AP European History Unit 5: Crisis, Revolution, and Reaction (1648–1815)

Balance of Power

A geopolitical concept dictating that no single nation should dominate a region.

Great Powers

The dominant players in the 18th century, including Great Britain, France, Austria, Prussia, and Russia.

Enlightened Absolutism

Monarchs who adopted Enlightenment ideals without relinquishing absolute authority.

Frederick the Great

Prussian monarch known for promoting religious tolerance and legal reform.

Catherine the Great

Russian monarch who attempted legal codification and corresponded with Voltaire.

Joseph II

Austrian reformer known for abolishing serfdom and granting religious freedom.

Mercantilism

State-driven economic policy believing wealth is finite and promoting positive trade balances.

Capitalism

Economic system advocating minimal government intervention as described by Adam Smith.

Laissez-Faire

The idea that the government should intervene as little as possible in economic affairs.

Triangle Trade

A system of trade involving Europe, Africa, and the Americas, characterized by enslaved labor.

Atlantic Economy

A global trade network established during the 18th century that fueled European wealth.

Transatlantic Slave Trade

The forced transportation of over 12 million Africans between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Population Explosion

Massive increase in Europe’s population post-1750 due to various social and agricultural factors.

Seven Years' War

Global conflict (1756-1763) that solidified Britain's position as a superpower.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

Agreement that ended the Seven Years' War, resulting in significant British territorial gains.

American Revolution

Conflict (1775-1783) initiated over taxation without representation leading to US independence.

French Revolution

Pivotal event from 1789-1799 characterized by radical social and political changes in France.

Three Estates

The social hierarchy in France: Clergy, Nobility, and the Third Estate (commoners).

Estates-General (1789)

Assembly called by Louis XVI to address the national debt, leading to the formation of the National Assembly.

Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

Document guaranteeing equality and rights in revolutionary France.

Tennis Court Oath

Pledge by the Third Estate to create a constitution after being outvoted in the Estates-General.

The Jacobins

Radical political group during the French Revolution advocating for a republic.

Reign of Terror

Period (1793-1794) marked by political violence and mass executions during the French Revolution.

Olympe de Gouges

Female playwright who advocated for women's rights during the French Revolution.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Military leader who rose to power in France, becoming Emperor in 1804.

Napoleonic Code

Legal code established by Napoleon, promoting civil liberties while restricting women's rights.

Continental System

Napoleon's failed economic blockade against Britain.

Waterloo (1815)

Battle that marked Napoleon's final defeat and end of his rule.

Congress of Vienna

Meeting of European powers post-Napoleon to restore order and balance in Europe.

Legitimacy (Congress of Vienna)

Restoration of legitimate monarchs deposed by Napoleon.

Conservatism

Political ideology emphasizing tradition, monarchy, and stability.

Liberalism

Political ideology advocating individual rights and constitutional government.

Nationalism

Ideology promoting the self-determination of ethnic groups.

Romanticism

Cultural movement that emphasized emotion and nature as reactions against Enlightenment thought.

Emotion over Reason

Key characteristic of Romanticism, valuing feelings and individual experience.

The Sublime

Concept in Romanticism reflecting awe of nature and its uncontrollable power.

Cult of the Supreme Being

A deistic religion established during the French Revolution to replace Christianity.

Thermidorian Reaction

Period following the Reign of Terror when the revolution became more moderate.

Bourgeoisie

The wealthy middle class, important in initiating the French Revolution.

Mary Wollstonecraft

Early feminist who advocated for women's rights in her writings during the revolution.

Toussaint L'Ouverture

Leader of the Haitian Revolution who fought against colonial powers.

The Grand Empire

Napoleon's vast empire including France and its satellite states.

Scorched Earth Policy

Military tactic used by Russians to destroy resources as they retreated from Napoleon’s forces.