Western Civ

Western Civ Unit 12 Review Sheet

Political Causes of FR

Absolutism, lack of representation in Estates General, influence of Enlightenment ideas

Economic Causes of FR

Heavy taxation on Third Estate, government debt, lavish spending by monarchy, crop failures

Social Causes of FR

Inequality among the Estates, rise of bourgeoisie, spread of Enlightenment ideals

How did the Scientific Revolution and the Renaissance lead to the Enlightenment? 

fostering a spirit of inquiry emphasizing reason, and challenging traditional authority, ultimately leading to the enlightenment’s focus on human rights, progress, and the power of reason

Adam Smith’s Laissez Faire Economics 

Supply and demand/ government had minimal control of the economy/market capitalism

Describe actions taken by Philip II to defend the Catholic Church.

Philip II, a devout Catholic, took several actions to defend the Catholic Church, including:


  • enforcing the Council of Trent decrees,

  • utilizing the Spanish inquisition supporting t

  • the Catholic League in France, and attempting to invade England to restore Catholicism

What led to the decline of the Spanish Empire?

Costly wars, economic decline, inflation from American silver, defeat of the Spanish Armada

Explain the steps Peter the Great took to modernize/westernize Russia.

Peter the Great modernized the Russian army by reorganizing it. He adopted European military tactics and training methods, establishing a standing army.

Founded the Russian Navy:

Social and Cultural Changes:

Western Dress and Customs:

Peter encouraged the adoption of Western European dress, manners, and customs, including requiring men to shave their beards and wear Western clothing.

Promoted Education:

He opened schools and universities, and sent talented individuals to study abroad in Western Europe.

Established 1st Newspapers and the Russian Language:

Reformed the Calendar:

What was the Napoleonic code/describe positives and negatives

Positives of the Napoleonic Code: Equality Before the Law: 


The code established the principle of equality for all male citizens, regardless of birth or status, and abolished feudal privileges. Protection of Property Rights. Abolition of Feudalism. Simplified Legal System. Influence on Other Countries

  • Protection of Property Rights:

  • Abolition of Feudalism:

  • Simplified Legal System:

  • Influence on Other Countries:

What were the Reforms of the  Absolute Monarch Maria Theresa?

Centralized government, improved tax system, strengthened army, education reforms

What was the Petition of Right? What rights did it limit?

Limited king’s power; prohibited taxation without Parliament’s consent, banned imprisonment without trial

Was the English Revolution of 1688 “glorious”?



Yes, it was bloodless, led to constitutional monarchy, and increased parliamentary power

What led to the downfall of Napoleon? What battles/what invasion

Failed Russian invasion, Battle of Leipzig (1813), defeated at Waterloo (1815)

major outcome of the Peace of Westphalia

Ended Thirty Years’ War, weakened Holy Roman Empire, recognized sovereignty of German states

All Absolute monarchs attempted to do this

Centralize power

Effect of Louis XIV's persecution of the Huguenots 

Many fled France, hurting economy and weakening skilled workforce

Edict of Nantes

Gave rights to the Huguenots / French Protestents

Divine right

God gives kings the right to rule

Negative effects of Louis XIV’s wars and building of Versailles

Deficit spending bankruptcy

Defeat of Spanish Armada effects

  • Reduction of Spain’s power in the world

  • Spread of Protestantism

Effect of Magna Carta, the Petition of Right, and the English Bill of Rights

  • Weakening of monarch’s power in England

rise of Robespierre and the Reign of Terror led to what in France

What was the Committee of Public Safety

who did they target?

  • Mass executions, radical rule, suppression of opposition, execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

  • Revolutionary government led by Robespierre; targeted perceived enemies of the revolution, including nobles, clergy, and political opponents

Did the Concordat of 1801 signed by the Catholic Church and Napoleon increase or decrease the Churches power?

  • Increased Church influence but made it subordinate to the state, restoring some religious freedoms while keeping Napoleon in control