Political Revolutions

Federal System

a form of government in which power is shared between the national and state governments

Estate

one of the three classes into which French society was divided before the revolution: the clergy (First Estate), the nobles (Second Estate), and the townspeople (Third Estate)

Estates General

the representative assembly of the three estates in pre-revolutionary France

Taille

an annual direct tax, usually on land or property, that provided a regular source of income for the French monarchy

Bourgeoisie

the middle class, including merchants, industrialists, and professional people

Sans-culottes

“without breeches,” members of the Paris Commune who considered themselves ordinary patriots (in other words, they wore long trousers instead of the fine knee-length breeches of the nobles)

Elector

an individual qualified to vote in an election

Coup d’etat

a sudden overthrow of the government

Consulate

government established in France after the overthrow of the Directory in 1799, with Napoleon as first consul in control of the entire government

National Assembly

the revolutional assemble formed by the thrid estate

Conservatism

a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, favoring obedience to political authority and organized religion

Principle of Intervention

idea that great powers have the right to send armies into countries where there are revolutions to restore legitimate governments

Liberalism

a political philosophy originally based on Enlightenment principles, holding that people should be as free as possible from government restraint and that civil liberties – the basic rights of all people – should be protected

Universal Male Suffrage

the right of all males to vote in elections

Multinational Empire

an empire in which people of many nationalities live

Creole

a person of European descent born in Latin America and living there permanently

Peninsulare

a person born on the Iberian Peninsula, typically a Spanish or Portuguese official who resided temporarily in Latin America for political and economic gain and then returned to Europe

Mestizo

a person of mixed European and Native American descent

Caudillo

in post-revolutionary Latin America, a strong leader who rule chiefly by military force, usually with the support of the landed elite

Colonialism

control or exploitation of one nation by another.

Abolition

the ending of slavery

Cash Crop

a crop that is grown for sale rather than for personal use

Revolution

A revolution is a radical, and often violent change in a country's government and social institutions.

Nationalism

The unique cultural identity of a people based on a common language, religion, and national symbols

Constitutional System

Union of sovereign states that are loosely joined but retain most of their independence and powers

Democracy

rule by the people, often through elected officials

Republic

government in which power is held by the people and their elected officials