P2 All Units for Exam

What is Absolutism in the context of political sovereignty?

A system where absolute monarchs had full control over the state and government.

What was the goal of absolute monarchy in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries?

Absolute sovereignty, which is supreme and independent power.

Which entities did absolute monarchs check the power of?

The Church, Nobility, Representative Bodies, Towns, and Universities.

Who was an early absolutist monarch in England?

James I of England.

What is Louis XIV of France known as and what was his famous motto?

He is known as the 'Sun King' and his motto was 'One king, one law, one faith'.

What significant actions did Louis XIV take regarding religious policies?

He revoked the Edict of Nantes with the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1685.

What is Enlightened Absolutism and how did it differ from traditional absolutism?

Enlightened Absolutism involved monarchs embracing rationality and Enlightenment ideas, promoting religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and the right to private property.

What was the view of power held by Enlightened absolutists?

They believed their power came from a social contract rather than divine right.

Who was Jean Baptiste Colbert and what were his financial goals?

He was in charge of finances under Louis XIV and aimed to eliminate internal tariffs and tax the nobility, but he failed.

What was the Taille?

A form of tax that did not charge nobles or the clergy.

What was Frederick II of Prussia's approach to governance?

He expanded Prussia's territories through militarism and believed a strong army led to a strong country.

What was the Partition of Poland?

Poland was divided into three parts controlled by Prussia, Austria, and Russia due to its weakness.

What were Peter the Great's main reforms in Russia?

He focused on westernization, introduced a beard tax, and created the Russian Navy.

What were Catherine the Great's contributions to Russia?

She expanded Russia's borders and heavily promoted education and the arts.

What was the significance of the 1683 Siege of Vienna?

It led to the defeat of the Ottomans and their retreat from Europe.

What characterized the Dutch Republic from 1579 to 1795?

It was a state known for strong colonies and trade.

What were Maria Theresa's contributions as the ruler of the Habsburgs?

She brought unity to a multi-ethnic empire, limited the power of the church, and promoted agriculture.

What was the Age of Reason and Enlightenment about?

Intellectuals applied principles of the Scientific Revolution to society and human institutions, promoting rationalism and questioning traditional beliefs.

What are the characteristics of Enlightenment thought?

Rationalism, secularism, deism, utilitarianism, tolerance, optimism, freedom of thought, and legal reforms.

Who was Kant and what was his famous assertion?

Kant advocated for the idea of 'dare to know' and criticized blind conformity.

What was Diderot's contribution to the Enlightenment?

He created the first encyclopedia and promoted the idea that knowledge should be accessible to all.

What were John Locke's views on natural rights?

He believed in life, liberty, and property, and that individuals must become 'rational creatures'.

What did Montesquieu advocate for in government?

He promoted the separation of powers to limit rulers' control.

What was Rousseau's concept of the 'general will'?

He believed in a social contract where individual moral freedom is achieved through the general will.

What did Voltaire advocate for regarding government and religion?

He championed individual freedoms, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state.

What were Beccaria's views on justice?

He argued for the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' and opposed the death penalty.

What did Mary Wollstonecraft argue regarding women's rights?

She claimed women are not naturally inferior to men but lack education and deserve equal rights and education.

What ideas about government emerged during the Enlightenment?

Consent of the governed, will of the majority, laissez-faire economics, social justice, and the right to overthrow oppressive governments.

What is Mercantilism?

An economic theory that emphasizes amassing wealth through trade by exporting more than importing and increasing stores of gold and precious metals.

Who were the Physiocrats?

French economists who believed the wealth of nations was derived solely from the value of land and agriculture.

What did Anne Robert Jacques Turgot contribute to economic thought?

He argued that capitalism is necessary for economic growth and that a country's finances need to be stable.

What is Adam Smith known for?

He is known as the Father of Modern Economics and wrote 'The Wealth of Nations', advocating for rational selfishness and laissez-faire economics.

What does 'laissez-faire' mean in economic terms?

It refers to an economic system with minimal government interference, allowing individuals to pursue their self-interests.

What was the legacy of the Enlightenment?

It inspired democratic revolutions, ideas of reform, democracy, republicanism, and the emergence of new forms of civil society.

Who was Baron d'Holbach and what was his belief?

He was a proponent of religious skepticism and identified as an atheist.

What was Rembrandt known for during the Golden Age?

He created artwork that challenged the church and depicted the human body.

What moral vision did Daniel Defoe advocate for England?

