European History Notes Review

Flashcards to review key terms and concepts from the European History lecture notes.

French Revolution

A period of political and social upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799 that led to the end of the monarchy and the rise of republicanism.

Louis XVI

The King of France whose inability to solve governmental issues led to the French Revolution.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class that was politically and socially excluded from power during the French Revolution.

Divine Right

The doctrine that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, used by Louis XVI to justify his rule.

Letres de cachet

Letters issued by the king allowing the imprisonment of individuals without trial.

American Revolution

The revolution by which the thirteen American colonies won independence from Great Britain between 1775 and 1783, serving as a model for revolutionary ideas.

Incompetence of the King

Louis XVI's failure to address financial and political issues that contributed to the grievances leading to the revolution.

Censorship

The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information, significantly present during Louis XVI’s reign.

Economic Crisis

A period of financial distress in France that contributed to the revolutionary climate by leading to widespread unrest and demands for change.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

A fundamental document of the French Revolution that outlined the individual and collective rights of all people.

Reign of Terror

A period during the French Revolution characterized by extreme violence and political purges led by the Jacobins and Robespierre.

Napoleon Bonaparte

A military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and later became the Emperor of France.

Vienna Settlement

A diplomatic agreement reached in 1815 that aimed to establish a balance of power and restore monarchies in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon.

Dreyfus Affair

A political scandal that divided France in the 1890s centering on the wrongful conviction of a Jewish French army officer, which highlighted issues of anti-Semitism.

Zollverein

The German customs union established in 1834 to promote economic cooperation among German states.

Socialism

A political and economic theory advocating for collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution.

Franco-Prussian War

A war fought between France and Prussia from 1870 to 1871 that led to the unification of Germany under Prussian influence.

Mussolini

The founder of Italian Fascism who ruled as Prime Minister from 1922 to 1943; known for his authoritarian regime.

Bismarck's Policies

The diplomatic strategies employed by Otto von Bismarck to achieve German unification and manage international relations.

Nationalism

A strong identification with and pride in one's nation, often leading to the pursuit of national independence or unity.

The Great War

A term for World War I, which was fought from 1914 to 1918, involving many of the world's great powers.

League of Nations

An intergovernmental organization founded after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among countries, ultimately deemed ineffective.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended World War I in 1919, imposing heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany.