The ideas of Enlightenment and the impact of the American Revolution Flashcards
What did the enlightenment movement emphasise?
Reason and individualism rather than tradition.
What philosophers heavily influenced it?
Kant, Descartes and Rousseau.
What did Rousseau write?
‘The social contract’ in 1762.
What did the Social contract theorise?
The best way to establish a political community in the face of a commercial society.
Said that only the people, who are sovereign have all-powerful right.
What was the impact of Rousseau’s work in France?
Educated Bourgeoisie questioning the divine right of the monarch to govern without the consent of the population.
What was the Seven Years War?
1756-1763 - Great Britain and Prussia allied against France and Austria.
What had France been planning?
A revenge war since the Treaty of Paris that ended the conflict in 1763.
When was Louisiana a French colony?
Before the American purchase in 1803 had been both French and Spanish colony.
What slogan represented the strained political relationship in America?
James Otis - ‘Taxation without representation is tyranny’
What was the American Revolutionary War?
An 18th century war between Great Britain and its thirteen colonies.
What did the thirteen colonies do?
Declare independence in 1776 and formed military alliance with France in 1778.
What did the French do after the Battle of Saratoga in 1777?
Sent 10,000 troops and millions of dollars to the rebels.
What and when was the Treaty of Alliance?
Franco-American Treaty - confirmed a military alliance if Great Britain were to be attacked.
How much did France spend overall?
About 1.6 billion livres, not including money spent fighting Britain outside of America.
When did the British surrender?
After the siege of Yorktown in October 1781.
