Untitled Flashcards Set

What characterized King Philip II's rule?

Strict conformity to Catholicism and strong monarchical authority.

What problems did King Philip II face during his reign?

Religious resistance in the Netherlands, military defeats during the Dutch revolt and Thirty Years' War, loss of the Netherlands, and internal conflicts in Spanish territories.

What were Elizabeth I's key characteristics as a ruler?

Intelligent, pragmatic, moderate in religion, cautious in foreign policy, strategic, and resilient.

Who were the Roundheads and Cavaliers during the English Civil War?

Roundheads supported Parliament and were led by Oliver Cromwell; Cavaliers supported King Charles I.

What was the Restoration in England?

The period in 1660 when the monarchy was restored with Charles II becoming king.

What was Oliver Cromwell's role in England?

Leader of the Parliamentary forces, later became Lord Protector during the Commonwealth.

What was the Glorious Revolution?

The 1688 overthrow of King James II, leading to a constitutional monarchy with William of Orange and Mary.

What did the English Bill of Rights establish?

Limited the power of the monarchy and established the rule of law, granting Parliament rights in governance.

What exemplifies Absolutism in France?

Louis XIV centralized power, famously declaring, 'I am the state'.

What caused the Thirty Years' War?

A conflict between Protestants and Catholics within the Holy Roman Empire driven by religious tensions.

What are the characteristics of the Austrian Empire?

A diverse empire with multiple ethnic groups, ruled by the Habsburgs with struggles for national unity.

What major reforms did Peter the Great implement in Russia?

Modernized and westernized Russia, built a strong navy, reformed the army, and introduced Western customs.

What were the causes of the Scientific Revolution?

Influenced by Renaissance humanism, rediscovery of ancient texts, inventions of new instruments, and the spread of ideas.

What is the Scientific Method?

Developed by Francis Bacon, it relies on inductive reasoning and empiricism to test hypotheses.

What was Thomas Hobbes' view on human nature?

Believed humans are naturally selfish and require a strong central authority for order.

What were the main ideas of the Enlightenment?

Emphasized reason, natural law, progress, and individual freedom, originating in France.

What is the significance of the Philosophes?

French intellectuals who promoted reason, freedom, and progress to improve society.

What did John Locke advocate for?

Natural rights of life, liberty, and property; believed in the tabula rasa concept.

What did Montesquieu propose?

Advocated for separation of powers into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

What were Voltaire's main beliefs?

Championed freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and criticized absolute monarchy.

What did Mary Wollstonecraft argue for?

Women’s rights and gender equality, emphasizing access to education.

What is Laissez-Faire according to Adam Smith?

Support for free-market economics with minimal government interference.

What was Rousseau’s belief about government?

That it should reflect the general will of the people and emphasized popular sovereignty.

What Enlightenment reforms did Joseph II implement?

Religious tolerance, abolition of serfdom, and legal reforms.

What were Catherine the Great's Enlightenment reforms?

Expanded education, reformed the legal system while maintaining autocratic power.

What led to the American Revolution?

British taxation after the Seven Years' War and colonial resistance to British control.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The first U.S. constitution that created a weak central government.

What are the Bill of Rights?

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing individual freedoms.

What caused the French Revolution?

Economic crisis, social inequality, weak leadership, and Enlightenment ideas.

What was the National Assembly's role?

Represented the Third Estate to draft a constitution and end absolute monarchy.

What was the outcome of the Storming of Bastille?

Symbolized the start of the revolution and the people's fight for freedom.

Why did foreign countries try to stop the French Revolution?

Fear of revolutionary ideas spreading and monarchies falling in their own countries.

What was the purpose of the National Convention?

To abolish the monarchy, establish a republic, and protect the revolution.

What was the purpose of the Reign of Terror?

To eliminate enemies of the revolution and defend against threats.

What was the aim of De-Christianization?

Reduce the influence of the Catholic Church and promote secular values.

What was the Directory's role in 1795?

Five-member executive body aiming to stabilize France.

What happened during Napoleon's Italian Campaign?

Defeated Austrian forces and boosted his reputation.

What were the goals of Napoleon?

Strengthen France, spread revolutionary ideas, and build a vast empire.

What were the positive effects of Napoleon's rule?

Created the Civil Code and promoted merit-based government jobs.

What was the purpose of the Continental System?

To weaken Britain by cutting off trade, but it ultimately failed.

What was the result of Napoleon's invasion of Russia?

A disaster characterized by loss due to harsh winter and scorched-earth tactics.

What were the goals of the Congress of Vienna?

Restore stability, prevent future revolutions, and bring back monarchies.

What was the impact of conservatism in Europe?

Restored monarchies temporarily and suppressed nationalist movements.

Who were the main participants in the Thirty Years' War?

Catholic and Protestant states, particularly within the Holy Roman Empire.

What was the significance of the English Civil War?

A conflict over governance and the power of the monarchy between Royalists and Parliamentarians.

What event marked the Restoration period in England?

The return of monarchy with Charles II after Cromwell’s Commonwealth.

What significant change did the Glorious Revolution bring to England?

Established a constitutional monarchy under William and Mary.

What did Louis XIV's rule exemplify in Europe?

Absolutism, where the monarch held total power and emphasized divine right.

What key developments did the Scientific Revolution introduce?

Scientific discoveries and the establishment of the scientific method.

What was the Enlightenment's purpose in society?

To improve society through reason and promote human progress.

What were the core beliefs of Enlightenment thinkers regarding governance?

Support for reform, individual rights, and rationality in political structures.

How did the American Revolution reflect Enlightenment principles?

It emphasized self-governance, liberty from tyranny, and individual rights.

What were the driving forces behind the French Revolution?

Economic issues, class disparities, poor leadership, and Enlightenment influences.

What changes did the National Assembly seek to implement?

Draft a new constitution and promote the interests of the Third Estate.

What does the term 'Reign of Terror' refer to in the context of the French Revolution?

A period of extreme violence aimed at purging enemies of the revolution.

What was the turning point of the French Revolution marked by the Storming of Bastille?

Symbolized the people's uprising against the monarchy's oppression.

What was the impact of Napoleon's rule across Europe during his time?

Expansion of French influence, legal reforms, but also triggered widespread conflict.

What legislative document did Thomas Paine author that urged for independence?

Common Sense.

What were the lasting effects of the Enlightenment on modern Western thought?

Foundation for democratic ideals, human rights, and progressive reforms.