HIST 202 - The West from the Enlightenment to the 21st Century

Course for Athabasca University

Identify the intellectual developments leading to the emergence of Enlightenment

- Scientific Revolution (thinking with logic and an understanding of the world)
- New philosophes/thinkers such as Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau...
- Salons became a popular place to have livley discussions

John Locke

English philosopher who advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property.

Isaac Newton

Defined the laws of motion and gravity. Tried to explain motion of the universe. His work was popular in the Enlightenment era as he encouraged people to understand natural laws.

Montesquieu

French political philosopher who advocated the separation of executive and legislative and judicial powers (1689-1755)

Voltaire

(1694-1778) French philosopher. He believed that freedom of speech was the best weapon against bad government. He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government and the intolerance of the Catholic Church. (Religious tolerance)

Rousseau

(1712-1778) Believed that society threatened natural rights and freedoms. Wrote about society's corruption caused by the revival of sciences and art instead of it's improvement. He was sponsored by the wealthy and participated in salons but often felt uncomfortable and denounced them. Wrote "The Social Contract."

Diedrot

Edited encylopedia; set out to teach people how to think critically and objectively

Kant

This philosopher showed the overall attitude of the Enlightenment by saying "have the courage to use your own understanding"

Wollenstonecraft

British social critic who agreed that a woman's first duty is to be a good mother. She also argued that girls should receive the same amount of education as the boys. First woman to challenge the notion that women were inferior to men.

What was the role of women in the emergence of Enlightenment

- Women could participate publicly in philosophical conversations in a variety of venues, including social clubs, salons and coffeehouses.
- Salons gained popularity in Paris and England, and were often run by elite, higher status women along class and social lines.

Popular culture (18th century)

- Activities enjoyed by all
- Defined by desire for entertainment and socialisation
- Coffee houses
- Rococo art and literature (rise of the novel)
- Street performers and theater

High Culture and Popular Culture

1) the literary and artistic culture of the educated and wealthy ruling classes
2) the unofficial written and unwritten culture of the masses (traditionally passed down orally)

s Culture of the 18th Century

- referred to the refined and sophisticated artistic, intellectual, and social pursuits that were primarily associated with the educated elite and aristocracy
- Classical music like Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart
- Symphonies and Baroque music becomes popular
- Art galleries
- Science

Gin and tonic as a popular drink

example of popular culture

Collective and public nature of activities

example of popular culture

Spurning of fortune telling and faith healing

example of high culture

Institutional religion 18th century

incredibly conservative and upheld class structure and traditions. Heavily taxed and strict

Popular religion 18th century

run in local parishes also kept records of births, deaths, and marriages; provided charity for the poor; supervised whatever primary education there was; and cared for orphans. Accepting.

What was the relationship between the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment?

The Scientific Revolution had affected only a relatively small number of Europe's educated elite. In the eighteenth century, this changed dramatically as a group of intellectuals known as the philosophes popularized the ideas of the Scientific Revolution and used them to undertake a dramatic reexamination of all aspects of life.

Philosophes

Thinkers of the Enlightenment; Wanted to educate the socially elite, but not the masses; were not allowed to openly criticize church or state, so used satire and double-meaning in their writings to avoid being banned; Salons held by wealthy women also kept philosophes safe; They considered themselves part of an intellectual community, and wrote back and forth to each other to share ideas.

Who identified two contradictions in the views of women held by such Enlightenment thinkers as Rousseau. To argue that women must obey men, she said, was contrary to the beliefs of the same individuals that a system based on the arbitrary power of monarchs over their subjects or slave owners over their slaves was wrong. The subjection of women to men was equally wrong.

Mary Wollenstonecraft

Experiencing God's grace

example of popular religion

Open-air charismatic preaching

example of popular religion

Kept records of birth, death and marriages

Example of institutional religion

Policies of toleration of religious minorities

characteristic institutional religion

Enlightened Absolutism

Term coined by historians to describe the rule of eighteenth-century monarchs who, without renouncing their own absolute authority, adopted Enlightenment ideals of rationalism, progress, and tolerance.

What are some qualities of Enlightened Absolutism

- Allowing freedom of speech
- Allowing press
- Allowing religous tolerance
- Expanding education

Fredrick the Great

Prussian king of the 18th century; attempted to introduce Enlightenment reforms into Germany; built on military and bureaucratic foundations of his predecessors; introduced freedom of religion; increased state control of economy.

