European Revolutions and Nationalism Glossary
12 essential terms — because precise language is the foundation of clear thinking in European Revolutions and Nationalism.
Showing 12 of 12 terms
The political and social system of France before the Revolution of 1789, characterized by absolute monarchy, feudal privileges, and a rigid social hierarchy of three estates (clergy, nobility, commoners).
The diplomatic principle that no single nation should be allowed to become powerful enough to dominate Europe, maintained through alliances and territorial adjustments.
The industrial middle class of factory owners, merchants, and professionals created by the Industrial Revolution, who demanded political influence commensurate with their economic power.
The system of periodic diplomatic conferences among the great powers established after the Congress of Vienna to maintain peace and suppress revolutionary movements.
The most radical political faction of the French Revolution, led by Robespierre, who controlled the Convention and the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror.
The principle at the Congress of Vienna that traditional, hereditary rulers had the rightful claim to govern their territories, used to justify restoring monarchs deposed by Napoleon.
A 19th-century political ideology advocating constitutional government, individual rights, rule of law, representative democracy, and free-market economics.
The French civil code of 1804 that established legal equality, property rights, and secular governance, replacing the patchwork of feudal and regional laws.
The belief that a people sharing common language, culture, and history should form their own sovereign state, driving both unification and independence movements.
The industrial working class of wage laborers created by the Industrial Revolution, who worked in factories and mines under often harsh conditions.
Pragmatic politics based on practical power considerations and national interest rather than ideological principles or moral values. Associated with Bismarck.
The Italian unification movement (literally 'resurgence'), which united the Italian peninsula into a single nation-state between 1859 and 1870.