The French Revolution and Enlightenment Ideas

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the French Revolution, Enlightenment thinkers, and their influence on theater and society.

French Revolution

A period of social and political upheaval in France that lasted from 1789 until 1799, leading to the establishment of democratic ideals.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, leading to modern democratic principles.

Heliocentrism

The astronomical model in which the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun at the center of the Solar System.

John Locke

An English philosopher known for his ideas on social contract theory and natural rights, including life, liberty, and property.

Montesquieu

A French political philosopher known for his theory of separation of powers, which became a foundational concept in modern democracy.

Voltaire

A French writer and philosopher who advocated for freedom of speech, separation of church and state, and civil liberties.

Rationalism

The belief in reason and logic as the primary source of knowledge, contrasting with religious and emotional arguments.

Romanticism

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and the individual's experience as a counter to Enlightenment rationalism.

Charles Darwin

A naturalist who developed the theory of evolution through natural selection, changing the understanding of biological sciences.

Sentimental Comedy

A theatrical genre that emphasizes the emotional experiences and moral lessons of middle-class characters.

Figaro

A character in plays by Beaumarchais, notably in 'The Marriage of Figaro,' which addresses social issues related to class and marriage.

Theater of the Revolution

Theatrical performances in France during the revolution that served as platforms for political debate and the dissemination of revolutionary ideas.

Industrialization

The process of developing industries in a country or region, historically linked to urbanization and the shift to factory-based economies.

Social Contract Theory

The theory that individuals consent to governments in exchange for protection of their rights and maintenance of social order.

Primus Nuctis

An ancient legal right purportedly held by lords, allowing them to deflower brides on their wedding night.

The Reign of Terror

A period during the French Revolution characterized by extreme violence and mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution.

Erasmus Darwin

Charles Darwin's grandfather, an early thinker who argued for evolutionary ideas long before Charles Darwin published his own.