Renaissance to World War II Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms from the Renaissance, Reformation, Scientific Revolution, Imperialism, and the French Revolution Era.

Renaissance

Rebirth; cultural awakening in Europe

Secular

Non-religious, worldly

Patrons

Wealthy supporters of the arts

Vernacular

Everyday language

Humanism

Emphasis on individual and human achievement

Perspective

Artistic technique for 3D realism

Individualism

Importance of the individual over the group

Protestant

One who protested against the Catholic Church

Reformation

Movement to reform the Church

Predestination

God has already determined who is saved

Scientific Revolution

A major shift in the way people studied the natural world, beginning in the mid-16th century.

Scientific Method

A systematic, repeatable approach used by scientists.

Importance of Objective Evidence

Objective evidence replaces speculation or dogma

Inertia

Objects stay at rest/motion unless acted on

Heresy

Speaking against Church teachings could lead to punishment or death

Industrial Revolution

A period in the mid-1700s in England marked by the mass production of machine-made goods.

Malthusian Theory

Predicted population would outgrow food supply

Imperialism

Takeover of a country by a stronger nation for political, economic, and social gain.

Sepoy Rebellion

Indian soldiers revolting against British rule on May 10, 1857.

Social Inequality

Rigid Estate System (Old Regime) created deep divisions and injustice

French Society

The Three Estates

Georges Danton

Revolutionary leader, later executed by Robespierre

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

All men are born free and equal in rights

White Man's Burden

Duty to civilize non-European peoples

Social Darwinism

Belief that stronger nations had the right to dominate weaker ones

War Guilt Clause

Germany was forced to accept full responsibility for the war

Appeasement

Giving in to an aggressor to avoid conflict