Key Historical Events & Concepts: Revolution and Enlightenment

Key Definitions

Theocentrism

Considers God or divinity the center of all human reality.

Mercantilism

An economic system in which precious metals constitute the essential wealth of states.

Anthropocentrism

A concept that considers humans the center of all created things and the absolute end of creation.

Capitalism

An economic and social system based on private property and the free market.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.

Separation of Powers

A political idea that separates the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to ensure fairness in the system.

Physiocracy

An economic theory, in opposition to mercantilism, that argued the wealth of nations comes only from agricultural and manufacturing production.

The Independence of the USA

The 13 British colonies in North America declared independence at the end of the 18th century and formed the first government based on equality and freedom.

Boston Tea Party

A protest against the British monopoly on tea and the lack of political representation of the colonies in Parliament. This marked the beginning of the war.

July 4, 1776

The USA Declaration of Independence.

1783

The end of the War of Independence. Britain was defeated, and the colonies gained independence.

1787

The USA Constitution: the first written constitution in history, establishing the separation of powers, a republican government, and freedom of speech, press, and assembly.

Parliamentary Monarchy in Britain

Royal power was limited by Parliament since the Middle Ages.

1649

King Charles I attempted to rule without Parliament. A revolution started, and he was executed.

Oliver Cromwell proclaimed a republic, and a civil war began.

1660

The monarchy won the civil war and was restored.

1689

A new revolution occurred due to absolutism. The king had to accept the Bill of Rights, which limited the king's power and guaranteed certain rights, freedoms, and elections.

The monarchy had limited power, and the separation of powers was established with three branches: legislative (Parliament, makes laws), executive (King, governs), and judicial (judges).