significant political figure during the 16th and 17th centuries?
Answer: Government complexity outpaced the administrative capacity or interest of many rulers.
The role of the favourite emerged because the increasing complexity of government often exceeded the administrative capabilities or interests of many rulers, and political institutions were still developing.
Contrary to the tradition of delegating significant power, Louis XIV of France chose to rule directly following Cardinal Mazarin's death, marking a shift away from the dominant role of favourites.
Answer: True
Upon Mazarin's death in 1661, Louis XIV declared his intention to govern personally, thereby ending the era of powerful minister-favourites in France.
By what means did successful minister-favourites, such as Cardinal Richelieu, typically manage the complex affairs of government?
Answer: A network of their own appointees ('créatures').
Successful minister-favourites typically relied on building networks of their own appointees ('créatures') to manage government affairs effectively.
What did Louis XIV's decisive action upon Cardinal Mazarin's death in 1661 signify regarding the future of royal favouritism in France?
Answer: The end of the 'golden age of the favourite' in France as he chose to rule directly.
Louis XIV's decision to rule directly after Mazarin's death marked the end of the era of powerful minister-favourites in France.
By the late 17th century, the role of the favourite as a quasi-Prime Minister experienced a decline, not because monarchs delegated more power, but due to shifts in executive authority and monarchical assertion.
Answer: True
The decline was due to monarchs asserting more direct control (like Louis XIV) and the shift of executive power towards institutions like Parliament, rather than increased delegation to favourites.
The established nobility generally did not welcome the rise of royal favourites, often perceiving it as an unnatural disruption of the established courtly hierarchy.
Answer: True
The nobility typically viewed the rise of favourites with envy and loathing, seeing it as a breach of the natural social order.
Individuals from the higher nobility, such as Robert Dudley, frequently experienced less resentment and enjoyed more enduring tenures as favourites.
Answer: True
Favourites originating from the higher nobility often faced less opposition and maintained their positions for longer periods, likely due to their established social standing.
The increasing influence of Parliament in England significantly curtailed the scope for royal favourites to wield unchecked political power.
Answer: True
The growing power of Parliament in England served to limit the extent to which royal favourites could exercise absolute political authority.
The establishment of the office of Prime Minister in England signified a formalization of executive power shifting away from the monarch towards parliamentary accountability.
Answer: True
The creation of the Prime Minister's office formalized the transfer of executive power from the monarch to a head of government accountable to Parliament.
Favourites rising from humble backgrounds were often intensely resented by the nobility, precisely because their ascent was perceived as lacking legitimacy.
Answer: True
Favourites from humble origins often faced strong resentment from the nobility due to the perceived illegitimacy of their rapid rise.
Which pivotal factor contributed to the diminution of the favourite's role as a quasi-Prime Minister by the close of the 17th century?
Answer: Monarchs began asserting more direct control and executive power shifted elsewhere.
The decline was due to monarchs asserting more direct control and the gradual shift of executive power away from the monarch, often towards parliamentary bodies or established ministerial offices.
What was the prevailing disposition of the nobility concerning the ascendancy of royal favourites?
Answer: With envy and loathing, viewing it as a breach of social order.
The nobility typically reacted to favourites with envy and loathing, perceiving their rise as a disruption of the established social hierarchy.
Which factor contributed to the greater longevity and reduced resentment often experienced by favourites originating from the higher nobility?
Answer: Their established social standing and legitimacy.
Favourites from the higher nobility often faced less resentment and lasted longer due to their established social standing and existing legitimacy.
What was the consequential impact of the escalating influence of Parliament upon the position of favourites within England?
Answer: It limited the scope for favourites to wield unchecked political power.
The growing power of Parliament in England significantly restricted the ability of favourites to exercise unchecked political influence.
What did the formal establishment of the office of Prime Minister in England (circa 1721) represent in terms of governmental evolution?
Answer: The formalization of power shifting from the monarch to Parliament.
The establishment of the Prime Minister's office formalized the shift of executive power from the monarch towards Parliament and a government accountable to it.
What was the principal source of animosity directed towards favourites who ascended from humble origins?
Answer: Their rapid ascent was viewed as unnatural and illegitimate by the nobility and gentry.
