Ap Euro Unit 5 Review

AP European History Unit 5 Review: Revolution and Reform, 1789-1914

This comprehensive review covers AP European History Unit 5, focusing on the period of dramatic revolutions and reforms from 1789 to 1914. This era witnessed the French Revolution, the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Industrial Revolution, the rise of nationalism, and the beginnings of World War I. Understanding this period requires grasping its complex interplay of social, political, and economic forces. This guide will help you navigate these crucial historical developments and prepare for the AP exam.

I. The French Revolution (1789-1799): A Catalyst for Change

The French Revolution, triggered by widespread discontent with the Ancien Régime, profoundly reshaped Europe. Its impact extended far beyond France, inspiring revolutionary movements and influencing political thought for generations.

Key Aspects:

• Causes: The French Revolution's roots lie in social inequalities (the three estates), economic hardship (heavy taxation, famine), Enlightenment ideals (liberty, equality, fraternity), and weak leadership under Louis XVI. The summoning of the Estates-General in 1789, and the subsequent formation of the National Assembly, marked a pivotal moment.

• Phases: The revolution unfolded in several distinct phases, each characterized by different ideologies and levels of violence. The moderate phase (1789-1792) saw the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. The radical phase (1792-1794), dominated by the Jacobins and Maximilien Robespierre, witnessed the Reign of Terror, characterized by mass executions and political repression. The Thermidorian Reaction (1794) brought an end to the Reign of Terror, followed by the Directory (1795-1799), a period of instability and corruption.

• Key Figures: Understand the roles of key figures like Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Maximilien Robespierre, Georges Danton, and Napoleon Bonaparte. Analyze their motivations, actions, and their impact on the course of the revolution.

• Consequences: The French Revolution led to the end of the feudal system, the rise of nationalism, and the spread of revolutionary ideas across Europe. It also destabilized Europe, paving the way for Napoleon's rise to power. The revolution’s legacy is debated even today regarding its impact on liberty, equality, and fraternity.

• Impact Beyond France: The revolutionary fervor spread across Europe, inspiring nationalist and liberal movements. Consider the impact in other countries, such as the Belgian and Polish uprisings. The revolution’s emphasis on popular sovereignty and republicanism changed the political landscape.

II. Napoleon Bonaparte and the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815): Expansion and Consolidation

Napoleon's rise to power marked a crucial turning point in the French Revolution. His military genius and ambition led to the expansion of French power across Europe, but also ultimately to his downfall.

Key Aspects:

• Rise to Power: Napoleon seized power through a coup d'état in 1799, establishing the Consulate and later the Empire. His military victories solidified his control and brought stability to France after the chaotic years of the revolution.

• Napoleonic Code: This legal code, implemented across much of Europe, codified many revolutionary principles while also centralizing power. It standardized laws, promoted equality before the law (though not for women), and reformed the judicial system. However, it also suppressed some individual freedoms.

• Military Campaigns: Napoleon's military genius led to numerous victories, expanding French control across much of Europe. Study his major campaigns, including those in Italy, Egypt, and across central and eastern Europe. Analyze his strategic thinking, his tactical innovations, and the factors that contributed to both his successes and eventual defeats.

• The Congress of Vienna: Following Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the Congress of Vienna aimed to restore order and stability to Europe. Understand the major players (Metternich, Castlereagh, Talleyrand), the principles of legitimacy and balance of power, and the long-term consequences of the Congress. Note the creation of the Concert of Europe.

• Napoleon's Legacy: Napoleon's legacy is complex. He modernized France, reformed its legal system, and spread revolutionary ideals. However, his wars caused immense suffering and contributed to the rise of nationalism in Europe.

III. The Industrial Revolution (c. 1750-1914): Transforming Society and Economy

The Industrial Revolution fundamentally transformed Europe's economy and society. It brought unprecedented technological advancements, economic growth, and social changes, but also significant social problems.

Key Aspects:

• Technological Innovations: Understand the key technological advancements that fueled the Industrial Revolution, such as the steam engine, power loom, and cotton gin. Analyze their impact on production, transportation, and communication.

• Social Changes: The Industrial Revolution led to significant social changes, including urbanization, the rise of a new industrial working class (the proletariat), and the growth of new social classes. Examine the living and working conditions of factory workers, the development of slums, and the emergence of new social movements.

• Economic Transformations: Analyze the shift from agrarian to industrial economies, the growth of factories and industrial capitalism, and the development of new economic systems and theories, such as laissez-faire economics and socialism.

• Responses to Industrialization: Examine the various responses to industrialization, including utopian socialism, Marxism, and the rise of labor movements and trade unions. Understand how different groups reacted to the social and economic changes brought about by industrialization.

