AP European History Chapter 21 Vocabulary Quiz

Laissez-faire is an economic policy that promotes minimal government intervention in economic affairs, allowing individuals and businesses to operate freely in the marketplace. This approach is based on the belief that an unregulated economy leads to the most efficient allocation of resources, fostering competition and innovation. By reducing government involvement, laissez-faire advocates argue that the economy can self-regulate, leading to growth and prosperity. This policy contrasts with socialism and Marxism, which emphasize greater government control over economic activities.

The Battle of Peterloo refers to a peaceful protest held on August 16, 1819, in St. Peter's Field, Manchester, where thousands gathered to demand political reform and oppose the Corn Laws, which imposed tariffs on imported grain, raising food prices. The protest turned violent when cavalry charged into the crowd, resulting in numerous casualties. This event highlighted the growing discontent among the working class and was a significant moment in the struggle for democratic rights in Britain, ultimately influencing future reforms.

In Marxist theory, the term "proletariat" refers to the working class, which consists of individuals who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive. This class is contrasted with the "bourgeoisie," who are the owners of capital and control production. Marx believed that the proletariat would eventually rise against the bourgeoisie, leading to a classless society. The dynamics between these two classes are central to Marxist analysis of capitalism and social change.

The Holy Alliance was formed in 1815 by Austria, Prussia, and Russia, with the primary goal of maintaining conservative order and suppressing revolutionary movements in Europe following the upheaval caused by the Napoleonic Wars. It sought to promote Christian values and monarchist principles, countering the liberal and nationalist sentiments that emerged during the war. The alliance aimed to prevent the spread of revolutionary ideas and maintain stability across Europe, reflecting the desire of conservative powers to uphold their authority against potential challenges.

Karl Marx is renowned for his critical analysis of the bourgeoisie, which he viewed as a class that exploits the working class, or proletariat, in capitalist societies. His works, particularly "The Communist Manifesto" and "Das Kapital," advocate for socialism as an alternative economic system that seeks to abolish class distinctions and promote collective ownership of the means of production. Marx's ideas have significantly influenced political thought and movements aimed at achieving social and economic equality.

The Reform Bill of 1832 aimed to address the inequities in the electoral system of Britain by expanding voting rights. Prior to the bill, voting was limited to a small portion of the population, primarily wealthy landowners. The legislation sought to extend the franchise to more men, particularly from the middle class, thereby making the political system more representative. This was a significant step towards democratization, as it aimed to reduce the power of the aristocracy and allow for greater participation in governance by a broader segment of society.

Romanticism was a cultural movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the appreciation of nature. It arose as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the industrial revolution, focusing instead on personal experience and the sublime. Artists and writers sought to express deep feelings, championed the value of the individual, and often drew inspiration from folklore and the natural world. This movement celebrated creativity and imagination, influencing various forms of art, literature, and music, and leaving a lasting impact on cultural history.

Greater Germany refers to the political and cultural movement aimed at unifying all German-speaking states into one nation. This concept emerged in the 19th century, driven by nationalist sentiments and the desire for a cohesive identity among German peoples. It encompassed the idea of consolidating various German territories, which were fragmented into numerous independent states and principalities, into a single nation-state, ultimately realized with the unification of Germany in 1871 under Prussian leadership.