AP Euro Absolutism

Age of Enlightenment

A period in the 17th and 18th centuries characterized by the emergence of new ideas about government, society, and human rights.

Enlightenment Thinkers

Influential philosophers who contributed to the development of Enlightenment ideas, including John Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau.

John Locke

An Enlightenment thinker known for his theories on natural rights and the social contract.

Natural Rights

The concept that individuals are born with fundamental rights, such as life, liberty, and property.

Social Contract

The theory that individuals consent to form a government to protect their natural rights.

Voltaire

A prominent Enlightenment figure who advocated for freedom of speech and critiqued organized religion.

Freedom of Speech

The right to express one's opinions without censorship or restraint.

Montesquieu

An Enlightenment philosopher known for his ideas on the separation of powers in government.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Rousseau

An Enlightenment thinker who introduced the concept of the general will and emphasized the importance of education in society.

General Will

The collective will of the people that aims for the common good.

Scientific Revolution

A period of significant advancements in scientific thought and discovery that laid the groundwork for modern science.

Heliocentrism

The astronomical model that places the Sun at the center of the universe, proposed by Copernicus.

Laws of Motion

Fundamental principles of physics formulated by Isaac Newton that describe the relationship between motion and forces.

Empiricism

The philosophical belief that knowledge is derived from sensory experience and evidence.

Political Revolutions

Major uprisings that were influenced by Enlightenment ideas, including the American, French, and Haitian Revolutions.

American Revolution

A conflict that resulted from taxation and Enlightenment ideas, leading to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

French Revolution

A revolution driven by social inequality and economic crisis, marked by events like the Storming of the Bastille and the Reign of Terror.

Haitian Revolution

A successful slave revolt against colonial oppression, led by Toussaint L'Ouverture.

Mercantilism

An economic theory that dominated prior to capitalism, focusing on trade and accumulation of wealth through colonies.

Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private ownership and the free market.

Industrial Revolution

A period of technological innovation that transformed economies and societies, leading to urbanization and changes in labor.

Neoclassicism

An artistic movement that drew inspiration from classical antiquity, emphasizing order and harmony.

Romanticism

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism.

Decline of Religious Authority

The diminishing power of religious institutions in society during the Enlightenment.

Rise of Secularism

The increasing separation of religion from public life and governance.

Legacy of the Enlightenment

The lasting impact of Enlightenment ideas on modern democracies, human rights, and constitutional governments.

Ongoing Debates on Freedom and Equality

Contemporary discussions influenced by Enlightenment principles regarding individual rights and social justice.