AP World History - Unit 5: Revolutions

The Enlightenment

A philosophical movement in the 17th and 18th centuries focused on human reason and individualism, influencing governance and societal structures.

Divine Right

The doctrine that kings and queens have a God-given right to rule and that rebellion against them is a sin.

Social Contract

The theory that governments are formed by an agreement among the people to meet social and economic needs, rather than by divine decree.

Thomas Hobbes

An Enlightenment philosopher who believed in a strong central authority to maintain peace and stability, endorsing an absolute monarchy.

John Locke

A philosopher who argued that people are born with natural rights and that government should protect these rights; rebellion is justified if rights are not upheld.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Argued that all men are equal and that society should be organized based on the general will of the people.

Voltaire

An advocate of civil liberties, including freedom of religion and free speech.

Montesquieu

Philosopher who advocated for the separation of powers in government to prevent tyranny.

Adam Smith

An economist known for his ideas about the invisible hand regulating the economy and promoting free market principles.

Mary Wollstonecraft

An early advocate for women's rights, arguing that women should have political rights.

French Revolution

A period of radical social and political change in France from 1789 to 1799, leading to the end of monarchy and the rise of republicanism.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

A fundamental document of the French Revolution guaranteeing individual rights and the principles of liberty and equality.

Napoleonic Codes

A set of civil laws instituted by Napoleon that established legal equality and abolished feudal privileges.

Congress of Vienna

A conference held after the Napoleonic Wars to restore order and reshape Europe, aiming to maintain the balance of power.

Industrial Revolution

A period of significant industrial growth and technological advancement starting in Britain in the 19th century.

Laissez-faire capitalism

An economic system where the government has minimal intervention in the market; based on the idea of free market and private ownership.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to the desire for independence.