Revolutions in the Atlantic World

Atlantic Revolutions

A series of uprisings in the Americas and Europe between 1775 and 1825 that led to the establishment of independent nations and the rise of new political ideas.

Enlightenment Philosophy

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, liberty, and the pursuit of knowledge, significantly influencing revolutionary thought.

Salutary Neglect

British colonial policy that allowed colonies considerable freedom in economic affairs until strict enforcement began.

Seven Years' War

A global conflict (1756-1763) involving major world powers that reshaped colonial boundaries and influenced colonial attitudes toward British rule.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system of governing in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, established in France post-1789.

Haitian Revolution

The successful anti-slavery and anti-colonial uprising that resulted in Haiti's independence from France in 1804.

French Revolution

A period of radical social and political change in France from 1789 to 1799, characterized by the rise of republicanism and radical movements.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights that every person is entitled to, including life, liberty, and property, as proposed by John Locke.

Simon Bolivar

Key leader in the South American independence movements against Spanish rule; known for his role in the founding of Gran Colombia.

Peninsulares

Spanish-born citizens who held significant political and economic power in colonial Latin America.

Creoles

People of European descent born in the Americas who were often marginalized and sought greater political and economic rights.

Mestizos

Individuals of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry who played a vital role in the social structure of colonial Latin America.

John Locke

Philosopher whose ideas about government and natural rights influenced revolutionary thought, advocating for limited government.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which established a weak federal government and was replaced by the current Constitution.

Legislative Branch

Part of government responsible for making laws, composed of the House and Senate in the United States.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that enforces laws and is headed by the president.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government that interprets laws and administers justice, including the Supreme Court.

Reign of Terror

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

Napoleonic Code

A comprehensive set of laws established by Napoleon that guaranteed legal equality and civil rights for men.

Louis XVI

King of France whose economic mismanagement and attempts to raise taxes led to the French Revolution.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

A fundamental document of the French Revolution that outlined the rights of individuals and the role of government.

Toussaint L’Ouverture

Leader of the Haitian Revolution who played a significant role in abolishing slavery and establishing Haiti as an independent nation.

Annapolis Convention

A meeting in 1786 that aimed to address issues related to trade and commerce but led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the United States Constitution.

Great Compromise

An agreement made during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between large and small states.

Shays’s Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786 that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger central government.