He sought to instill more morality and virtues in English life.

What was one of Goethe's key messages in his writings?

He emphasized the importance of taking action, as thinking alone is not sufficient.

What were the causes of the French Revolution?

Causes included the Old Regime's social structure, tax and privilege issues, Enlightenment thought, financial crises, and the influence of the American Revolution.

What significant event marked the beginning of the French Revolution?

The calling of the Estates General by Louis XVI in May 1789.

What was the Tennis Court Oath?

An oath taken by the Third Estate in June 1789, vowing not to disband until a French Constitution was established.

What event is known as the Storming of the Bastille?

The attack on July 14, 1789, by Parisians, which symbolized the uprising against the monarchy.

What were the August Decrees of the National Assembly?

Proclamations that included the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, signed on August 26, 1789.

What was the significance of the March of the Women?

It was a pivotal event in October 1789 that forced King Louis XVI to move to Paris.

What changes occurred in France after the acceptance of the Constitution by Louis XVI?

Establishment of a constitutional monarchy, male suffrage, and economic reforms.

What was the role of the Jacobins during the French Revolution?

They aimed to end the monarchy, abolish religion, create a republic, and extend the revolution.

What was the Reign of Terror?

A period during the French Revolution characterized by extreme political repression and mass executions, primarily led by the Jacobins.

What was the Thermidorian Reaction?

The period after the Reign of Terror that saw backlash against the Jacobins and the fall of Robespierre.

What were the problems faced by the Directory?

Issues included inflation, political corruption, reliance on military power, and rule by the wealthy bourgeois.

Who was Napoleon and what role did he play in the aftermath of the French Revolution?

Napoleon emerged as a significant leader following the revolution, eventually establishing himself as Emperor of France.

What is the metaphor used to describe the fluctuations of the French Revolution?

The metaphor is 'fever' which describes the ups and downs of the revolution.

What were some key symptoms leading to the French Revolution?

Key symptoms included hunger and financial issues.

What ideological conflict was present during the French Revolution?

The conflict was between Enlightenment ideals and traditional authority.

What event marked the beginning of the French Revolution?

The storming of the Bastille.

What type of government did King Louis XVI agree to establish during the French Revolution?

A constitutional monarchy.

What was the role of the Jacobins during the French Revolution?

They led the Reign of Terror and supported an executive monarchy.

What was the National Convention responsible for during the French Revolution?

It aimed to ensure public safety but faced issues with corruption.

What was the 'White Terror' and the Thermidorian Reaction?

A backlash against the Jacobins and their policies.

What significant change did Napoleon bring to France after the Revolution?

He dissolved the elected assembly and appointed a senate.

What was the purpose of the Declaration of Rights of Man and of the Citizen?

To declare that men are born equal and have rights, excluding slaves and women.

Who was Abbe Sieyes and what was his contribution to the Revolution?

He advocated for the Third Estate's power and helped write the Declaration of Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

What was the Women's March on Versailles?

Women marched to Versailles to demand that the king and queen return to Paris.

What was Jean Paul Marat's stance during the Revolution?

He was a Jacobin who believed the monarchy should be abolished.

What was the significance of La Marseillaise?

It became the French national anthem and symbolized nationalism.

What reforms did Napoleon implement in education?

He established the Lycees System for the nation's most talented students.

What was the Napoleonic Code?

A legal code aimed at reforming French law to reflect the principles of the Revolution.

What was the Continental System?

A blockade against Britain by Napoleon to restrict trade, which ultimately failed.

What led to Napoleon's downfall in Russia?

His invasion in 1812 failed, proving his forces were not invincible.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Waterloo?

Napoleon was defeated and subsequently exiled.

What economic theory did Thomas Malthus propose?

The theory that population grows faster than food production.

What was the Agricultural Revolution?

A period of new farming techniques, including crop rotations and land enclosure.

What was the impact of the Cottage Industries?

They provided more employment as people worked from home producing goods.

What was the role of the Bank of England during the wars against France?

It funded the war and helped maintain financial stability.

What was mercantilism?

An economic policy that exploited colonies by requiring them to sell goods back to the mother country.

What was the Consumer Revolution?

A period when people had more money and bought more luxury goods due to low food costs.

How did child-rearing change during this period?

Children lived longer and were more loved, with playgrounds and toys being introduced.

What leisure venues became popular during the 17th and 18th centuries?

Coffee houses and Chocolate Houses, where people enjoyed luxury items.