AP World History: Unit 5 – Revolutions (c. 1750–1900) Study Guide
Unit Overview:
Unit 5 explores the global wave of political, social, and economic revolutions that began in the
18th century and continued into the 19th century. This period witnessed significant ideological
shifts driven by the Enlightenment, as well as the rise of nationalism, liberalism, socialism, and
industrialization. These changes sparked revolutions across the Americas, Europe, and Asia,
forever altering political structures, economies, and societies.
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Key Themes
1. Enlightenment Ideas:
○ The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in Europe in the 17th and
18th centuries that emphasized reason, science, individual rights, and the belief
in progress.
○ Key Enlightenment philosophers include John Locke (natural rights),
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (social contract), Voltaire (freedom of speech), and
Montesquieu (separation of powers).
○ These ideas challenged the traditional authority of monarchies and the Church,
laying the foundation for political revolutions.
2. Political Revolutions:
○ The period saw a series of revolutions that reshaped political landscapes,
inspired by Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy.
○ Key revolutions include the American Revolution (1776), French Revolution
(1789), Haitian Revolution (1791), and the Latin American wars of
independence (early 19th century).
3. Nationalism and Unification:
○ Nationalism emerged as a powerful force, driving the unification of countries like
Germany and Italy and inspiring independence movements in colonial territories.
○ Leaders like Simón Bolívar in Latin America and Giuseppe Garibaldi in Italy
played key roles in nationalist movements.
4. The Industrial Revolution:
○ Beginning in Britain in the late 18th century, the Industrial Revolution
transformed economies from agrarian to industrial. It brought innovations in
machinery, energy (coal and steam power), and transportation (railroads and
steamships).
○ Urbanization, the rise of factory systems, and the increased use of child and
unskilled labor were hallmarks of this period.
○ The Industrial Revolution spread to Europe, the United States, and eventually
Japan, transforming global trade and economies.
, 5. Social Changes and Reforms:
○ The Industrial Revolution and political revolutions led to significant social
changes, including the rise of the working class and the growing demand for
social reform.
○ Socialism, Marxism, and the labor movement emerged as responses to the
inequities of industrial capitalism.
○ Women's rights movements and the fight for suffrage gained momentum during
this period, with activists like Mary Wollstonecraft advocating for gender
equality.
6. Abolition of Slavery and Serfdom:
○ Inspired by Enlightenment ideals of equality and human rights, abolitionist
movements grew, leading to the end of the transatlantic slave trade and the
abolition of slavery in many regions, including the British Empire (1833) and the
United States (1865).
○ Serfdom was also abolished in Russia (1861) and other parts of Europe, as the
moral and economic rationale for bonded labor diminished.
7. Imperialism and Resistance:
○ The 19th century saw the rise of imperialism, as European powers expanded
their control over Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, exploiting resources and labor in
colonized territories.
○ Indigenous resistance movements, like the Sepoy Rebellion in India (1857) and
the Boxer Rebellion in China (1899), arose in response to European domination
and exploitation.
Key Events and Processes
1. The Enlightenment and Political Thought
● John Locke argued for the concept of natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and
believed that governments should protect these rights. His ideas greatly influenced the
American and French Revolutions.
● Montesquieu proposed the separation of powers into three branches of government
(executive, legislative, and judicial), which became a key element of many modern
constitutions.
● Jean-Jacques Rousseau introduced the concept of the social contract, arguing that
political authority lies with the people and that governments should reflect the general
will.
2. Political Revolutions
● American Revolution (1776):
○ Inspired by Enlightenment ideals, American colonists sought independence from
British rule. Key figures included George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
