History of Women's Rights and Major European Eras

Vocabulary flashcards covering major European historical eras, key terms, influential figures, and the evolution of women's rights from the Renaissance through the 20th century.

Renaissance ($1300$-$1600$)

A period marked by a focus on humanism, education, and art, where the printing press (~$1450$) began to spread ideas quickly.

Humanism

A focus on human beings, education, and art instead of focusing solely on religious matters.

Secularism

A shift in focus away from church control and toward worldly matters.

Christine de Pizan

A woman during the Renaissance who argued that women possess intelligence equal to men.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the $1500s$ caused by Church corruption that resulted in Christianity splitting into different branches.

Martin Luther

The individual credited with starting the Reformation by posting the $95$ Theses.

John Calvin

A Reformation leader known for the theological concept of predestination.

Absolutism

A political system in the $1600s$ where monarchs, such as Louis XIV, held total power over the state.

Louis XIV

The absolute monarch of France known for building the Palace of Versailles and the phrase "I am the state."

Peace of Westphalia

An event in $1648$ that ended religious wars and increased the power of individual states over religion.

Enlightenment ($1600$-$1700s$)

An intellectual movement focusing on reason, natural rights, and government that inspired early feminist ideas.

Natural Rights

The Enlightenment concept that all individuals are entitled to life, liberty, and property.

John Locke

An Enlightenment philosopher who advocated for natural rights.

Mary Wollstonecraft

An Enlightenment figure who argued for women's right to education.

Salons

Gatherings hosted by women during the Enlightenment that served as venues for intellectual discussions.

French Revolution ($1789$)

A conflict caused by inequality and Enlightenment ideas that led to the end of the monarchy and the spread of ideas about rights.

Storming of the Bastille

A significant event in $1789$ that occurred during the French Revolution.

Reign of Terror ($1793$-$1794$)

A period of intense violence during the French Revolution.

Olympe de Gouges

The author of the declaration for women's rights during the French Revolution who protested despite women being excluded from full rights.

Industrial Revolution ($1800s$)

A period of technological change characterized by growth in the factory system and urbanization, which led to the creation of new social classes.

Urbanization

The expansion of cities caused by people moving for work during the Industrial Revolution.

19th Century Feminism ($1800s$)

A movement focused on obtaining women's suffrage (the right to vote), education, and employment opportunities.

Imperialism

The practice of European countries taking over lands in Africa and Asia during the $1800s$.

Nationalism

A feeling of pride in one's country that led to the unification of Germany and Italy and contributed to the start of World War I.

Otto von Bismarck

A leader known for practicing realpolitik while unifying Germany.

Karl Marx

A thinker whose ideas about class struggle led to the development of socialism and Marxism.

World War I ($1914$-$1918$)

A global conflict characterized by trench warfare and total war, which allowed women to prove their independence by entering the workforce.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The individual whose assassination in $1914$ served as a catalyst for World War I.

Total War

A concept where an entire country, including its civilian workforce and resources, is involved in a war effort.

World War II ($1900s$)

A global conflict involving the rise of dictators and the Holocaust, where women played a major role in the workforce.

Treaty of Versailles

The agreement that ended World War I, punished Germany, and ultimately helped lead to World War II.

20th Century Women's Rights

A period, specifically the $1960s$-$1970s$, when women gained significantly more equality, voting rights, and access to jobs and politics.