Enlightenment Concepts and the French Revolution

The idea that people have a natural right to freedom of thought and expression, as long as it doesn't cause harm to others.

This concept emphasizes that power should be evenly distributed and no single person or group should hold all the authority.

This principle states that the power of government is divided among different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The idea that all people should have equal rights and opportunities regardless of their social status or background.

This refers to the rights that individuals are born with and that governments cannot take away.

This idea describes the will of the people as a collective, guiding the decisions of the government.

The principle that laws should be clear, just, and applied equally to everyone.

The idea that the purpose of government is to protect the natural rights of its citizens.

The Congress of Vienna aimed to restore the old European order that existed before the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.

Liberalism is the belief that all individuals are born equal with fundamental rights, including freedom and the right to overthrow oppressive governments.

Nationalism is a strong sense of pride and unity among people who share a common language, culture, or history.

The French Revolution was a period of social and political upheaval in France, leading to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, proclaimed during the French Revolution, declared the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals.

Absolute monarchy is a form of government where the ruler has unlimited power and authority.

The era of Napoleon Bonaparte brought significant changes to Europe, including wars of conquest and the spread of French revolutionary ideals.

The Congress of Vienna, after the Napoleonic Wars, worked to prevent the future rise of a powerful individual like Napoleon.

The process of sharing power among different levels of government, typically between a national government and regional or state governments.

A system of governance where the people hold ultimate power and elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

The American Revolution was influenced by the desire for self-governance and opposition to British rule, while the French Revolution was driven by social and economic inequalities and opposition to the absolute power of the monarchy.

The American Revolution established a model for a presidential system with separation of powers, influencing other nations seeking alternative forms of government. This system was based on the principles of limited government and individual rights.

The French Revolution sparked a wave of revolutions and nationalist movements across Europe and beyond. It promoted ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, leading to the rise of new nations based on these principles.

Both the American and French Revolutions were fueled by the desire to overthrow oppressive absolute rule. The American colonists rebelled against British rule and its oppressive policies, while the French people rose up against the absolute monarchy of King Louis XVI.

The American colonists found the British monarchy's policies unreasonable and sought to establish their own independent government.

The French Revolution was sparked by economic hardship and social inequities, exacerbated by the extravagant spending of the monarchy. The French people suffered from food shortages and poverty.

The French people faced harsh social and economic conditions under the absolute rule of King Louis XVI.

Enlightenment ideas promoted ideals such as natural rights, limited government, and popular sovereignty, influencing both revolutions. These ideas inspired people to challenge traditional authority and seek greater freedom and equality.

The American Revolution's success encouraged other revolutions, inspiring people to fight for their freedom and independence.

A set of principles that emphasize individual rights, limited government, and the rule of law.

The ability of each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches, ensuring no single branch becomes overly dominant.

The belief that people are the source of political power and that government should reflect the will of the people.

The idea that government power should be limited and subject to certain restrictions to protect individual rights.

The American Revolution's emphasis on freedom and equality resonated with those seeking independence from oppressive colonial rule in other parts of the world.

The right of people to govern themselves and make their own laws.

The US Constitution, adopted in 1787, established the framework for the American government. It reflects Enlightenment principles such as popular sovereignty (power coming from the people), separation of powers (checks and balances among branches of government), and protection of natural rights (basic freedoms like speech and religion).

The President of the United States is the head of the republic, elected by eligible citizens. The first President was George Washington.

The American Revolution inspired revolutionary movements globally by demonstrating that people could achieve independence by overthrowing oppressive rule. It highlighted the possibility of achieving liberty through revolution.

The American Revolution, which led to the creation of the United States, was viewed by the world with both shock and inspiration. Many were amazed by ordinary people defying the British Empire for freedom.

The Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer, fought alongside George Washington in the American Revolution. He believed that the revolution's principles of freedom and equality could inspire France to overthrow its monarchy.