The Eighteenth Century: European States, War, and Social Change

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to European states, wars, and social changes in the eighteenth century, focusing on the Enlightenment, political structures, and revolutionary movements.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, natural law, and skepticism of tradition.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights of life, liberty, and property that cannot be taken away.

Enlightened Absolutism

A government form where monarchs maintain absolute power while adopting Enlightenment reforms.

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler holds supreme authority.

Louis XV

The indecisive French king whose reign marked a decline after Louis XIV.

Seven Years' War

A global conflict that exacerbated France's financial crisis and led to territorial losses.

Constitutional Monarchy

A government where the monarch shares power with a parliament.

Robert Walpole

Considered Britain’s first prime minister, known for promoting peace and stability.

Junkers

Prussian landed nobility who played a significant role in the military.

Frederick the Great

Prussian king known for his enlightened reforms and military achievements.

Joseph II

Radical Austrian ruler who implemented significant reforms but faced strong resistance.

Catherine the Great

Russian empress who portrayed herself as enlightened but maintained autocratic power.

Balance of Power

A diplomatic principle aimed at preventing any one state from dominating Europe.

American Revolution

A conflict influenced by Enlightenment ideas leading to U.S. independence from Britain.

French Revolution

A revolutionary movement that dismantled the Ancien Régime and established legal equality.

Nationalism

A sense of national pride that emerged among conquered peoples during Napoleon's rule.

Neoclassicism

Artistic movement emphasizing classical ideals of reason, civic virtue, and moral seriousness.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

A foundational document of the French Revolution asserting equality and natural rights.

Reign of Terror

A period of extreme violence during the French Revolution aimed at purging enemies of the state.