Historia U7 Español Gema Flashcards
How many British colonies were there in North America in the 18th century, and how were they organized?
There were thirteen British colonies on the east coast of North America. These colonies were part of the British Empire but had a degree of autonomy, as each had its own colonial assembly. However, they were under the authority of the king and the British Parliament, which imposed laws and taxes without colonial representation.
Why did American colonists protest against British taxes?
The colonists protested because they had no representation in the British Parliament. They considered it unfair to pay taxes to a government in which they had no voice, leading to the slogan ‘No taxation without representation.’ Laws like the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts imposed direct taxes on the colonies. The Tea Act of 1773 was especially controversial, as it gave a monopoly to the British East India Company.
What event was the ‘casus belli’ of the American Revolution?
The event that triggered the American Revolution was the Boston Tea Party in 1773. In this event, colonists disguised as Native Americans threw shipments of tea into the sea to protest against taxes and the British trade monopoly. In response, the British government imposed the Intolerable Acts, which increased control over the colonies and led to greater resistance.
What were the sides in the American War of Independence?
The war was fought between the Patriots and the Loyalists. The Patriots were colonists who wanted independence from Britain and were supported by France and Spain. In contrast, the Loyalists remained loyal to the British Crown and were backed by British troops and Hessian mercenaries.
What battle marked a key victory for the American patriots?
The Battle of Saratoga (1777) was crucial for the Patriot victory. It was one of the first major British defeats and convinced France to officially support the independence cause. Another decisive battle was Yorktown (1781), where George Washington, with French assistance, forced the surrender of General Cornwallis, effectively ending the war.
What treaty recognized the independence of the United States?
The Treaty of Versailles of 1783 recognized the independence of the United States. Also known as the Peace of Paris, this treaty officially ended the war and established new borders, allowing the expansion of the country westward.
What did the United States Constitution of 1787 establish?
The 1787 Constitution established the first government based on the separation of powers. It divided power into three branches: legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (Supreme Court). It also introduced a federal system, although initially, only white property-owning men could vote.
What were the main consequences of the American Revolution?
The American Revolution had significant global consequences. It inspired other independence movements, especially in Latin America. It also solidified the republican model and the Enlightenment principles of national sovereignty and separation of powers.
How was the American Revolution connected to the French Revolution?
The American Revolution influenced the French Revolution. It demonstrated that a monarchy could be overthrown and replaced with a government based on popular sovereignty, which inspired French revolutionaries in 1789.
What economic problems did France face before the French Revolution?
France faced a severe financial crisis before the Revolution. The country was deeply in debt due to its support for the American War of Independence and the excessive spending of the royal court. Additionally, poor harvests led to food shortages and widespread discontent among the population.
What was the Estates General, and why was it convened?
The Estates General was a medieval assembly composed of three estates: the clergy, the nobility, and the Third Estate (common people). It had not been convened for 175 years, but Louis XVI called it in 1789 to approve new taxes. However, the Third Estate demanded political reforms, leading to the formation of the National Assembly and the start of the Revolution.
What was the Tennis Court Oath?
The Tennis Court Oath was a pledge made by the Third Estate. Its members swore not to disband until they had written a constitution, marking the beginning of the struggle for a representative government and limiting the king’s absolute power.
What happened on July 14, 1789, in Paris?
On July 14, 1789, the Storming of the Bastille took place. This prison symbolized the monarchy’s absolute power, and its capture by revolutionaries marked the start of the French Revolution.
What were the main reforms of the National Assembly?
The National Assembly abolished feudal privileges and nationalized land. It also approved the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which set forth fundamental rights.
What did the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen establish?
The Declaration affirmed fundamental rights such as liberty, equality, and property. It also established national sovereignty and the division of powers.
When was the first French Constitution approved, and what system of government did it establish?
In 1791, the first French Constitution was approved, establishing a constitutional monarchy. It limited the king’s power and introduced censitary suffrage.
Who were the Girondins and the Jacobins?
The Girondins were moderate republicans, while the Jacobins were radicals. The Jacobins, led by Robespierre, initiated the Reign of Terror.
What was the Reign of Terror, and who led it?
The Reign of Terror (1793-94) was a period of extreme repression. Thousands were executed by guillotine under Robespierre’s government.
What changes did the Directory introduce in France?
The Directory (1795-1799) established a more moderate government. However, it faced internal conspiracies and conflicts with European powers.
How did Napoleon come to power in 1799?
Napoleon took power in 1799 through the Coup of 18 Brumaire. He established the Consulate, concentrating power in his hands.
What reforms did Napoleon implement during the Consulate?
Napoleon reformed the legal system with the Napoleonic Code. It guaranteed civil rights but also reinforced state control.
What territories did Napoleon conquer during his Empire?
Napoleon conquered large parts of Europe, including Italy, Spain, and Germany.
What was the Continental Blockade, and why did it fail?
The Continental Blockade aimed to isolate Britain economically, but it failed.
What battle marked Napoleon’s final defeat?
Napoleon was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo (1815).
What were the main consequences of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire?
The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire abolished feudalism and spread ideas of equality, but universal democracy was not achieved.