The primary reason for dislike of favourites from humble backgrounds was the perception among the nobility and gentry that their rapid ascent lacked legitimacy.
According to the provided text, to what primary factor was the decline of the favourite system in England principally linked?
Answer: The rise of the Prime Minister's office and parliamentary power.
The decline of the favourite system in England was primarily linked to the rise of the Prime Minister's office and the increasing power of Parliament.
Following approximately 1650, the nature of favourites' downfalls tended to shift from dramatic executions towards more subdued retirements.
Answer: True
After the mid-17th century, the dramatic downfall of favourites through execution became less common, replaced by quieter retirements.
Biblical figures such as David and Joseph are cited in the text as exhibiting characteristics pertinent to the role of a favourite.
Answer: True
The text mentions biblical figures like David and Joseph as examples exhibiting aspects of the favourite role.
Piers Gaveston, a favourite of Edward II, did not die peacefully of old age; he was executed by rebels.
Answer: True
Piers Gaveston, a favourite of Edward II, was captured and executed by rebels in 1312.
Álvaro de Luna, favourite to John II of Castile, was executed not due to popular support, but rather due to significant opposition from the Castilian nobility.
Answer: True
Álvaro de Luna was executed in 1453 after facing considerable pressure and opposition from the Castilian nobility.
Robert Cochrane, a favourite of James III of Scotland, was executed by rebellious nobles, not by the King himself.
Answer: True
Robert Cochrane and other favourites of James III were hanged by rebellious nobles after a revolt.
Pargalı İbrahim Pasha, a prominent favourite of Suleiman I, was executed, likely on suspicions of treason or overreaching his authority.
Answer: True
Pargalı İbrahim Pasha, favourite of Suleiman I, was executed in 1536, possibly due to suspicions of treason.
Robert Dudley maintained his position as a favourite of Elizabeth I for several decades and was widely rumoured to be her lover.
Answer: True
Robert Dudley was a long-standing favourite of Elizabeth I, rumoured to be her lover, and a significant figure at court for decades.
'Les Mignons,' associated with Henry III of France, were not primarily known for administrative skills but rather for their close association with the monarch, often causing controversy.
Answer: True
'Les Mignons' were favourites of Henry III of France, whose presence at court often generated controversy, rather than being noted primarily for administrative skills.
Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, Duke of Lerma, served as the first significant 'valido' in Spain, effectively governing the country for approximately 20 years.
Answer: True
Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, Duke of Lerma, is recognized as the first prominent 'valido' in Spain, holding effective power for about two decades.
George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, served both James I and Charles I, and his assassination stemmed from political opposition and perceived arrogance.
Answer: True
George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, was a favourite to both James I and Charles I, and his assassination in 1628 was linked to political opposition and his perceived arrogance.
Axel Oxenstierna's tenure as a key figure in the Swedish government was remarkably long-lasting, spanning over four decades.
Answer: True
Axel Oxenstierna served as a principal administrator in Sweden for over forty years, demonstrating a remarkably enduring role.
Henri Coiffier de Ruze, Marquis de Cinq-Mars, was executed in 1642 for leading a conspiracy against Cardinal Richelieu, who had governed France for many years.
Answer: True
Henri Coiffier de Ruze, Marquis de Cinq-Mars, was executed for conspiring against Cardinal Richelieu, who had been the dominant political figure in France for nearly two decades.
Grigory Potemkin maintained significant political influence in Russia for many years subsequent to the conclusion of his romantic relationship with Empress Catherine II.
Answer: True
Grigory Potemkin continued to wield considerable political power in Russia for approximately fifteen years after his romantic relationship with Catherine the Great ended.
Manuel de Godoy, a favourite of Charles IV of Spain, was widely unpopular and his tenure contributed to political instability rather than stability.
Answer: True
Manuel de Godoy was a highly unpopular favourite of Charles IV of Spain, and his influence contributed to political turmoil, not stability.
Grigori Rasputin was murdered in 1916, shortly preceding the Russian Revolution, and his influence over the Romanovs was significant but ultimately did not secure their dynasty.
