Unit 2 Study Guide: Enlightenment and Revolutions

Comprehensive question-and-answer study guide flashcards covering the Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment thinkers and despots, the French Revolution, and Latin American independence movements.

What is the difference between the Geocentric and Heliocentric theories?

The Geocentric theory is the belief that Earth is in the middle of the solar system and crystal shells exist, whereas the Heliocentric theory states that the sun is in the middle of the solar system.

What was the Scientific Revolution and how did it lead to the Enlightenment?

The Scientific Revolution taught Europeans about the power of reason, which led to the Enlightenment seeking to solve societal problems with logic and reason.

What did John Locke believe regarding human nature and the role of government?

John Locke believed that people are born good, that government is there to help us, and that its primary role is to protect our natural rights.

What did Thomas Hobbes believe regarding human nature and the role of government?

Thomas Hobbes believed that people are born bad and that the role of government is to control people and protect them from each other, or else chaos would occur.

What were the primary beliefs of Mary Wollstonecraft?

She supported equal education and believed women can decide for themselves.

What role did Denis Diderot play during the Enlightenment?

He spread information across Europe, which undermined authority and encouraged revolt.

What are three long-term effects of the Enlightenment?

Progress, individualism (individuals), and separation of church and state.

What actions made Catherine II, Joseph II, and Frederick II enlightened despots?

Catherine II established order and justice in Russia while supporting education and culture; Joseph II eliminated the death penalty and torture and provided food and medicine; Frederick II believed he was meant to be monarch.

Which two philosophers had the biggest influence on the French and American Revolutions?

Rousseau and John Locke.

How did the Enlightenment lead to the American Revolution?

There were problems that needed to be fixed, and Enlightenment ideas sought to fix those problems, but not everyone agreed, which led to the Revolution.

What are three Enlightenment ideas mentioned in the U.S. Constitution?

Checks and balances, natural rights, and no cruel punishment.

How was French society divided under the 3-estates system?

It was divided into three large social classes by status: the 1st estate was the clergy (owned lots of land and taxed lower classes); the 2nd estate was rich nobles (owned lots of land and could not be taxed); and the 3rd estate was middle class or lower (overtaxed, hungry, and underpaid).

What were the two major causes of the French Revolution?

Economic troubles and weak leaders.

How did the 3-estates system help lead to the French Revolution?

The 3rd estate was struggling under economic troubles and weak leaders, inspired by the American Revolution, and finally had enough with inequality and fought back.

What were the three phases of the French Revolution and their defining events?

1. Moderate phase: Tennis Court Oath, Storming of the Bastille, and Constitution of 1791 limiting the King's power; 2. Radical phase: King Louis executed, Robespierre takes power, and the Reign of Terror; 3. Napoleon phase: Napoleon overthrows the Directory and is named consul for life.

What three factors led to the rise of Napoleon?

He became a military leader, overthrew the Directory, and claimed the position of consul while having people vote for him.

What three factors led to the fall of Napoleon?

Invading Russia, the Haitian Revolution, and Waterloo.

What role did the American and French Revolutions play in developing Latin American revolutions?

They showed that citizens can fight and overthrow unfair governments by spreading Enlightenment ideas about freedom, equality, and rights.

Describe the events of the Haitian Revolution and the role of Toussaint L'Ouverture.

It began in 1791 when enslaved people rebelled against French rule and slavery; Toussaint became an important leader during the rebellion and led Haiti to gain independence in 1804.

What factors influenced the Mexican War of Independence?

Enlightenment ideas, unfair social classes, economic inequality, and inspiration from the American and French Revolutions to challenge Spanish rule.

How did Napoleon motivate the independence movement in Mexico?

He invaded Spain in 1808 and removed the Spanish King from power, which weakened Spain's control over Mexico and allowed Mexicans to fight for independence.

What impact did Simon Bolivar have on the Spanish American fight for independence?

He was a major leader inspired by Enlightenment ideas who sought to free Latin America from Spanish rule, helping several South American countries gain independence from Spain.

How did Napoleon motivate the independence movement in Brazil?

When Napoleon invaded Portugal in 1807, the Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil; this made Brazil more politically and economically independent from Portugal, preparing the way for Brazil's independence in 1822.

What similarities existed among all Latin American revolutions?

They shared political troubles, economic troubles, and the influence of Enlightenment ideas.

What was the Monroe Doctrine and what was its significance?

A document asserting that European countries should not interfere with the Americas or create new colonies; its significance was that the U.S. wanted to protect its influence and the independence of Latin American countries.

What is mercantilism?

An economic system where a country tries to gain wealth by exporting more goods than it imports and collecting valuable resources; European countries used it to control colonial trade and become powerful.

Describe the social structure in colonial Latin America.

Peninsulares held the most power in church and government; Creoles were born in Latin America, wealthy, but had little political power; Mestizos had mixed ancestry with fewer rights and opportunities; Indigenous people faced discrimination, forced labor, heavy taxes, and little pay; and slaves were forced into labor with little to no rights.

What were the long-term effects of the Latin American Revolutions?

Latin American countries gained independence from European colonial powers, but social and economic inequalities remained, and new countries struggled with political instability.