Study Guide: French, Haitian, and Latin American Revolutions

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts, figures, causes, and events of the French, Haitian, and Latin American Revolutions based on the study guide.

Separation of Powers

A political concept championed by Montesquieu arguing that liberty requires the division of legislative, executive, and judicial powers to prevent tyranny.

Third Estate

The social class consisting of commoners in pre-revolutionary France who bore the burden of rising taxation without the privileges of nobility and demanded more representation and rights.

King Louis XVI

The ruler of France whose lavish lifestyle, extravagant spending, and oppressive governance worsened wealth distribution and alienated the common people leading up to the revolution.

Rousseau and Voltaire

Enlightenment philosophers who promoted concepts of liberty, equality, and democracy, inspiring demands for political reform and social change in France.

Storming of the Bastille

A pivotal event occurring on July 14, 1789, that marked the beginning of the French Revolution and symbolized the people's anger against tyranny and King Louis XVI's oppressive rule.

Reign of Terror

A period of extreme violence lasting from September 1793 to July 1794, led by Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, where thousands were executed by guillotine to purge enemies of the revolution.

Committee of Public Safety

The governing body led by Robespierre during the Reign of Terror that directed executions of suspected enemies of the revolution, creating widespread fear and social instability.

Napoleon Bonaparte

A military leader who rose to become Emperor of France following the revolution, implemented stabilizing legal reforms, and waged the expansionist Napoleonic Wars across Europe.

Napoleonic Code

A legal system introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte that codified laws and helped stabilize France.

John Locke

An Enlightenment thinker whose philosophies regarding the protection of citizens' rights, equality, and governance influenced revolutionary declarations and leaders like Toussaint Louverture.

Haitian Revolution

A revolution that established Haiti as an independent nation, altered power dynamics regarding slavery, and resulted in French plantation owners losing the most power.

Toussaint Louverture

A leader in the Haitian independence movement who advocated for self-governance and the creation of a constitution, influenced by John Locke's ideas on governance and rights.

Simón Bolívar

A revolutionary leader influenced by Enlightenment thinkers who pursued the vision and goal of a unified South America free from colonial rule.