Answer: True
Grigori Rasputin was assassinated in 1916, shortly before the revolution, and despite his influence, he did not secure the Romanov dynasty's future.
Madame de Maintenon did not accept the role of Louis XIV's mistress; rather, she eventually became his second, morganatic wife, signifying a unique relationship and a status elevated beyond that of a conventional mistress.
Answer: True
Madame de Maintenon refused the role of mistress and became Louis XIV's morganatic wife, a status distinct from that of a typical mistress.
Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, was indeed supplanted as Queen Anne's favourite by her cousin, Abigail Masham.
Answer: True
Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, lost her position as Queen Anne's favourite to her cousin, Abigail Masham.
Constantine Phaulkon, a Greek national, served as the principal counsellor to King Narai of Ayutthaya, wielding considerable influence over state policy.
Answer: True
Constantine Phaulkon, a Greek, was the chief counsellor to King Narai of Ayutthaya and significantly influenced the kingdom's policies.
What discernible shift occurred in the nature of favourites' downfalls subsequent to approximately 1650?
Answer: Downfalls shifted from execution to quieter retirements.
After circa 1650, the downfall of favourites tended to transition from dramatic executions to more subdued retirements.
Which biblical personages are referenced in the text as embodying aspects of the favourite role?
Answer: David and Joseph.
Biblical figures such as David and Joseph are cited as exhibiting characteristics pertinent to the role of a favourite.
Through what means did Piers Gaveston, a prominent favourite of Edward II of England, meet his demise?
Answer: Execution by rebels.
Piers Gaveston met his end through execution by rebels in 1312.
What were the principal factors precipitating the execution of Álvaro de Luna, favourite to John II of Castile?
Answer: Significant pressure and opposition from the nobility.
Álvaro de Luna was executed due to significant pressure and opposition from the Castilian nobility.
By what method did Robert Cochrane and other low-born favourites of James III of Scotland meet their end?
Answer: Being hanged by rebellious nobles.
Robert Cochrane and other low-born favourites of James III were hanged by rebellious nobles.
Who was Pargalı İbrahim Pasha, and what was the ultimate fate that befell him?
Answer: A favourite of Suleiman I who was executed.
Pargalı İbrahim Pasha was a favourite of Suleiman I of the Ottoman Empire who was executed.
To which English monarchs did George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, serve as a principal favourite?
Answer: Both James I and Charles I.
George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, served as a favourite to both King James I and his son, King Charles I.
In what manner did Madame de Maintenon's relationship with Louis XIV distinguish itself from that of his other mistresses?
Answer: She refused the role of mistress and eventually became his wife.
Madame de Maintenon distinguished herself by refusing the role of mistress and eventually becoming Louis XIV's morganatic wife.
With which British monarch was Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, most closely associated as a favourite?
Answer: Queen Anne.
Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, was a close associate and favourite of Queen Anne of Great Britain.
Which of the following individuals is identified as a favourite of the Roman Emperor Hadrian?
Answer: Antinous
Antinous is identified as the beloved companion and favourite of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Who was Charles d'Albert, duc de Luynes, and what pivotal action did he undertake during his tenure?
Answer: He was a favourite of Louis XIII who arranged the murder of Concini.
Charles d'Albert, duc de Luynes, was a favourite of Louis XIII who orchestrated the murder of Concini, the favourite of the Queen Mother.
What historical phenomenon does the depiction of Hugh Despenser the Younger's execution serve to illustrate?
Answer: The violent downfall that favourites could face during political instability.
The execution of Hugh Despenser the Younger illustrates the violent downfalls that favourites could experience during periods of political instability and rebellion.
Which Spanish favourite is depicted in an equestrian portrait attributed to Velázquez, as mentioned in the text?
Answer: Gaspar de Guzmán y Pimentel, Count-Duke of Olivares
The text mentions an equestrian portrait by Velázquez depicting Gaspar de Guzmán y Pimentel, the Count-Duke of Olivares, a prominent Spanish favourite.
The 'mushroom' analogy, employed by Christopher Marlowe, characterized favourites who achieved sudden and often unexpected prominence, typically from humble origins, rather than those who were long-established figures.
