Unit 5 & 6

Divine Right

The belief that monarchs are ordained by God to rule, with a moral obligation for people to obey them.

Social Contract

The theory that governments are formed to meet the social and economic needs of the people, not by divine decree.

Thomas Hobbes

A philosopher who believed in a powerful government to preserve peace and stability.

John Locke

A philosopher who argued that men are born equal and have natural rights, justifying revolt against unjust governments.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

A philosopher who believed men are equal and that government should represent the general will of the people.

Voltaire

A philosopher who advocated for religious toleration.

Montesquieu

A philosopher known for the idea of separation of powers in government.

Adam Smith

An economist who proposed that an ‘invisible hand’ would regulate the economy if left alone.

Mary Wollstonecraft

A feminist who argued for women's political rights, including voting and holding office.

Immanuel Kant

A philosopher who asserted that knowledge extends beyond mere observation or reason.

Cesare Beccaria

A philosopher who argued that criminals retain rights and opposed cruel punishment.

American Revolution

The conflict in which American colonists revolted against British rule, leading to independence.

French Revolution

The uprising in France that led to the establishment of a republic and significant changes in government.

National Assembly

The body formed by the Third Estate in France in 1789 to represent the common people.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

A fundamental document that outlined the rights and liberties of French citizens.

Committee of Public Safety

The governing body during the French Revolution responsible for enforcing revolutionary policies.

Meiji Restoration

The period of rapid modernization and westernization in Japan following the restoration of imperial rule.

Sepoy Mutiny

The rebellion of Indian soldiers against British rule due to cultural insensitivity and disrespect.

Berlin Conference

The meeting where European powers divided Africa among themselves, ignoring indigenous cultures and borders.

Monroe Doctrine

The U.S. policy that declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European intervention.

Roosevelt Corollary

The U.S. policy stating it would intervene in disputes between Europe and Latin America to maintain order.

Neocolonialism

The practice of using economic, political, or social pressures to control or influence a country.

Laissez-Faire Capitalism

An economic system with minimal government intervention, allowing the free market to regulate itself.

Social Darwinism

The application of natural selection theories to sociology, suggesting that more 'fit' societies can dominate others.

Boxer Rebellion

A nationalist uprising in China aimed at expelling foreign influence and missionaries.

Napoleonic Codes

A set of laws established by Napoleon, emphasizing equality and legal reforms.

Haitian Revolution

The successful slave revolt in Haiti leading to independence and the establishment of a republic.

Industrial Revolution

The period of major industrialization during the 18th and 19th centuries which transformed economies.

Child Labor

The practice of employing young children in factories and other businesses, often in harsh conditions.

Capitalism

An economic system where private ownership and free markets drive production and economic activity.

Protestant Reformation

A religious reform movement in the 16th century that led to the creation of Protestant churches.

Working Class

The social class consisting of those who work for wages, particularly in manual or industrial labor.