HIST 112 Western Civilization Midterm Exam Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts and terms important for the HIST 112 Midterm Exam.

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler holds absolute power, exemplified by Louis XIV of France.

Louis XIV

The French monarch who personified absolutism; known as the 'Sun King'.

English Civil War

A conflict from 1642 to 1651 in England between Parliamentarians and Royalists, which ultimately challenged the authority of Charles I.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Deism

A religious philosophy that emerged during the Enlightenment, positing that reason and observation of the natural world are sufficient to determine the existence of a creator.

Geocentricity

The astronomical theory that the Earth is the center of the universe, which was challenged by heliocentric models proposed by scientists like Copernicus.

Heliocentricity

The astronomical model that places the Sun at the center of the universe, proposed by Copernicus and supported by later scientists.

Tabula Rasa

The theory that individuals are born without built-in mental content and that knowledge comes from experience and perception.

Vindication of the Rights of Woman

A work by Mary Wollstonecraft published in 1792 advocating for women's rights and equality.

Estates General

The assembly representing the three estates of the realm in France, convened in 1789 leading to significant social and political changes.

Napoleon

French military leader who became emperor after the French Revolution, known for significant reforms and expansion of French territory.

Scientific Discovery and Society

The evolving relationship between scientific advancements and societal beliefs, including reactions to witchcraft and astronomy.