Commercial Revolution and Enlightenment

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Commercial Revolution and Enlightenment, including trade, revolutions, and sociopolitical structures.

What was the Commercial Revolution?

A period of increased trade in Europe from the late Middle Ages to the early modern era, involving growth of banking, credit, and a money-based economy.

What impact did the Commercial Revolution have on feudalism?

It helped weaken feudalism and contributed to the growth of the middle class.

What are Joint-Stock Companies?

Businesses owned by multiple investors who shared profits and risks, encouraging overseas exploration and trade.

What was a significant example of a Joint-Stock Company?

British East India Company or Dutch East India Company.

What was the Enlightenment?

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, logic, and science that challenged absolute monarchy and traditional authority.

What ideas did the Enlightenment promote?

Ideas like natural rights and equality which influenced democratic revolutions.

What were the main causes of the French Revolution?

Social inequality between the estates, heavy taxation of the Third Estate, a financial crisis and debt from wars, and Enlightenment ideas inspiring change.

What were the three Estates in France?

First Estate: Clergy, Second Estate: Nobility, Third Estate: Everyone else including peasants and workers.

What was the Reign of Terror?

A period when revolutionaries executed perceived enemies, led by Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety.

What was a significant outcome of the Haitian Revolution?

Haiti became the first independent Black republic.