Study Guide for Midterm Exam #2 HI 1223 – Modern Western World Spring 2026

Flashcards covering key terms and figures for the HI 1223 midterm exam on Modern Western history.

Charles X

King of France from 1824 to 1830, known for his conservative policies.

Chartism

A working-class movement in Britain during the 1830s and 1840s advocating for political reforms.

Decembrists

Russian revolutionaries who protested against autocracy in December 1825.

Franco-Prussian War

A conflict between France and Prussia from 1870 to 1871 that unified Germany.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Philosopher known for his critique of religion and morality.

French Revolution of 1848

A revolution that led to the establishment of the French Second Republic.

Gradualism

The policy of gradual reform rather than sudden change.

HMS Beagle

The ship on which Charles Darwin conducted much of his research.

Holy Alliance

A coalition of Austria, Prussia, and Russia established to promote conservative principles.

James Watt

Inventor known for improvements to the steam engine.

John Stuart Mill

Philosopher and political economist known for his writings on liberty and utilitarianism.

Karl Marx

Philosopher and economist known for his theories about capitalism and class struggle.

Liberalism

A political philosophy emphasizing individual freedoms and equal rights.

Lizzie Van Zyl

A significant figure in the context of the Boer War and early feminist movements.

The Marseillaise

The national anthem of France, originating from the French Revolution.

Marx’s Stage Theory of Human History

A theory positing that societal development occurs in stages based on economic systems.

Napoleon I

Emperor of the French who rose to prominence during the French Revolution.

Napoleon III

The first President of France and later Emperor from 1852 to 1870.

Nationalism

A political ideology focused on the interests of a particular nation, emphasizing its sovereignty.

Naturalism

A literary movement that emphasizes realism and the influence of environment on human life.

Ode to Joy

A poem by Friedrich Schiller, later set to music by Beethoven.

Otto von Bismarck

German statesman known for unifying Germany in the 19th century.

Phineas Gage

A railroad construction foreman known for surviving a severe brain injury.

Rationalism

A philosophical belief that reason is the chief source of knowledge.

Reactionaries

Political actors who oppose political or social progress.

Realpolitik

A political system based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations.

Ride of the Valkyries

A famous musical piece from Wagner's opera, associated with themes of heroism.

Robert Owen

Social reformer and one of the founders of socialism.

Romanticism

An artistic and intellectual movement emphasizing emotion and individualism.

Social Darwinism

A theory used to justify social inequality based on the idea of survival of the fittest.

Spinning Jenny

An early mechanical device for spinning wool or cotton.

The “Sublime”

A quality in art and nature that inspires awe and wonder.

Tsar Nicholas I

Emperor of Russia known for his repressive policies and autocracy.

Übermensch

A term used by Nietzsche to signify a superior individual who transcends traditional moral values.

War of the Second Coalition

A conflict fought by a coalition of European powers against Revolutionary France.