AP Euro 18/19 Test Study Guide

Enlightened Absolutism

A form of government where absolute rulers embraced Enlightenment ideals but maintained total control over the state.

Natural Rights of Man

A philosophical concept asserting that certain rights such as life, liberty, and property are inherent and universal to all humans.

Louis XV of France

King of France whose reign marked the decline of absolute monarchy and saw significant financial crises.

Madame de Pompadour

Official mistress of Louis XV, influential in politics and culture, known for her patronage of the arts.

Patronage in English Parliament

A system rewarding political supporters with government positions in exchange for loyalty and votes.

Pocket Borough

A parliamentary constituency controlled by a small number of landowners; used to manipulate elections.

Hanoverian Dynasty

The royal house that ruled Britain from 1714 until 1901, marked by a shift towards parliamentary democracy.

Ministerial Power in England

Refers to the increasing authority of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet during the 18th century.

Decline of the Dutch Republic

The process by which the Dutch Republic lost its status as a major European power due to economic and political changes.

Bureaucracy in Prussia

An efficient administrative system in 18th-century Prussia characterized by merit-based appointments.

Frederick the Great

King of Prussia known for military successes and enlightened reforms during his reign from 1740 to 1786.

Junker Aristocracy

The landed nobility in Prussia, influential in military and political affairs, particularly during Frederick's reign.

Prussian Army

A disciplined and effective military force crucial to Prussia's rise as a major European power.

Maria Theresa

Empress of the Holy Roman Empire noted for her reforms and struggles during her reign from 1740 to 1780.

Joseph II of Austria

Holy Roman Emperor known for radical reforms influenced by Enlightenment ideals during his reign.

Catherine the Great

Empress of Russia known for her territorial expansion and attempts at political reform influenced by Enlightenment thought.

The Instructions (Catherine the Great)

Document advocating for legal reforms and individual rights, drafted by Catherine during her reign.

Charter of the Nobility

Issued in 1785, this document defined the rights and privileges of the Russian nobility under Catherine the Great.

Emelyan Pugachev

Leader of a major Cossack and peasant revolt against Catherine the Great’s regime, highlighting social unrest.

The Partition of Poland

The division of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth by Russia, Prussia, and Austria in the late 18th century.

War of Austrian Succession

Conflict (1740-1748) primarily over the succession to Habsburg territories after the death of Charles VI.

Pragmatic Sanction (1713)

Diplomatic agreement aimed at ensuring Maria Theresa's succession to the Habsburg crown.

Seven Years' War (1756–1763)

A global conflict involving major powers competing for global dominance and colonial control.

Developments in Armies and Warfare (18th Century)

Transformations in military organization and tactics, leading to more professional and disciplined armies.

Population Growth

An increase in population during the 18th century, influenced by agricultural advancements and improved living conditions.

Childhood (18th Century)

Emerging ideas about childhood, education, and social reforms for children influenced by Enlightenment thought.

Primogeniture

An inheritance practice where the firstborn son receives the entirety of a family's estate, discouraging wealth division.

Infanticide

The act of killing an infant, more common historically due to social and economic pressures.

Nuclear Family

A family structure consisting of two parents and their children, increasingly common in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Birth Control

Methods used to prevent pregnancy; limited understanding existed during the 18th century.

Agricultural Revolution (17th-19th Century)

Transformations in farming practices that increased productivity and impacted societal structures.

Crop Rotation (Abandonment of Open-Field System)

Agricultural practice of alternating crops to maintain soil fertility, moving away from traditional methods.

Jethro Tull (1674–1741)

Agricultural pioneer known for inventing the seed drill, a significant advancement in farming efficiency.

New Crops (i.e., Potato)

Introduction of crops like the potato from the Americas, significantly boosting food production.

Enclosure Acts/Movement (18th Century)

Laws allowing land consolidation, transforming agricultural practices and affecting rural populations.

Bank of England (Founded 1694)

Central bank of the UK established to manage public debt and implement monetary policy.

Cottage Industry (Pre-Industrial Economy)

Home-based production system pre-dating the factory system, where families created goods for sale.

Richard Arkwright (1732–1792)

Inventor known for his innovations in the textile industry, particularly the spinning frame.

Mercantilist Theory (16th–18th Century)

Economic theory focusing on state power through wealth accumulation and trade balance.

Colonial Empires (16th–19th Century)

Territories controlled by European powers around the world, used for resource extraction and economic gain.

Atlantic Trade (or Atlantic Slave Trade)

Transatlantic exchange of goods and enslaved people between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Social Order of the 18th Century

Hierarchical structure influenced by aristocracy, monarchy, and church authority, with emerging Enlightenment ideas.

Tenant Farming/Tithe

Systems of agricultural practice where tenants lease land and pay a percentage of produce as tax.

