Absolutism, Scientific Revolution, and French Revolution Key Concepts

What is absolutism?

A political theory where all power is vested in one ruler or authority.

What is the divine right in the context of absolutism?

The belief that a ruler's authority comes directly from God.

What distinguishes an absolute ruler from a tyrant?

An absolute ruler has unlimited sovereignty but is bound by law and respects the people's needs, while a tyrant ignores laws and acts on personal passions.

Who was Cardinal Richelieu and what was his belief about the state?

A key figure in French absolutism who believed that actions for the state were actions for God.

What was Louis XIV's famous declaration about his role as king?

He famously declared, 'I am the state.'

What significant action did Louis XIV take regarding religious policy in France?

He revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685, enforcing Catholicism and persecuting non-Catholics.

What is Versailles and its significance in the context of absolutism?

A grand palace built by Louis XIV as a symbol of absolute power and a political statement.

What is mercantilism?

An economic system where a country exports more than it imports.

Who was Peter the Great and what was his goal for Russia?

An absolute monarch who sought to westernize Russia and modernize its technology and customs.

What was St. Petersburg known as during Peter the Great's reign?

The 'Window to the West.'

What reforms did Catherine the Great implement?

She emphasized education, founded schools for girls, and improved infrastructure for economic growth.

What was Frederick the Great's approach to religious toleration?

He praised religious toleration and welcomed religious exiles.

What was Joseph II's contribution to Jewish rights?

He decreed to stop the hate against Jews, although he limited their language use in religious services.

What conflict arose during James I's reign in England?

He faced conflicts with Parliament over his attempts at absolutism and divine right.

What was the Petition of Right and its significance during Charles I's reign?

A document Charles I signed but refused to abide by, leading to his Personal Rule and eventual conflict with Parliament.

What was the outcome of the English Civil War for Charles I?

He was beheaded in 1649, marking the end of his reign.

What was the Restoration in England?

The period when Charles II returned to power and was required to rule with Parliament.

How did James II's rule differ from his predecessors?

He was more absolutist, placing Catholics in military and Parliament and promoting religious freedom.

What was the main concern of people regarding the Protestant Church in England?

They feared a return to strict Roman Catholicism.

Who were the first Co-Regents of England?

William III and Mary II.

What did the Petition of Right aim to restore?

The original governing system requiring king's approval from Parliament.

What was the outcome of the English Civil War?

The king was executed, leading to the Interregnum.

Who led the Roundheads during the English Civil War?

Oliver Cromwell.

What was the Puritan Republic?

A military state led by Oliver Cromwell during the Interregnum.

What were the main differences between the Whigs and Tories?

Tories supported hereditary monarchy and were Anglican; Whigs favored parliamentary supremacy and were against a Roman Catholic king.

What was the Glorious Revolution of 1688?

A plan to overthrow King James II and place Protestant Mary in power.

What does constitutionalism entail?

Limits on royal authority and upholding laws and liberties.

What key provisions were established by the Bill of Rights in 1689?

The Crown cannot raise an army or levy taxes without Parliament's approval, and must call Parliament at least once every three years.

What were the causes of the Scientific Revolution?

The Renaissance, skepticism, and a rebirth in learning.

What significant contribution did Galileo Galilei make?

He invented the telescope and proposed the theory of inertia.

What theory did Copernicus propose?

The heliocentric theory, stating that the sun is the center of the universe.

What is the difference between geocentric and heliocentric theories?

Geocentric theory posits that Earth is the center of the universe, while heliocentric theory states that the sun is the center.

What are the steps of the scientific method?

1) Problem/Question, 2) Form hypothesis, 3) Test hypothesis, 4) Analyze data.

What approach did René Descartes advocate?

A deductive approach emphasizing math and logic for rational thought.

What was Francis Bacon's approach to knowledge?

An inductive approach focused on observation and empiricism.

What did Sir Isaac Newton theorize about gravitation?

All material objects attract each other in proportion to their masses.

How did the Roman Catholic Church respond to the Scientific Revolution?

They opposed many ideas that contradicted their interpretations of the Bible.

