APEURO: Unit 5, Conflict, Crisis, Reaction, Late 18th Century - Contextualizing the Late 18th Century

Why This Matters

The late 18th century was a transformative period in world history, marked by the American and French Revolutions, the rise of nationalism, and the emergence of modern nation-states. Understanding this era is crucial for grasping the AP theme of Politics and Power, as it highlights the tensions between traditional monarchical systems and the ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy. The late 18th century's emphasis on individual rights and popular sovereignty laid the groundwork for the modern concept of citizenship and the role of government in society.

Key Events & People

• American Revolution (1775-1783): A colonial revolt against British rule, resulting in the creation of the United States of America.
• French Revolution (1789-1799): A radical uprising that overthrew the Bourbon monarchy and established the First French Republic.
• Thomas Paine (1737-1809): An English-American philosopher and writer who advocated for American independence and the principles of the Enlightenment.
• Maximilien Robespierre (1758-1794): A French revolutionary leader who championed the Reign of Terror and the Committee of Public Safety.
• John Adams (1735-1826): An American statesman and diplomat who played a key role in the American Revolution and the early years of the United States.
• Edmund Burke (1729-1797): An Irish philosopher and politician who opposed the French Revolution and advocated for conservative values.
• The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789): A foundational document of the French Revolution that enshrined the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• The Treaty of Paris (1783): A peace agreement that ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.
• The Reign of Terror (1793-1794): A period of violence and repression during the French Revolution, marked by the execution of thousands of perceived enemies of the state.
• The Committee of Public Safety (1793-1794): A radical governing body that dominated the French Revolution and implemented policies of terror and repression.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and individual rights.
• Effect: The rise of revolutionary movements in America and France.

• Long-term consequence: The establishment of modern nation-states and the principles of democracy.

• Cause: The French Revolution's radicalization and violence.

• Effect: The Reign of Terror and the execution of thousands of perceived enemies of the state.

• Long-term consequence: The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the eventual collapse of the French Revolution.

• Cause: The American Revolution's emphasis on individual rights and popular sovereignty.

• Effect: The creation of the United States of America and the establishment of a new model for government.
• Long-term consequence: The influence of American democracy on other nations and the development of modern liberal values.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Enlightenment*: A philosophical movement that emphasized reason, individual rights, and the scientific method.
  • Example: The writings of John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau influenced the American and French Revolutions.
• *Nationalism*: A political ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity and sovereignty.
  • Example: The French Revolution's emphasis on "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" reflected a strong sense of national identity.
• *Reign of Terror*: A period of violence and repression during the French Revolution, marked by the execution of thousands of perceived enemies of the state.
  • Example: The Committee of Public Safety dominated the Reign of Terror and implemented policies of terror and repression.
• *Committee of Public Safety*: A radical governing body that dominated the French Revolution and implemented policies of terror and repression.
  • Example: The Committee of Public Safety was responsible for the execution of King Louis XVI and the Reign of Terror.
• *Liberty, Equality, Fraternity*: The motto of the French Revolution, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
  • Example: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen enshrined the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• *Treaty of Paris*: A peace agreement that ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.
  • Example: The Treaty of Paris marked the beginning of a new era of international relations and the rise of the United States as a major power.
• *Edmund Burke*: An Irish philosopher and politician who opposed the French Revolution and advocated for conservative values.
  • Example: Burke's writings on the French Revolution emphasized the importance of tradition and the dangers of radical change.
• *Maximilien Robespierre*: A French revolutionary leader who championed the Reign of Terror and the Committee of Public Safety.
  • Example: Robespierre's radical policies and ideology dominated the French Revolution and led to the Reign of Terror.
• *Thomas Paine*: An English-American philosopher and writer who advocated for American independence and the principles of the Enlightenment.
  • Example: Paine's writings, such as "Common Sense," influenced the American Revolution and the development of modern liberal values.
• *John Adams*: An American statesman and diplomat who played a key role in the American Revolution and the early years of the United States.
  • Example: Adams' leadership during the American Revolution and his role in the early years of the United States made him a key figure in American history.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: Confusing the American and French Revolutions as identical events.
• Correction: The American Revolution was a colonial revolt against British rule, while the French Revolution was a radical uprising that overthrew the Bourbon monarchy.
• What students often get wrong: Misunderstanding the role of the Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution.
• Correction: The Committee of Public Safety dominated the French Revolution and implemented policies of terror and repression, but it was not the sole cause of the Reign of Terror.
• What students often get wrong: Overemphasizing the role of individual leaders, such as Maximilien Robespierre, in shaping the French Revolution.
• Correction: The French Revolution was a complex and multifaceted event, influenced by a variety of factors and individuals, including the Enlightenment, nationalism, and economic hardship.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of the Enlightenment in shaping the American and French Revolutions. Be sure to include specific examples from the writings of John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Thomas Paine.
  • Evidence: The writings of John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau influenced the American and French Revolutions, while Thomas Paine's writings, such as "Common Sense," advocated for American independence and the principles of the Enlightenment.
• Possible essay prompt: Compare and contrast the American and French Revolutions. Be sure to include specific examples from the Declaration of Independence, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the Reign of Terror.
  • Evidence: The American Revolution was a colonial revolt against British rule, while the French Revolution was a radical uprising that overthrew the Bourbon monarchy and established the First French Republic.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the impact of the French Revolution on modern politics and society. Be sure to include specific examples from the Reign of Terror, the Committee of Public Safety, and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
  • Evidence: The French Revolution's emphasis on liberty, equality, and fraternity influenced the development of modern liberal values, while the Reign of Terror and the Committee of Public Safety had a lasting impact on French politics and society.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main cause of the American Revolution?
   • Correct answer: The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and individual rights.
   • Explanation: The Enlightenment's ideas about individual rights and the social contract influenced the American colonists' decision to revolt against British rule.
2. Who was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution?
   • Correct answer: Maximilien Robespierre.
   • Explanation: Robespierre was a key figure in the Committee of Public Safety and dominated the French Revolution's radical policies and ideology.
3. What was the significance of the Treaty of Paris in American history?
   • Correct answer: The Treaty of Paris marked the beginning of a new era of international relations and the rise of the United States as a major power.
   • Explanation: The Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence, establishing the United States as a sovereign nation.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The American Revolution was not a single event, but a series of conflicts that lasted from 1775 to 1783.
• The French Revolution's Reign of Terror lasted from 1793 to 1794 and resulted in the execution of thousands of perceived enemies of the state.
• The Committee of Public Safety dominated the French Revolution and implemented policies of terror and repression.
• The Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 and ended the American Revolutionary War.
• The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
• The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was adopted in 1789 and enshrined the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• Maximilien Robespierre was a key figure in the Committee of Public Safety and dominated the French Revolution's radical policies and ideology.
• Thomas Paine's writings, such as "Common Sense," influenced the American Revolution and the development of modern liberal values.
• John Adams played a key role in the American Revolution and the early years of the United States.
• Edmund Burke opposed the French Revolution and advocated for conservative values.