AP European History - Unit 4: Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment period in European history, including pivotal figures, philosophical ideas, and social structures.

Scientific Revolution

A fundamental change in how Europeans viewed the natural world, shifting from reliance on ancient authorities to observation and experimentation.

Geocentric Model

The Earth is at the center of the universe; supported by Aristotle, Ptolemy, and the Catholic Church.

Heliocentric Model

The Sun is at the center of the universe with planets, including the Earth, revolving around it; proposed by Copernicus.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Key figure of the Scientific Revolution who published 'On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres' proposing heliocentrism.

Galileo Galilei

Astronomer who used a telescope to observe celestial bodies and proved that not everything orbited the Earth.

Rationalism

The belief that reason and logical deduction are the primary sources of knowledge, with René Descartes as a key figure.

Empiricism

The theory that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience, advocated by Francis Bacon.

Social Contract

The idea that society agrees to be governed by the 'general will,' as proposed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Separation of Powers

A political principle introduced by Montesquieu that divides government power into three branches to prevent tyranny.

Laissez-faire

An economic principle proposed by Adam Smith that suggests government should not interfere in the economy.

Enlightened Despots

Absolute monarchs who enacted reforms inspired by Enlightenment ideas to modernize their nations.

Methodism

A religious movement founded by John Wesley emphasizing personal conversion experiences and methodical piety.

The Old Regime

The social and political structure in Europe before the French Revolution.

The Three Estates

The social hierarchy in pre-revolutionary France comprising the Clergy, Nobility, and Commoners.

Public Sphere

The growth of coffeehouses and salons where the educated public discussed Enlightenment ideas.

Consumer Revolution

The rise of a consumer society where the middle class could purchase goods beyond basic necessities.