Answer: True
Marlowe's 'mushroom' analogy was used to describe favourites who rose rapidly and unexpectedly, often from obscure backgrounds, not those with long-established court positions.
Figures such as William Cecil and Jean-Baptiste Colbert are often distinguished from archetypal 'favourites,' as their influence stemmed more from administrative acumen than solely from courtly favour.
Answer: True
Cecil and Colbert are often differentiated from typical favourites because their power derived primarily from administrative expertise rather than solely from personal favour.
In his 1602 work, Tomás Fernández de Medrano posited that favourites should be viewed not as rivals to royal authority, but as necessary extensions thereof, crucial for effective governance.
Answer: True
Medrano's theoretical justification framed the favourite as an essential instrument for effective royal governance, rather than a threat to the monarch's authority.
Ben Jonson's play 'Sejanus His Fall' did not lead to recognition for accurately portraying court life; rather, it resulted in his summons before the Privy Council due to accusations of contemporary allusions.
Answer: True
Jonson was summoned before the Privy Council because his play 'Sejanus His Fall' was accused of containing unflattering allusions to the court of James I, not for its accurate portrayal of court life.
Francis Bacon suggested that princes elevated favourites primarily to secure loyal companions and purchase friendship, acknowledging the inherent risks involved.
Answer: True
Bacon observed that princes often elevated favourites to gain loyal companions and secure friendship, despite the potential risks to their own position.
Lord Macaulay held a critical view of favourites in English history, characterizing them as generally disliked and odious figures.
Answer: True
Lord Macaulay viewed favourites in England unfavourably, describing them as generally odious and unpopular.
Jean Bérenger's seminal 1974 study argued that the widespread success of minister-favourites across Europe in the 17th century was not coincidental but indicative of significant underlying historical developments.
Answer: True
Bérenger's study contended that the prevalence of minister-favourites in 17th-century Europe reflected significant, interconnected historical changes rather than mere coincidence.
In the context of Piers Gaveston, what did the 'mushroom' analogy signify?
Answer: A favourite who rose suddenly and unexpectedly, often from humble origins.
The 'mushroom' analogy, used by Marlowe for Piers Gaveston, signified a favourite who achieved sudden prominence, often from humble origins.
In what key aspects did figures like William Cecil and Jean-Baptiste Colbert diverge from the conventional archetype of a 'favourite'?
Answer: They rose through administrative ranks and concentrated on governance.
Cecil and Colbert differed from typical favourites by rising through administrative ranks and focusing on governance, rather than solely relying on courtly favour or acting as noble grandees.
According to the treatise by Tomás Fernández de Medrano from 1602, what was the ideal conceptualization of the favourite's role?
Answer: As a necessary extension of royal authority, aiding governance.
Medrano viewed the favourite ideally as a necessary extension of royal authority, crucial for effective governance, rather than a rival.
For what specific reason was Ben Jonson summoned before the Privy Council in relation to his play 'Sejanus His Fall'?
Answer: His enemies accused it of containing unflattering allusions to the court of James I.
Ben Jonson was summoned because his play 'Sejanus His Fall' was alleged by his enemies to contain contemporary allusions to the court of James I.
According to Francis Bacon's analysis, what was the primary motivation for princes to elevate individuals to the status of favourites?
Answer: To gain loyal companions and purchase friendship, despite risks.
Bacon suggested princes elevated favourites primarily to secure loyal companions and purchase friendship, acknowledging the inherent risks.
As articulated by Lord Macaulay, what was his assessment of the historical perception of favourites in England?
Answer: Generally disliked and considered odious.
Lord Macaulay viewed favourites in England as generally disliked and odious figures.
Jean Bérenger's 1974 study posited that the widespread success of minister-favourites during the 17th century was:
Answer: Not coincidental, but indicative of significant underlying changes.
Bérenger argued that the widespread success of minister-favourites in the 17th century was not coincidental but reflected significant underlying historical developments.
What does the portrait of Cardinal Richelieu, executed by Philippe de Champaigne, symbolically represent?
Answer: Richelieu as a symbol of the successful 'favourite' era in France.
The portrait of Cardinal Richelieu by Philippe de Champaigne represents him as a key figure from the successful 'golden age of the favourite' in French history.