History Unit III quiz - Chaloff 25-26 - Sophomore

Napoleon’s Empire

Empire created by Napoleon after the French Revolution (1799–1815). Fell due to three costly mistakes: the Continental System (1806), the Peninsular War (1808), and the invasion of Russia (1812). Spread revolutionary ideas, ended feudalism, sparked nationalism, and its defeat led to the Congress of Vienna.

Congress of Vienna

Meeting of European leaders from 1814–1815 after Napoleon’s defeat. Restored conservative monarchies, redrew borders, established the balance of power, prevented future French aggression, and kept peace in Europe for nearly 100 years.

Prince Klemens von Metternich

Foreign Minister of Austria and leader of the Congress of Vienna. Opposed equality and democracy, supported strong monarchies, wanted to stop revolution and nationalism, and designed the balance of power system.

Legitimacy

The principle that rightful monarchs should be restored to power. Kings removed by Napoleon were returned to their thrones, strengthening monarchies and suppressing revolutionary ideas.

Balance of Power

A system where no single nation dominates Europe. France was weakened but not destroyed, other nations were strengthened, and the system helped prevent large-scale wars.

German Confederation

A loose alliance of 39 German states created after Napoleon’s defeat. Replaced the Holy Roman Empire, weakened German unity to maintain balance of power, and later became the foundation for German unification.

Concert of Europe

An alliance of major European powers created to maintain peace and stability. Nations agreed to help each other stop revolutions and maintain order, preserving peace for decades.

Nationalism

Loyalty to a nation of people with common culture and history rather than to a ruler. Creates pride and unity but can also cause conflict, blind loyalty, exclusion of outsiders, and wars.

Nation-State

A state whose borders match the homeland of a nation. The nation has its own government recognized by other countries. Some nations share culture without having a state.

Nation

A large group of people united by shared identity, culture, language, and history. It is a social and cultural concept and does not require political borders.

National Myth

A story (real or exaggerated) that builds national identity and reinforces beliefs and values. Can unite people but also lead to stereotypes, blind belief, and violence.

Prussia

The most powerful of the German states and leader of German unification. Had a strong army and economy, defeated Austria and France, and became the core of the German Empire.

German Unification

The process of combining German states into one nation in 1871. Achieved through Realpolitik and Bismarck, created a powerful new nation, shifted the balance of power, and increased tensions leading to WWI.

Greek War for Independence

A nationalist revolt by Greeks against the Ottoman Empire from 1821–1830. Greece gained independence, nationalism united people against foreign rule, and the Ottoman Empire was weakened.

Massacre at Chios

An 1822 massacre where Ottoman forces killed thousands of Greek civilians. Shocked Europe, increased support for Greek independence, and pushed European nations to intervene.

Ottoman Empire

A major empire controlling Southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa for centuries. Controlled Greece before independence and declined due to nationalism and foreign intervention.

Role of European States in the Greek War for Independence

Britain, France, and Russia supported Greece with military aid and supplies, helped defeat the Ottomans, and ensured Greek independence in 1830.

Lasting Effects of the French Revolution, Napoleon, and the Congress of Vienna

Spread liberalism and nationalism, ended feudalism, created modern citizenship and rights, temporarily restored monarchies, and kept Europe mostly peaceful for 100 years while nationalism continued growing.

Nationalism as a Force of Unity

United Germany and Italy, created shared identity and pride, brought people together under common beliefs and nationality, and strengthened loyalty to the nation.

Nationalism as a Force of Disunity

Caused ethnic conflicts, increased border disputes and wars, contributed to WWI, and sometimes forced people to accept beliefs they did not agree with.