• Spread of Industrialization: The Industrial Revolution did not spread evenly across Europe. Analyze the factors that contributed to the uneven development of industrialization across different regions and countries. Understand the differences between early industrializers (Great Britain) and later industrializers (Germany, France).

IV. Nationalism and Liberalism: Shaping the 19th Century

The 19th century was characterized by the rise of nationalism and liberalism as powerful ideologies shaping European politics.

Key Aspects:

• Nationalism: Understand the concept of nationalism, its various forms (civic, ethnic), and its impact on the political landscape of Europe. Analyze the role of nationalism in the unification of Italy and Germany. Consider the role of language, culture, and shared history in the formation of national identities.

• Liberalism: Define liberalism and its key principles, such as individual rights, limited government, and free markets. Examine the different forms of liberalism (classical, modern) and their impact on political and social reforms.

• Revolutions of 1848: The revolutions of 1848, a wave of uprisings across Europe, demonstrated the widespread dissatisfaction with existing political orders and the growing power of nationalist and liberal movements. Analyze the causes, course, and consequences of these revolutions.

• Unification of Italy and Germany: Analyze the processes by which Italy and Germany were unified in the mid-19th century, including the key figures and events involved (Cavour, Garibaldi, Bismarck). Understand the impact of these unifications on the European balance of power.

• The Rise of New Imperialism: The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a new wave of imperialism, as European powers competed for colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Analyze the motives behind this imperialism, its impact on colonized peoples, and its role in shaping global power dynamics.

V. Intellectual and Cultural Movements: New Ideas and Expressions

The period from 1789-1914 saw significant intellectual and cultural shifts.

Key Aspects:

• Romanticism: Understand the key characteristics of Romanticism, its reaction against Enlightenment rationalism, and its impact on literature, art, and music. Examine the works of key Romantic figures.

• Realism: Contrast Romanticism with Realism, a literary and artistic movement that focused on depicting everyday life and social issues. Explore the works of prominent Realist artists and writers.

• Scientific Advancements: Analyze the major scientific advancements of this period, including Darwin's theory of evolution and the development of new technologies. Consider the social and intellectual implications of these advancements.

VI. The Road to World War I (1900-1914): A Complex Web of Causes

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 was the culmination of a complex interplay of long-term and short-term factors.

Key Aspects:

• Militarism: Analyze the role of militarism in fueling tensions and escalating the arms race among European powers.

• System of Alliances: Understand the complex system of alliances that existed in Europe before 1914 and how these alliances contributed to the rapid escalation of the conflict.

• Imperialism: Examine the role of imperial rivalries in increasing tensions between European powers.

• Nationalism: Analyze the role of nationalism in fueling tensions between various ethnic groups and contributing to the outbreak of the war.

• The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: This event served as the immediate trigger for the outbreak of World War I. Understand the context of the assassination and its consequences.

VII. Conclusion: A Period of Profound Change

The period covered in AP European History Unit 5, from 1789 to 1914, represents a time of profound transformation in Europe. The French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, the Industrial Revolution, and the rise of nationalism all shaped the modern world. Understanding this period requires careful analysis of the interplay between social, political, and economic factors, as well as an appreciation for the complex and often contradictory nature of historical change. Mastering this material will significantly enhance your understanding of modern European history and your performance on the AP exam.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What are the most important primary sources for this unit? Primary sources vary depending on the specific topic, but consider reading excerpts from the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, Napoleon's writings, documents related to the Congress of Vienna, and primary sources that reveal the living conditions of factory workers during the Industrial Revolution.

• How can I best organize my notes? Use a chronological approach, organizing your notes by topic and sub-topic. Use timelines to visualize the sequence of events and create flashcards for key terms, figures, and dates.

• What types of essay questions can I expect on the AP exam? Expect essay questions that require you to analyze causes and consequences, compare and contrast different historical movements, and evaluate the impact of key figures and events. Practice writing DBQs (document-based questions) and FRQs (free-response questions) under timed conditions.

• How much emphasis should I place on specific dates? While precise dates aren't as crucial as understanding the sequence and context of events, memorizing key dates for major events (e.g., the storming of the Bastille, the start and end of the Napoleonic Wars, the unification of Germany) can aid your understanding and essay writing.

• What are some good secondary sources to consult? Look for reputable college-level textbooks and scholarly articles. Your AP European History textbook should be your primary resource.

This comprehensive review provides a solid foundation for your study of AP European History Unit 5. Remember to supplement this review with further reading and practice questions to fully prepare for the AP exam. Good luck!