Serfdom (Where Did It Still Exist?)

A form of bondage where peasants were tied to the land and required to serve landowners.

Aristocratic Life/Country House

A lifestyle centered around wealth, power, and the maintenance of grand estates by the aristocracy.

Andrea Palladio (1508–1580)

Italian architect whose classical designs greatly influenced Western architecture.

Grand Tour

Educational journey undertaken by wealthy young Europeans to cultural centers in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Poverty in Towns and Cities

A significant issue characterized by urban overcrowding and economic disparity during the 18th century.

American Revolution (1775–1783)

Colonial revolt against British rule leading to the establishment of the United States.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Document asserting the American colonies' independence from Britain, emphasizing Enlightenment principles.

U.S. Constitution (1787)

The supreme law of the U.S., establishing the structure of government and principles of federalism.

Bill of Rights (1791)

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing individual freedoms and rights.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen (1789)

Foundational document of the French Revolution establishing principles of liberty and equality.

Estate System (Ancien Régime)

Social and political hierarchy in pre-revolutionary France divided into three estates.

Bourgeoisie

Middle class in France, influential during the lead-up to the French Revolution.

Estates-General (1789)

Representative assembly in France that included nobility, clergy, and commoners.

Abbé Sieyès

Political thinker and revolutionary leader known for advocating for the rights of the Third Estate.

National Assembly (1789–1791)

Governing body formed by the Third Estate during the early stages of the French Revolution.

Tennis Court Oath (1789)

Pledge made by members of the National Assembly to not disband until a new constitution was established.

Fall of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)

Storming of the prison symbolizing the uprising against royal tyranny in the French Revolution.

Olympe de Gouges (1748–1793)

French activist known for advocating women's rights during the Revolution.

Bread March (October 5–6, 1789)

Women-led march demanding affordable bread and political action from the royal family.

Civil Constitution of the Clergy (1790)

Law that restructured the Roman Catholic Church in France under state control.

Constitution of 1791

First written constitution of France, establishing a constitutional monarchy.

Legislative Assembly (1791–1792)

Government body that replaced the National Assembly after the Constitution of 1791.

Declaration of Pillnitz (1791)

Joint statement by Austria and Prussia expressing desire to intervene in France's internal affairs.

Sans-culottes

Working-class citizens in Paris who played a vital role in the radical phase of the Revolution.

Jacobins

Radical political group during the French Revolution advocating for a republican government.

Georges Danton (1759–1794)

Leading figure in the early revolution, known for advocating moderation and social justice.

National Convention (1792–1795)

Governing body that succeeded the Legislative Assembly, overseeing the radical phase of the Revolution.

Committee of Public Safety (1793–1795)

Executive body during the Reign of Terror responsible for curbing opposition to the Revolution.

Reign of Terror (1793–1794)

Period of extreme repression and violence during the Revolution, led by the Jacobins.

Guillotine

Execution device symbolizing the radical phase of the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror.

Maximilien Robespierre (1758–1794)

Key leader of the Revolution, instrumental in the Reign of Terror and the Jacobin agenda.

Revolutionary Army

Volunteer army formed to defend the French Republic during the Revolutionary Wars.

De-Christianization (1793–1794)

Campaign to reduce the influence of the Catholic Church during the radical phase of the Revolution.

Revolutionary Calendar (1793–1805)

New system of timekeeping introduced to reflect revolutionary changes in France.

Directory (1795–1799)

Government in France following the Revolution marked by instability and corruption.

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821)

French military leader who rose to power and became Emperor, shaping European politics.

Consul (1799–1804)

Title of the chief executive of France after Napoleon's coup, establishing the Consulate.

Civil Code (Napoleonic Code) (1804)

Comprehensive legal framework established by Napoleon, influencing many modern legal systems.

Concordat of 1801

Agreement between Napoleon and the Pope to reconcile French state and Catholic Church.

Lack of Women’s Rights (18th–19th Century)

Limited legal, political, and economic rights for women in Europe during this period.

Centralized Bureaucracy

An administrative system where decision-making power is centralized, characteristic of Napoleon's rule.

Censorship

Government regulation of expression and information, prevalent under Napoleon to maintain control.

Grand Coalition

Alliance of European powers formed to oppose Napoleon's expansionist policies.

Grand Empire

The extensive empire ruled by Napoleon, comprising much of Europe at its height.

Continental System (1806–1814)

Napoleon's trade blockade against Britain aimed at damaging its economy.

Nationalism

Political ideology emphasizing shared identity and self-determination among people.

Elba

Mediterranean island where Napoleon was first exiled after his abdication in 1814.

Battle of Waterloo (1815)

Decisive battle marking Napoleon's final defeat and the end of his rule.