Social Studies Quarterly Three Study Guide Sponsored by Jospeh Cosentino

French Revolution

A period of social and political upheaval in France (1789-1799), caused due to France being in debt, corrupted along with a weak leadership (Louis XVI).

Estates General

A legislative and consultative assembly of the different classes (estates) of French subjects, and advised the king, but it was unfair to the lower classes.

Storming of Bastille

A significant event in the French Revolution where revolutionaries stormed the Bastille prison taking gunpowder and weapons, then destroying the building, this symbolized the uprising against tyranny.

National Assembly

Created by the Third Estate in France to draft a constitution and act as a new government.

National Convention

The revolutionary assembly in France led by Robespierre caused the Reign of Terror (thousands executed).

Reign of Terror

A period during the French Revolution characterized by mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

A fundamental document of the French Revolution that advocated equality, freedom of religion, equal taxes, and protection of natural rights.

Committee of Public Safety

A governing body during the French Revolution that aimed to protect the revolution from its enemies, often resorting to executions.

Colonial System in Latin America

A system where Spain controlled most of Latin America, exploiting it for resources while maintaining rigid birth-determined social classes. One of the causes that lead to the Latin American Revolutions.

Creoles

Spanish settlers born in Latin America who sought freedom, equality, and self-govern, were inspired by the French and American Revolutions. One of the causes that led to the Latin American Revolutions.

Haitian Revolution

Led by a former slave, Toussaint L’Ouverture, who sought to free Haitians from slavery Resulted in Haiti being the first independent Latin American Country.

Mexican Revolution

Led by a creole priest, Miguel Hidalgo, who attempted to gain freedom and better conditions for the Natives and Mestizos. Delivering the infamous speech, “El Grito de Dolores” (The Cry of Dolores). However, after Mexico gained independence, life remained mostly the same

Industrial Revolution

A period of industrial growth marked by the expansion of manufacturing, technology, and urbanization.

Urbanization

The process of people who originally came from the countryside or other less developed areas, moving rapidly from rural areas to cities, often for employment opportunities.

Features of Capitalism

An economic system where individuals control businesses and work for profit, characterized by competition. Where people worked for their wellbeing but equality is not guaranteed.

Features of Socialism

An economic system aiming for a more equal society, where large businesses are controlled by the government while smaller businesses may be privately owned.

Communism

An economic and political system aimed at creating a classless society where the government controls all aspects of production(no private property), make competition useless.

Nationalism

Strong support for one's nation, often accompanying a desire for national independence or unification.

Realpolitik

A pragmatic approach to politics based on practical objectives rather than moral or ideological considerations.

Napoleonic Wars

Latin American countries were able to have a chance to revolt due to Spain being weakened by Napoleon’s invasion. One of the causes that lead to the Latin American Revolutions.

South America Revolutions

Led by Simon Bolivar and Jose de San Martin, by trying to unify for creoles in order to gain independence, many countries gained independence but the unification of South America didn’t work.

Results of the Latin American Revolutions

1) Most Latin American nations gained independence

2) Cultural differences spilt regions, and unity was never achieved

3) Wars left many in poverty due to a wrecked economy

4) Post-revolutionary governments were unstable

Agricultural Revolution

One of the causes of the Industrial Revolution, it made more large farms (enclosures), which increased food production, but forced small farmers to move to cities.

Crop Rotation

One of the causes of the Industrial Revolution, one of the other outcomes to the agricultural Revolution. A technique of rotating crops to different fields during different seasons, which made a higher crop output.

Scientific Revolution

One of the causes of the Industrial Revolution, led to scientific discoveries new machines, printing press, more exploration, etc.

Why the Industrial Revolution started in Great Britain?

England had lots of natural resources, water for power, coal, iron, rivers for inland trade, and harbors for international trade.

England had political/economic stability, as they were isolated from the wars in Europe, with a successful government for years, Parliament supported by entrepreneurs, and successful colonies with lots of resources.

Unification

The merger of politically divided, but culturally similar places.

Nation

A group of people who live in the same area, share a language, share a culture, or share a history.