Renaissance to French Revolution: Key Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Renaissance through the French Revolution, focusing on significant figures, events, and ideologies.

What is a Renaissance?

A revival of ancient ideas, often referring to growth in art, culture, science, and knowledge.

What are the Humanities?

Studies focused on human culture, thought, and expression.

Who is Giovanni Pico della Mirandola and why was he condemned by the Catholic Church?

An Italian philosopher who aimed to reconcile various philosophies and religions; condemned for his '900 Theses'.

What is hidden in the painting “The Creation of Adam” and why is it significant?

A human brain, highlighting the Renaissance focus on science, religion, and human potential.

Where did the Renaissance begin and why?

It began in Italy due to the influx of ideas from various people, leading to a cultural transformation.

Why would the Pope seek to create conflict between the Italian city-states?

To prevent other states from gaining too much power that could influence his authority.

What did Gutenberg invent and why is it significant?

The printing press, which made book production more accessible and spread knowledge during the Renaissance.

What is revolutionary about Da Vinci’s paintings?

His use of the Golden ratio, integrating a mathematical principle into artwork.

How does the Italian economy change during the Renaissance and why?

It embraced earthly pleasures and conspicuous consumption, emerging a middle class due to political changes.

What eastern threat was defeated at the Battle of Malta and why is this significant?

The Ottoman Empire; it halted their expansion and shattered their invincibility reputation.

What religious conflict begins on the Iberian Peninsula?

Crusades against 'Infidels', leading to Spain and Portugal driving Muslims from the region.

What is the Sale of indulgences and its ramifications?

Selling forgiveness by the Catholic Church, leading to corruption.

What caused the Reformation in England?

Henry VIII's desire for a male heir and the Pope's refusal to annul his marriage.

What led to the Golden Age of England?

Queen Elizabeth I's leadership, naval victories, trade expansion, and religious stability.

What was the status of people in Eastern Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries?

Most peasants were serfs, bound to land with high mortality rates and forced labor.

What signified status among most European peasantry?

Education, birth, title, and office rather than wealth.

What were the primary power structures of Europe?

Religious authority (the Catholic Church) and political authority (absolutism in France, shared power in England).

What causes the Thirty Years War and what Treaty was established?

A religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics; the Treaty of Westphalia aimed to establish balance of power.

What is Mercantilism?

An economic policy aiming to maximize exports and minimize imports for national wealth.

What groups were targeted with accusations of Witchcraft and why?

Mostly single or old women were accused due to scapegoating for tragic events.

What is the Enlightenment?

An era emphasizing the improvement of humanity through reason, political reform, and scientific exploration.

What is Deism and its connection to Enlightenment belief?

Deism rejects the interventionist God, connecting with Enlightenment ideals of reason and logic.

What caused the French and Indian War and its ramifications?

The British were forced to defend colonists, increasing tensions that led to Revolution.

What is Salutary Neglect and its impact on the American Colonies?

England ignored the colonies for long periods, fostering a sense of independence.

What control methods did the British utilize against the colonists? What mistakes did they make?

They controlled smuggling but overreached with taxes like the Stamp Act, causing resentment.

What is the true story of the Boston Massacre?

An angry mob confronted British officers leading to accidental conflict, fueling animosity towards the crown.

What is the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?

A key American victory that convinced France to support the American cause.

What effect did the Revolutionary War have on France?

It exposed French officers and intellectuals to revolutionary ideas, planting concepts of revolution.

Who were the Sans-culottes?

Commoners who opposed the nobility; they demanded rights against mistreatment.

Why did the National Assembly meet on a Tennis Court?

Locked out of their meeting, they sought to declare equality, religious toleration, and a constitution.

What was the Bastille and its symbol of oppression?

A political prison seen as a representation of monarchical tyranny over the people.

What facilitated the women’s march on Versailles?

Anger over food shortages and high prices, leading to the king's return to Paris.

Why were Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette executed?

Accused of counter-revolutionary actions, they were executed by guillotine.

What was the Reign of Terror?

A violent period driven by accusations of being pro-royalist, leading to many arrests and executions.

Who is Napoleon?

A military leader known for reforming France's tax system and establishing laws through the Napoleonic Code.

What was the Napoleonic Code?

A legal framework ensuring equality for men, property rights, but limiting women's rights and freedom.

Who crowned Napoleon and why?

Napoleon crowned himself to assert independence from the Pope's authority.

What was the Continental System?

A ban on trade with England for countries Napoleon controlled, leading to unrest among wealthy supporters.

What military defeats led to Napoleon's downfall?

The occupation of Spain and the failed invasion of Russia due to harsh winter and extended supply lines.