Holiday Homework Glossary Terms Unit 4 - RevolutionS

Absolutism Political system in which the power of a ruler is unchecked. Absolute monarchy A political theory that allows a king to rule with personal authority.

Aristocracy The aristocracy are the members of the highest class in society. The hold the positions of authority and are often a hereditary elite. They may also be known as: nobles, knights, dukes, duchesses, etc. Ancien Regime French society before the revolution.

Artisan A skilled manual worker, such as a carpenter, shoe maker, jeweller, etc. A group of notables invited by the King of France to consult on matters of state. Assembly of Notables

Bourgeoisie Autocracy An autocracy is a form of government in which the political power is held by a self-appointed ruler. Bourgeoisie is the middle class, characterised by their ownership of capital and the related culture.

Constitution Fundamental law: law determining the fundamental political principles of a government A society in which certain groups can legally enjoy different conditions and laws that do not apply to the rest of society. Corporate society

Divine right A political belief that the King has been placed on the throne by God’s will. Liberté, égalité, fraternité, French for "Liberty, equality, fraternity (brotherhood)“ Liberty = The quality of being the same in quantity or measure or value or status Egalite

Elite A group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status. An intellectual movement suggesting that a new and better society could be made by making use of scientific method, new technologies and the human quality of Reason. Enlightenment

Feudalism Feudalism is a decentralised socio-political structure in which a monarchy attempts to control the lands of the realm through reciprocal agreements with regional leaders. In its most classic sense, feudalism refers to the Medieval European political system composed of a set of reciprocal legal and military obligations among the warrior nobility, revolving around the three key concepts of lords, vassals, and fiefs. Estates General A general assembly representing the French estates of the realm: the nobility, the Church, and the common people.

First Estate Made up of the French clergy, including every rank from archbishop to parish priests. Relating to taxes, eg. fiscal policy = policy relating to tax Fiscal

Historiography Historiography is the study of how history itself is written or handed down throughout the ages. It takes into consideration the various means by which a historical source is formed, such as the credibility of the sources used, the motives of the author composing the history, and its authenticity. Things to consider: Differences between the way historians write The continuities / similarities How the work of the historian works as an exemplar to the meaning of history The context of the historian, may change over time

Fraternite Liberté, égalité, fraternité, French for "Liberty, equality, fraternity (brotherhood)" A system of ideas or beliefs. Ideology

Imperialism A policy of extending your rule over foreign countries. The law making body in a society – parliament. Legislature

Letters de cachet Letters or order signed by the King of France and closed with the royal seal. Liberté, égalité, fraternité, French for "Liberty, equality, fraternity (brotherhood)" Liberte

Regional legislative bodies in Ancien Régime France. Peasant A peasant is an agricultural worker who subsists by working a small plot of ground. Parlement

Philosophes Critical thinkers of the enlightenment. Political doctrine that supports the rights and powers of the common people in their struggle with the privileged elite. Populist

Proletariat Proletariat is labour: a social class comprising those who do manual labour or work for wages. (Working class) Regime The organisation that is the governing authority of a political unit.

Representation 1.A ‘representation’ of the king is designed to reinforce the impression of the monarch’s power. 2.The idea that a ruler or a government has made a law after consulting with the population in general or with the elected representatives of the whole population. Republic A form of government whose head of state is not a monarch

Revenue Gross: the entire amount of income before any deductions are made. Revolution 1.A drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving. 2.The overthrow of a government by those who are governed.

Second Estate Made up of the French nobility, including the most powerful nobles to impoverished minor nobles. Sovereignty The right given to a state, which means they may govern their territory free from external control. The dominion of a monarch.

Taille A direct land tax on the French peasantry and non- nobles. The tax was imposed on each household and based on how much land it held. Taxation Charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government.

Terror The deliberate use of violence by government to discourage and to repress its enemies. Third Estate Everybody who did not belong to the first two estates.

Tithe One-tenth of somebody’s income given voluntarily to a church.