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Period: Dec 20, 1540 to
Scientific Revolution
The switch in mindset from science being theology and philosophy to science being mathematical and quantifiable. -
Dec 20, 1543
On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres
The major work of Nicolas Copernicus. Refuted the theory of a geocentric universe in favor of a heliocentric one. -
Royal Society of London
Established by Charles II in 1662; purpose to help the sciences. -
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Enlightenment
Eighteenth-century period of scientific and philosophical innovation in which people investigated human nature and sought to explain reality through rationalism, the notion that truth comes only through rational, logical thinking. This period formed the basis of modern science. -
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Frederick the Greats Reign in Prussia
(Ruled 1740-1786) King of Prussia. Invaded Austria, sparking the War of the Austrian Succession, in which he gained Silesia; invaded Saxony, sparking the Seven Years War, but did not gain any territory; he spent 2/3rds of all Prussian money on the army; proposed the First Partition of Poland, from which he gained a bit of Polish-Lithuanian territory; -
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Maria Theresa
under her reign, Frederick the Great invaded and conquered Silesia. took steps to end serfdom, and her son, Joseph II finished the job. -
The Social Contract
Rousseau, suggestions in reforming the political system and modeled after the Greek polis. -
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Catherine the Great's Reign
most renowned and longest ruling female ruler of Russia, changed Russia into a European super power by making her nation more productive and Western -
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Joseph II's Reign in Austria
Maria Theresa's son; ended serfdom; abolished obligatory labor service + ensured that all peasants kept one half their income before paying taxes; radical reform met much opposition, ultimately abandoned; refused Hungarian crown so that he would not have to make concessions to Hungarian autonomy; imposed tariff on Hungarian goods sold in Austria -
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Leopold II
son of Maria Theresa, brother to Joseph II, cancelled his radical edicts in order to re-establish order