Key Concepts from Period 2: 1648-1815

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on the period of 1648 to 1815.

British Empire

A global empire that expanded throughout the Modern Era, becoming a leading superpower with economic dominance.

Seven Years War

A global conflict from 1756 to 1763 that resulted in British dominance over French colonial holdings, notably in Canada and India.

British Raj

The period of direct British colonial rule in India after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Industrial Revolution

A period of major industrialization from the late 18th to the early 19th century that transformed economies based on agriculture into economies based on large-scale industry.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

French Revolution

A revolution that began in 1789, leading to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and significant social and political upheaval.

Natural Rights

The rights inherent to all human beings, including life, liberty, and property, often associated with Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke.

Meritocracy

A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement, often mentioned in the context of Napoleon's reforms.

Physiocracy

An economic theory that asserted that the wealth of nations was derived from the value of land agriculture and that agricultural products should be highly priced.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

A fundamental document of the French Revolution that outlines individual and collective rights.

Scorched Earth Policy

A military strategy involving the destruction of anything that might be useful to the enemy while withdrawing or advancing.

Guerrilla Warfare

A form of irregular warfare in which small groups use military tactics to fight a larger, less-mobile traditional military.

Napoleonic Code

The civil code established by Napoleon that influenced legal systems globally, emphasizing clearly written and accessible law.

Olympe de Gouges

An early French feminist and abolitionist known for her work advocating for women's rights and equality during the French Revolution.

Methodism

A revival movement within Protestant Christianity founded by John Wesley that emphasized personal faith and social activism.

Cottage Industry

A system of production where tasks are done by individuals in their homes, often involving textiles or handicrafts.

Bank of England

The central bank of the United Kingdom, established in 1694, which plays a crucial role in managing the country's finances.