terms and definitions Flashcards
Revolution
A revolution is a huge change in society. It can refer to a violent uprising, but it does not always involve violence. For example, the Industrial Revolution was a result of innovation in technology which resulted in increased production. This in turn changed the economy and led to mass-scale urbanisation.
Rebellion
Open resistance to a government or authority.
Riot
A form of civil disorder usually involving a group violently causing public disorder against authority, property, or people.
The state
This refers to the country as a whole, but as the government is in charge of the running of the country, it often refers to the government.
Coup d’état
A military overthrow of the government.
Monarchy
A state with a king or queen as its leader.
Divine Right of Kings
The idea that royal leaders were chosen by God to rule.
Social Stratification
A system of class division (for example, the Estate system in France).
Hierarchy
A system in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
The motto of the French Revolution. Liberty means freedom and fraternity means brotherhood. Another word for equality is fairness or parity.
Estates General
The system of French parliament before the revolution. Representatives from each Estate would advise the King, but only if they were called to meet.
Municipality
A section of a country or city that has a local form of government.
Feudalism
A system of land ownership and usage that was used widely in Europe during the Middle Ages. A feudal system is based on the principle that everyone has responsibilities to the land, the country as a whole and the King. Most of these responsibilities fell to the poorest and most vulnerable members of the population, who were mostly rural farmers. The responsibilities of the royal family and the wealthy classes were usually hypothetical and never enforced, which led to great inequality and hardship.
Bureaucracy
A system of government in which most of the important decisions are taken by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
Secular
Not connected with religion or spirituality.
Moderate
A person or political group that is neither radical nor conservative. Also called “centrists”.
Radical
A person or political group who promotes thorough or total political or social change.
Conservative
A person or political group who does not want change or innovation and who holds traditional values.
Aristocracy
The highest class in certain societies, especially those holding inherited titles or offices.
Ancien Régime
Literally meaning “old rule”, the political and social system in France from the 15th century until the Revolution.
Bourgeoisie
A French term that refers to the middle class. This class of people held professional jobs (doctors, lawyers, etc) and were relatively wealthy, but still formed part of the Third Estate.
Republic
A government whose head of state is not a king or queen.
Conscription
Compulsory military service.
Tribunal
A court or committee which settles certain types of dispute.
