Renaissance and Scientific Revolution Terms

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following terms refers to a ruler with complete authority over the government and the lives of the people?

Absolute Monarch (correct)

Constitutional Monarchy

Limited Monarchy

Oligarchy

Humanism emphasizes the study of classical texts and focuses on human potential.

True

What is an Indulgence in the context of the Catholic Church?

A practice where people could purchase a remission of sins for themselves or loved ones.

___ means to sail completely around the world.

Circumnavigate Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept where rival nations maintain military and economic strength to prevent any one country from dominating?

Balance of Power Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Humanism = Intellectual movement focusing on human potential Indulgence = Purchase of remission of sins Predestination = Belief that God determines who will be saved Encomienda = Spanish system granting labor rights from Native Americans Signup and view all the answers

A Limited Monarchy has no restrictions on the monarch's power.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Heliocentric refer to?

The theory that the sun is the center of the universe. Signup and view all the answers

What did Thomas Hobbes advocate for during the Enlightenment?

An absolutist government to prevent chaos Signup and view all the answers

John Locke believed that governments should protect the natural rights of citizens.

True Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Voltaire's contributions to the Enlightenment?

Freedom of speech and religion Signup and view all the answers

The economic philosophy promoted by Adam Smith is known as _____ economics.

free-market Signup and view all the answers

Match the Enlightenment thinker with their goal or belief:

Montesquieu = Separation of powers Jean-Jacques Rousseau = Social contract Mary Wollstonecraft = Women’s rights Adam Smith = Free-market economy Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the American Revolutionary War?

The colonists' victory against British forces Signup and view all the answers

Enlightened Despots adopted Enlightenment reforms in response to challenges from absolute monarchy.

True Signup and view all the answers

What document asserted natural rights and justified rebellion against Britain?

Declaration of Independence Signup and view all the answers

The forming of the United Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707 included England, Scotland, and _____ .

Wales Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the American Revolution have globally?

It inspired future democratic movements Signup and view all the answers

What role did patrons play during the Renaissance?

They financially supported artists and scholars. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental principle of Humanism?

Study of classical texts and human potential. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is central to Calvinist theology?

Predestination Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Inflation' refer to in economic contexts?

A rise in prices and decrease in money value. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a Constitutional Monarchy from an Absolute Monarchy?

Constitutional monarchs have their powers limited by laws. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'Balance of Power' aim to achieve?

Prevention of any single country's supremacy. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an Oligarchy?

Governance by a small group of elite individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'Circumnavigate'?

To sail completely around the world. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the Enlightenment period?

To apply natural laws for governance improvement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following thinkers is associated with the concept of the social contract?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Signup and view all the answers

How did Montesquieu contribute to the political ideas during the Enlightenment?

He advocated for the separation of powers in government Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason for colonial discontent leading to the American Revolution?

Taxation without representation in Parliament Signup and view all the answers

Mary Wollstonecraft is best known for advocating which of the following?

Women's rights and education Signup and view all the answers

What role did salons play in the spread of Enlightenment ideas?

They served as informal meeting places for intellectual discourse Signup and view all the answers

What document, authored by Thomas Jefferson, justified rebellion against Britain?

The Declaration of Independence Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of Adam Smith's economic philosophy?

Free-market economics and the 'invisible hand' Signup and view all the answers

What was the global impact of the American Revolution?

It inspired future democratic movements in other countries Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred in Britain during the mid-18th century?

Greater power for Parliament, establishing a constitutional monarchy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Renaissance and Reformation Terms

Patron: A wealthy individual, family, or institution supporting Renaissance artists, writers, and scholars, like the Medici family.
Humanism: A movement emphasizing classical Greek and Roman texts, human potential, individual achievement, and secular concerns.
Indulgence: A Catholic practice allowing purchase of sin remission; criticized by Martin Luther.
Predestination: The belief, core to Calvinism, that God predetermines salvation or damnation.

Scientific Revolution and Exploration Terms

Heliocentric: The sun-centered universe theory, proposed by Copernicus, contradicting the geocentric model.
Circumnavigate: To sail completely around the world; Magellan's expedition was the first to do so.
Inflation: A general increase in prices and decrease in money value, often from gold/silver influx, impacting Europe during the Age of Exploration.
Encomienda: A Spanish colonial system allowing settlers to claim Native American labor or tribute for protection and conversion.

Absolutism and Government Terms

Absolute Monarch: A ruler with complete authority over government and people's lives, often claiming divine right, like Louis XIV.
Divine Right: The belief that a monarch's authority comes directly from God, justifying absolute power.
Balance of Power: A political system where rival nations maintain similar strengths, avoiding domination by one.
Constitutional Monarchy: A government limiting a monarch's power through a constitution or laws, like England after the Glorious Revolution.
Limited Monarchy: A system where a monarch's power is restricted by law or a governing body, like Parliament in England.
Oligarchy: A government ruled by a small group of powerful individuals, usually from the elite.

The Enlightenment and the American Revolution (1700–1800)

Section 1: Philosophy in the Age of Reason

Enlightenment: A period emphasizing reason, individualism, and challenging traditional authority, to improve governance and quality of life through natural laws.
Thomas Hobbes: An Enlightenment thinker advocating for a strong government to control chaos, supporting absolutism, as seen in Leviathan.
John Locke: An Enlightenment thinker believing in natural rights (life, liberty, property), emphasizing government protection of these rights, influencing modern democracy.
Montesquieu: Proposed the separation of government powers (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent tyranny, outlined in The Spirit of the Laws.
Voltaire: Advocated for freedom of speech and religion, criticizing intolerance and corruption.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Advocated for the social contract, where governments are based on the "general will" of the people, discussed in The Social Contract.
Mary Wollstonecraft: Argued for women's rights and education, prominently in A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.
Adam Smith: Promoted free-market economics and the "invisible hand" in The Wealth of Nations.

Section 2: Enlightenment Ideas Spread

Enlightenment Idea Dissemination: Ideas spread through salons, the printing press, and art/literature reflecting Enlightenment themes.
Enlightened Despots: Monarchs adopting Enlightenment ideas to institute reforms, like Frederick the Great (Prussia), Catherine the Great (Russia), and Joseph II (Austria).

Section 3: Britain at Mid-Century

Britain's Rise: Britain's power increased through trade and colonization, leading to the United Kingdom's formation in 1707 (England, Scotland, and Wales).
Colonial American Economy: American colonies economically flourished but were limited by British policies like mercantilism and taxes.
British Political Changes: Britain transitioned to a constitutional monarchy, with Parliament gaining greater power.

Section 4: Birth of the American Republic

American Revolution Causes: Colonial grievances against British policies (taxation without representation) and Enlightenment ideas fueled calls for independence and democracy.
Declaration of Independence: A 1776 document authored by Jefferson asserting natural rights and justifying rebellion against Britain.
Revolutionary War Outcome: Colonies, with French assistance, defeated British forces.
U.S. Constitution: Established a federal system with checks and balances, influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like Montesquieu, including a Bill of Rights ensuring freedoms like speech and religion.
American Revolution's Global Impact: Inspired future democratic movements in France and Latin America.

Key Themes and Takeaways

Enlightenment Reason: Enlightenment thinkers believed reason could solve social and political problems.
Challenge to Authority: Enlightenment ideas challenged traditional institutions, like absolute monarchies and the Church.
Modern Democracy: Modern democratic principles are rooted in Enlightenment thought.
Global Impact: The American Revolution spread ideas of liberty and self-governance globally.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key terms from the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution! This quiz covers important concepts such as humanism, heliocentrism, and more. Explore the intellectual and exploratory advancements of these pivotal periods in history.