Unit 4 Review Guide: Absolutism, The Scientific Revolution, and The Enlightenment

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Unit 4 lecture on Absolutism, The Scientific Revolution, and The Enlightenment, providing definitions and explanations of crucial terms and figures.

What was an absolute monarch? Which countries had absolute monarchs?

An absolute monarch is a ruler with complete authority over the government and the lives of the people. Examples include France under Louis XIV and Russia under Peter the Great.

What is the Divine Right of Kings?

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

What did the English Bill of Rights do?

It limited the powers of the monarchy and outlined the rights of Parliament and individuals.

What is a constitutional monarchy? Which countries had constitutional monarchies?

A constitutional monarchy is a system where a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government. Examples include the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

What was the Geocentric Model? How was it replaced by the Heliocentric Model?

The Geocentric Model posited that the Earth was at the center of the universe. It was replaced by the Heliocentric Model, which placed the Sun at the center, mainly through Copernicus's and Galileo's work.

Who was Copernicus and what was his contribution?

Copernicus proposed the Heliocentric Model of the universe.

Who was Kepler and what did he do?

Kepler formulated laws of planetary motion, demonstrating that planets travel in ellipses.

What was Galileo’s contribution to the Scientific Revolution?

Galileo conducted experiments and used telescopes to support the Heliocentric theory.

What was Isaac Newton known for?

Newton is known for formulating the Universal Law of Gravitation and the principles of calculus.

Define Philosophe in the context of the Enlightenment.

A Philosophe is a French thinker or philosopher who advocated for reason, progress, and reform in society.

What are Natural Rights according to Enlightenment thinkers?

Natural Rights are the fundamental rights that every individual is entitled to, such as life, liberty, and property.

What does the Social Contract refer to?

The Social Contract is an agreement among individuals to form a society and govern themselves.

Who are Enlightened Absolutists?

Enlightened Absolutists are monarchs who embraced Enlightenment ideas and implemented reforms while maintaining their royal authority.

What was Adam Smith’s economic policy?

Adam Smith advocated for Laissez-Faire economics, promoting minimal government intervention in the economy.

What were two main ruling styles for 17th century monarchs?

The two main styles were absolute monarchy, where the monarch holds total power (e.g., France), and constitutional monarchy, where power is limited by law (e.g., England).

What was the Scientific Revolution?

The Scientific Revolution was a period of major scientific advancements and changes in thought, marked by developments such as the Heliocentric Model and the Scientific Method.

How did Enlightenment ideas spread?

Enlightenment ideas spread through pamphlets, books, salons, and coffeehouses, facilitating discussion and debate.

What distinguishes an Enlightened Absolutist from a 17th century monarch?

Enlightened Absolutists adopted rational reforms and encouraged education, scientific inquiry, and sometimes religious tolerance, unlike the more absolute approaches of 17th century monarchs.