Unit 6 MWH

American Revolution

This political revolution began with the Declaration of Independence in 1776 where American colonists sought to balance the power between government and the people and protect the rights of citizens in a democracy.

Declaration or Independence

The document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that stated their grievances against the British monarch and declared their independence. "Breakup Letter to King George"

Articles of Confederation

A weak constitution that governed America during the Revolutionary War.

U.S. Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties and due process of law.

King George III

King of England during the American Revolution

French Revolution

The revolution that began in 1789, overthrew the absolute monarchy of the Bourbons and the system of aristocratic privileges, and ended with Napoleon's overthrow of the Directory and seizure of power in 1799.

King Louis XVI

King of France, weak leader, executed during the French Revolution

French Constitution of 1791

a constitution adopted during the French Revolution that established a constitutional monarchy in France.

Reign of Terror

(1793-94) during the French Revolution when thousands were executed for "disloyalty"

Maximilien Robespierre

Revolutionary leader who tried to wipe out every trace of France's past monarchy and nobility

Marie Antoinette

Queen of France (as wife of Louis XVI) who was unpopular her extravagance and opposition to reform contributed to the overthrow of the monarchy; she was guillotined along with her husband (1755-1793)

Napoleon Bonaparte

Overthrew the French revolutionary government (The Directory) in 1799 and became emperor of France in 1804. Failed to defeat Great Britain and abdicated in 1814. Returned to power briefly in 1815 but was defeated and died in exile.

Napoleonic Wars

A series of wars fought between France (led by Napoleon Bonaparte) and alliances involving England and Prussia and Russia and Austria at different times (1799-1812).

Toussaint L'Ouverture

Leader of the Haitian Revolution. He freed the slaves and gained effective independence for Haiti despite military interventions by the British and French.

Haitian Declaration of Independence

1804 - Given by the commander in chief (Toussiant Louverture) to the people of Haiti. Details the independence/freedom/equality the citizens of Haiti now have

Gran Blancs

White supervisors, plantation owners, artisans, slaveholders in Haiti

Petit Blancs

The "little" (or poor) white population of Saint Domingue, which played a significant role in the Haitian Revolution.

Haitian Constitution 1805

Dessalines proclaimed himself emperor. Slavery was abolished forever. Haitians were to be known as 'blacks'. Whites were forbidden from owning property. A military state was created. Forced labour was retained

Haitian Revolution

A major influece of the Latin American revolutions because of its successfulness; the most successful slave revolt in history; it is led by Toussaint L'Ouverture.

Latin American Independence Movements

Series of risings in the Spanish colonies of Latin America (1810-1826) that established the independence of new states from Spanish rule but that for the most part retained the privileges of the elites despite efforts at more radical social rebellion by the lower classes.

Tupac Amaru

Mestizo leader of indigenous revolt in Peru; supported by many in the lower social classes; revolt failed because of creole fears of real social revolution.

Simon Bolivar

The most important military leader in the struggle for independence in South America. Born in Venezuela, he led military forces there and in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

Miguel Hidalgo and Jose Morelos

Priests that led the Hidalgo-Morelos Rebellion, a socially radical peasant insurrection that began in Mexico in 1810

Policarpa Salvarietta

also, known as La Pola, was seamstress who spied for the Revolutionary Forces during the Spanish Reconquista of New Granada

Jose de San Martin

South American general and statesman, born in Argentina: leader in winning independence for Argentina, Peru, and Chile; protector of Peru

Creoles

Descendents of Spanish-born but born in Latin America; resented inferior social, political, economic status.

Peninsulares

Spanish-born, came to Latin America; ruled, highest social class.

Mestizo

A person of mixed Spanish and Native American ancestry.