French Revolution.

I beleive nationalism was by far the biggest effect.  Its so powerfull it still factors into our lives and the entire mindset of many peoples is changed. 

As for Napoleon, definately an underminer of the revolution, and a waste of miliary genious.

What do you think was the major cause of the French Revolution? Where are a number of possible choices and my choice:

1. France's dire financial situation that was provoked by the 7 Years war and through supporting the American Revolution.

2. The Influence of the American Revolution and the enlightenment thinkers.

3. The lavish spending of Louis XIV and the Kings before him.

4. The discontent of the nobility.

I hope I am not forgetting any but I would have to say that it was France's financial adversity that provoked the Revolutionaries. It is without question that if your people cannot feed one another, they will revolt. Remember Marie Antionette's famous line: "well let them have cake." Also I think the economic uncertainty lead to the discontent of the nobility, which created interest in the enlightenment thinkers. 

Exaggeration.  More than sliced bread?  More than electricity?  More than fire?

Good question but it's too broad a statement to deal with as it stands.

Limit it perhaps to European history?  More than anything in Greece or Rome?  Perhaps since the 10th century.  More than the birth of  Henry the Navigator?

I still think you need to set parameters on the question - yes it was an important event - relative to??? - but cannot stand alone.

On the other questions - it's been a while since I read up on the period - I'll need a refresher.

Let's see...