Catherine the Great

ruled Russia from 1762 to 1796, added new lands to Russia, encouraged science, art, lierature, Russia became one of Europe's most powerful nations. Was friends with Voltaire and offered to bring Diedrot to Russia after Encyclopedia was banned in some places.

Joseph II

Ruler of Austria. The son of Maria Teresa and a enlightened despot. Empire.truly sought radical change based on Enlightenment ideas. He abolished serfdom, reformed the laws, and granted religious toleration, but his reforms did not outlast his reign

Developments in France during 18th century

- Economic revival
- Drew back from foreign endeavors to focus on self
- Expanded commerce and trade
- Promoted + grew industry, mainly coal and textiles

Developments in Great Britain during 18th century

- prevented absolutism without a consititutional monarchy
- chose ministers to create laws and guide parliment
- establishment of 2 major political parties: House of Commons and House of LIfe

Absolutism in Austria

Centered around the Habsburg dynasty. It emphasized the absolute authority of the Habsburg monarch, who held all powers of governance and decision-making. The rulers, such as Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II, aimed to centralize authority, weaken nobility privileges, and strengthen the state's control over society. Although they made some efforts towards modernization and administrative reforms, absolutism in Austria was characterized by a strong belief in divine right and limited political freedoms for the general population.

Absolutism in Prussia

feudalism still used, 1/2 of Prussia died from 30 years war. wielded absolute power and sought to strengthen the authority of the crown. They implemented administrative reforms, developed a strong bureaucracy, and modernized the military. While the rulers aimed for the betterment of the state and its military capabilities, they upheld the idea of "enlightened absolutism," which emphasized the ruler's duty to promote the welfare of the people. However, despite some reforms, political freedoms remained limited, and the monarchy maintained tight control over Prussian society and institutions.

Absolutism in Russia

autocratic rule under the Romanov dynasty during the 17th and 18th centuries. The tsar held supreme power, justified as divine right. Rulers like Peter the Great and Catherine the Great modernized Russia, but political freedoms remained limited, and the tsar's authority was unchallenged. Serfdom and a strong central government were characteristic of this period.

Causes of the Seven Years War

The war was driven by the commercial and imperial rivalry between Britain and France, and by the antagonism between Prussia (allied to Britain) and Austria (allied to France). In Europe, Britain sent troops to help its ally, Prussia, which was surrounded by its enemies. Results were the Treaty of Paris which caused France to lose all its claims to Canada and gave Louisiana to Spain, while Britain received Spanish Florida, Upper Canada, and various French holdings overseas.

Results of the Seven Years War

Kicked the French out of North America, French gave all the Mississippi Louisiana to Spain. Bolstered colonial self-esteem and shattered the myth of British invincibility. Americans discovered that they all fellow Americans who generally spoke the same language and shared common ideals. This meant that barriers of disunity began to melt.

Changes of agriculture in the 18th century

Populations grew due to advancements and improvements in agriculture. Increased because of the old open-field system. There was an improved diet due to the new foods discovered. There was an increase in productivity and new machines were created to help such as mechanized looms and a water frame.

Changes of finance in the 18th century

Rise of paper money covered for the decline of gold and silver. Banks like the Bank of England mobilized the wealth of the nation through credit. The Dutch Republic was still the major leader. However, Britain was slowly climbing up the financial ladder due to their improvement to their banking system.

Changes of industry in the 18th century

Beginning of the textile industry through the industrial revolution. Steam engines and factories!

Changes of trade in the 18th century

In trade, exports in Britain was prominently wool; however, textiles were being produced. There was a growth in textiles, sugar refining, tobacco processing, as well as a continuation of the mercantilism theory.

Peasants

made up 85% of the population most were legally free; however, Russia still had a very prominent feudal system. The poor owned tithes which were often taken advantaged of by nobility. The villages maintained public order, collected taxes, and maintained bridges, roads, etc. Their diet was meager and consisted of bread, water, wine, and vegetables. They suffered along with the bad harvest.

Nobility

made up 2-3% of the population. The had legal privileges and were conscious of their lifestyle. The ate meat, fish, cheese, nuts, and sweets. They differed in wealth, education, and political power depending on the country. Although, they were very attached to their status. They had country houses that provided privacy and removal from society. Although travel was hard and expensive, they did enjoy the escape.

