History of the Renaissance and Capitalism

An ideology that emphasizes loyalty and commitment to a nation or nation-state, placing these obligations above other loyalties.

Napoleon's policy aimed at crippling Britain economically by forbidding all trade with the nation. It ultimately backfired, leading to Napoleon's downfall.

A meeting of European powers in 1815, aimed at establishing a new order and dismantling the French revolutionary ideas, such as universal suffrage and limitations on royal authority.

A period from the mid-18th century to the mid-19th century marked by the shift from agrarian economies to industrial economies, based on new technologies and mechanized production.

The movement of people from rural areas to urban centers, spurred by job opportunities in factories and industries.

The process of creating products using standardized methods and machinery, replacing traditional handcrafts with machines.

In the context of the Industrial Revolution, this refers to the emergence of distinct social classes based on wealth and occupation, with a growing working class and industrial elite.

The Industrial Revolution led to the rise of new political philosophies advocating for workers' rights and fairer economic structures, including socialism and communism.

The system of social rankings in Europe around 1500. It consisted of three main groups: the upper class (kings, clergy, nobles), the middle class (merchants, doctors), and the lower class (peasants, serfs). The lower class formed the majority of the population.

The limited understanding of geography in Europe around 1500. People were primarily aware of their local surroundings and struggled to navigate beyond their immediate area. This led to the formation of many small towns.

The idea of self in Europe around 1500 was largely defined by one's social role and position. Individuals lacked last names and their lives were primarily focused on working the land and serving their lords.

A period of rapid economic growth in Europe during the 1500s. It was characterized by the use of large sums of capital (money) to invest in commercial, manufacturing, and agricultural activities.

The significant impact the discovery of the New World had on Europe. It fuelled exploration, trade, and the desire for wealth. Resources like gold, silver, and vast new territories fueled economic expansion. However, this also led to exploitation and eventually a decline in some areas.

An economic policy that emphasizes national self-sufficiency by maximizing exports and minimizing imports. It often involved promoting domestic production and restricting foreign trade.

A famous Renaissance artist known for his diverse talents, including painting, sculpture, and invention. He challenged religious beliefs with his discoveries about the human anatomy.

A German inventor who revolutionized communication and knowledge dissemination with the invention of the printing press. His invention made it possible to publish books and other materials much more efficiently, contributing to the spread of information and ideas during the Renaissance.

The First Estate comprised the clergy (1%), the Second Estate consisted of nobles (1%), and the Third Estate included the remaining population (98%) such as peasants, merchants, and laborers.

The Estates-General was a legislative body made up of representatives from the three estates, called to address France's dire financial and political situation.

The Tennis Court Oath was a pledge taken by members of the Third Estate to establish a written constitution for France, refusing to disband their assembly.

Catherine the Great of Russia was influenced by Enlightenment ideas, implemented reforms inspired by French philosophers, and even had involvement in the Russian Revolution.

The French Revolution saw the execution of Louis XVI, the King of France, for trying to escape the country, which was considered treason.

Robespierre was a leading figure of the Jacobins, who sought radical change through violence. He rose to power, implemented reforms, but became tyrannical and was eventually executed.

Marat was a French political theorist and journalist who actively supported the sans-culottes and the radical aspects of the French Revolution. He was assassinated for his violent views.

Jaque Louis David was a French painter known for his historical works, including portraits of Marat and Napoleon. He served as a propagandist for Napoleon.

Napoleon Bonaparte, a French military officer, rose to power during the French Revolution. He implemented the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and used them to justify French expansion.

Napoleon's rise to power was largely fueled by his reputation and success as a military officer during the French Revolution.

Bismarck's political philosophy focused on achieving German unification through military might and aggressive action.

Bismarck's strategy for uniting Germany involved bypassing parliament and illegally raising taxes to build a strong, efficient army.

The Danish War (1864) saw Prussia seize Schleswig and Holstein, strategically positioning it for future conflicts.

Prussia's victory over Austria in the Austro-Prussian War (1866) established Prussia's dominance in German affairs and created the North German Confederation.

Bismarck strategically provoked France into war to unite northern and southern Germany against a common enemy, ultimately achieving German unification.

Bismarck's skillful diplomacy involved isolating potential enemies before wars, preventing alliances and ensuring neutrality from key players.

Bismarck masterfully utilized wars to unite different German states under Prussia's leadership, taking advantage of a common enemy to achieve national unity.

Bismarck's strategy involved unifying the different states of Germany around Prussia, first through the North German Confederation and then through the Franco-Prussian War, which led to the creation of the German Empire.

A powerful Italian state that played a key role in Italian unification, led by the influential Count Camillo di Cavour.

Austria's dominance over the Italian states fueled a widespread desire for unification. Italians, particularly nationalists and liberals, sought to expel Austria and establish a unified, democratic Italy.

The prime minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, a liberal reformer who strengthened Sardinia economically and militarily and orchestrated alliances to expel Austria from Italy.

A visionary leader who believed in Italian unification and democracy. He led volunteers in revolts against Austrian rule, playing a pivotal role in unifying Italy.

A scientific theory that proposes that organisms evolve over time through natural selection, where those better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

A social and artistic movement that emerged as a reaction to the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. It emphasized emotion, imagination, and individuality, often celebrating nature and the past.

A philosopher and sociologist who wrote extensively about social and economic issues. He is known for his theories of capitalism, class struggle, and the critique of capitalist exploitation.

A famous English writer known for his social commentary and realistic portrayal of poverty and injustice in Victorian England. His novels often explored themes of social reform, class inequality, and the plight of the poor.

The Tsar who introduced repressive measures in Russia after a revolt by liberal members of the aristocracy (Decemberists). These measures included censorship, travel restrictions, and banning political organizations.

The Tsar known for his reformist policies, such as emancipating serfs and introducing reforms in education and the judicial system.

The Tsar who reversed the reformist policies of his father (Alexander II) and reintroduced repressive measures similar to Nicholas I. He died naturally.

The last Tsar of Russia, known for his weakness and lack of direction. He ruled during a time of instability and was forced to agree to some liberal reforms, including establishing an elected assembly, the Duma.

A group of Russian revolutionaries who assassinated Tsar Alexander II in an attempt to establish a liberal democratic state. They believed in violence and radical change.

The term used to describe the period of unrest and instability in Russia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This era witnessed frequent strikes, anti-government protests, and calls for change.

An elected assembly established in Russia during the reign of Tsar Nicholas II, representing a step towards limited democracy. This assembly was intended to provide a platform for some political representation and decision-making.

A political and economic ideology that aims to create a classless society without private property, social classes, money, or a state. It proposes a system of self-governance.

The term describing the merchant class in Marxist ideology, who are seen as exploiting the working class (proletariat) for their own financial gain.