Glossary
Conservative Backlash
The reaction by traditional monarchies and conservative thinkers in Europe against the radical changes and revolutionary ideas emanating from France.
Example:
The formation of coalitions against revolutionary France by European powers exemplified the conservative backlash against the spread of republicanism.
Conservative Thought
A political and social philosophy that advocates for the preservation of traditional institutions, values, and practices, often emphasizing order, stability, and gradual change.
Example:
The ideas of conservative thought gained prominence in Europe after the French Revolution, as many sought to restore pre-revolutionary order.
Duties over Rights
Edmund Burke's philosophical stance that society should emphasize the responsibilities and obligations of individuals to the community and established order, rather than solely focusing on individual entitlements.
Example:
Burke argued that a stable society required citizens to prioritize their duties over rights, contrasting with the revolutionary emphasis on individual liberties.
Edmund Burke
An Irish statesman and philosopher, considered a founder of modern conservatism, who famously criticized the French Revolution.
Example:
Edmund Burke's 'Reflections on the Revolution in France' argued against radical change and for the preservation of traditional institutions.
Enlightenment Ideals
Philosophical concepts from the 18th century, such as liberty, equality, natural rights, and popular sovereignty, which inspired both the French and Haitian Revolutions.
Example:
The Enlightenment ideals of John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau provided the intellectual framework for challenging absolute monarchies and advocating for self-governance.
First Black Republic
Haiti's historical distinction as the first nation founded by formerly enslaved people and the first independent state in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Example:
The establishment of Haiti as the First Black Republic sent shockwaves through slave-holding societies worldwide, inspiring hope for the enslaved and fear among enslavers.
French Revolution
A period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799, which profoundly impacted European history.
Example:
The storming of the Bastille is often considered the symbolic start of the French Revolution, signaling the end of absolute monarchy in France.
Guerrilla Warfare
A form of irregular warfare in which small groups of combatants use military tactics such as ambushes, sabotage, raids, and hit-and-run tactics to fight a larger, less mobile traditional army.
Example:
The Haitian revolutionaries effectively used guerrilla warfare tactics, leveraging their knowledge of the terrain to wear down the French forces.
Haitian Revolution
A successful slave revolt in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (Haiti) from 1791 to 1804, leading to the establishment of the first independent black republic.
Example:
Inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, the Haitian Revolution demonstrated that enslaved people could successfully fight for their freedom.
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
The core ideals and rallying cry of the French Revolution, representing freedom, equal rights, and brotherhood among citizens.
Example:
Revolutionary pamphlets often featured the slogan Liberty, Equality, Fraternity to inspire citizens to overthrow the old regime.
Print Media
Newspapers, pamphlets, and books that served as crucial tools for disseminating revolutionary ideas and propaganda across Europe.
Example:
The widespread availability of print media allowed Enlightenment concepts to reach a broader audience, fueling revolutionary sentiment.
Radical Break with Tradition
Edmund Burke's critique that the French Revolution dangerously abandoned established customs, institutions, and historical continuity.
Example:
Burke viewed the revolutionaries' attempt to create a society from scratch as a dangerous radical break with tradition, predicting chaos.
Reign of Terror
A period during the French Revolution (1793-1794) characterized by extreme violence, mass executions, and political purges, led primarily by Maximilien Robespierre.
Example:
During the Reign of Terror, thousands of suspected enemies of the revolution were guillotined, creating an atmosphere of widespread fear.
Toussaint L'Ouverture
A formerly enslaved man who rose to become the leader of the Haitian Revolution, skillfully leading the fight for independence against French colonial rule.
Example:
Toussaint L'Ouverture's military genius and political acumen were crucial in transforming a slave uprising into a successful national liberation movement.