What was the Enlightenment's key belief?

Rational thought can fix societal ills and lead to progress.

What is rationalism?

The belief that knowledge is intellectual and based on innate ideas.

What is empiricism?

The belief that knowledge comes from experience and observation.

Who was Voltaire and what did he believe?

A Deist who believed in a creator without organized religion and criticized the Catholic Church.

What is the main idea of Adam Smith's 'Wealth of Nations'?

It advocates for laissez-faire economics, free trade, and critiques mercantilism, emphasizing prosperity through individual freedoms.

What does Rousseau argue in 'The Social Contract'?

He posits that 'Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains,' advocating for a government that ensures equality, justice, and freedom, with power derived from the people.

What are John Locke's views on government as expressed in 'Second Treatise on Civil Government'?

Locke argues that government exists to protect natural rights and that its legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed; if it abuses power, the people can form a new government.

What are the three forms of government described by Montesquieu in 'The Spirit of the Laws'?

Montesquieu identifies republics, monarchies, and despotism, advocating for the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

What is the significance of Descartes' statement 'I think, therefore I am'?

It illustrates his belief in rationalism, asserting that the act of thinking is proof of one's existence.

What was the purpose of Diderot's 'Encyclopedia'?

It aimed to spread Enlightenment ideals by emphasizing human reason, new science, and the evils of slave trade.

What is the difference between rationalism and empiricism?

Rationalism asserts that knowledge is innate and intellectual, while empiricism claims that knowledge comes from experience and observation.

What does the term 'blank slate' refer to in the context of John Locke's philosophy?

It refers to the idea that individuals are born without innate knowledge and acquire understanding through experiences and observations.

What role did salons play in the Enlightenment?

Salons were gatherings hosted by women where philosophers discussed and debated ideas, facilitating the spread of Enlightenment thought.

What was the Estates-General and its significance in the French Revolution?

The Estates-General was a representative body consisting of three estates; its calling by Louis XVI after 175 years highlighted the grievances of the Third Estate.

Who were Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and why were they unpopular?

Louis XVI was the king of France, and Marie Antoinette was his queen; they were disliked for their extravagant spending and inability to produce a male heir.

What was one major cause of the French Revolution?

A significant cause was the lack of bread, which was essential to the French populace, compounded by Louis XVI's inaction on pressing issues.

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

It was a pledge made by members of the Third Estate to not disband until a new constitution was established.

What were the Sans culottes?

They were the 'true' citizens of France who rejected the aristocratic fashion of culottes, symbolizing their rebellion against the upper class.

What were the September massacres?

A series of violent events in which over 1,600 people were killed amid fears of counter-revolution.

What was the National Assembly and its purpose?

Formed by the Third Estate in 1789, it aimed to represent the people's will and establish a unicameral legislature.

What were the Jacobins and Girondists?

Jacobins were radical revolutionaries who supported the execution of the king, while Girondists were more moderate and sought a civil republic.

What was the Reign of Terror?

A period during the French Revolution characterized by mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution, led by Maximilien Robespierre.

What was the Committee of Public Safety?

A council of 12 men, led by Robespierre, that governed France during the Reign of Terror and dealt with threats to the revolution.

What was the Directory?

Established in 1794, it was a new government structure with a bicameral legislature that aimed to stabilize France after the Reign of Terror.

What were the key features of Napoleon's Empire?

It included the Napoleonic Code, reforms in the education system, and the establishment of a meritocracy.

What was the Congress of Vienna?

A conference of European powers aimed at restoring order and balance of power after the Napoleonic Wars.

What are the distinctions between conservatives, liberals, and radicals?

Conservatives favor tradition and stability, liberals advocate for individual rights and reforms, while radicals seek drastic change and equality.

Who was Metternich and what was his role?

Metternich was an Austrian diplomat who played a key role in the Congress of Vienna, advocating for conservative restoration in Europe.

Who was J.S. Mill and what were his contributions?

John Stuart Mill was a philosopher and political economist known for his writings on liberty, utilitarianism, and social justice.