Townspeople

were in a distinct minority. They contrasted with larger cities in culture, education, and material consumption. Towns tended to hold the middle class and the bourgeoisie. Although they did live quite well, the death rate was high due to unsanitary living conditions.

Describe the birth of Canada

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What are the differences between the European and Amerindian ways of life in Canada

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What were the causes of the American Revolution?

British expected colonists to pay war costs from the French and Indian War; unpopular tax acts and trade restrictions

What were the results of the American Revolution?

- gain independence from England
- gained france as ally
- viewed by world as an independent nation

What was the impact of the American Revolution?

- Lead to the French Revolution
- Lead americans to develop their constiution

What were the causes of the French Revolution?

Inequalities in society. Ideas of Enlightenment writers. Poor leadership from Louis XVI. Financial crisis. Widespread hunger and record cold.

What were the results of the French Revolution?

Napoleon appointed himself as new leader of France- power shifted to the upper-middle class-
the Directory was created (government)

What was the impact of the French Revolution?

- Imposed democracy that we know today
- Declaration of human rights formed
- Principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity made humans an important part of history
- gave importance to the doctrine of 'popular sovereignty' by ending the monarchy based on divine principles.

June 20, 1789

Tennis Court Oath - Estates-General collpases when members of the Third Estate form their own National Assembly

July 14, 1789

Storming of the Bastille - Paris falls from King's control

September 22, 1792

On this day, the newly elected National Convention abolished the monarchy and proclaimed this year to be Year One of the French Republic.

January 21 1793

Execution of Louis XVI

November 9 1799

Napoleon overthrows Directory. Revolution ends.

What was the role of Lawyers in the French Revolution?

were an important subgroup within the Third Estate. They organized the vote that led to the transformation of the Estates-General into a National Assembly as well as orchestrated the Tennis Court Oath.

What was the role of French Peasants in the French Revolution?

an important part of the early revolutionary era, especially in contributing to rural instability during the summer of 1789 by staging uprisings against their mostly noble landlords in the countryside.

What was the role of Women in the French Revolution?

played an important role during the Revolution, both on an individual basis and as a group. For example, a gathering of thousands of women marched to Versailles on October 5, 1789, to demand that the king return to Paris—a key event in the progress of the Revolution.

What was the role of Clergy in the French Revolution?

made up the First Estate and were therefore a very powerful group under the old regime. When they showed a reluctance to swear an oath to the Civil Constitution in 1790, they (and the Catholic Church as a whole) were deemed an enemy of the Revolution.

What was the role of Jacobins in the French Revolution?

formed the radical wing of the revolutionaries during the early 1790s, with more than 900 Jacobin clubs in existence by early 1791. They formed the social and political core of the movement behind the radicalization of the Revolution.

What was the role of Sans-culottes in the French Revolution?

means "without knee-britches" and refers to a name that many members of the Paris Commune called themselves. A sans-culotte was someone who was proud of being an ordinary patriot without fine clothes and regarded the well-dressed as nobles or wealthy bourgeois and thus enemies of the Revolution.

What was the role of The French Revolutionary Army in the French Revolution?

raised in 1793 and 1794 was the first true instance of universal mobilization Europe had ever seen. Numbering more than 1 million by September 1794, historians have viewed it as an important step toward modern nationalist sensibilities in that it was a "people's army charged with protecting the nation.

What was the role of the Committee of Public Saftey during the French Revolution?

was granted vast powers by the National Convention in 1793, leading to a movement to eradicate anyone perceived to be an enemy of the Revolution. The Reign of Terror that ensued saw around 50,000 people executed for this crime.

Tennis Court Oath

vow by members of the 3rd estate not to disband until a constitution was written

What were the similarities of the French and English revoltuions of the 17th Century?

- Financial Problems: Both King Charles I and Louis XVI were experiencing debt because of financial problems left behind from previous monarchs. Both kings placed the extreme tax burdens on the already poor peasants which further angered and oppressed them.

Unique Traits of the English Revolution

- Bloodless revoltuion
- Ended absolute monarchy
- Resulted in a constitutional governement

Unique traits of the American Revolution

- similar to french due to \# of deaths
- included several individual battles
- formed new nation
- inspired others to seek independance

Unique traits of the French Revolution

- Third Estate vs Upper Class and Monarchy
- lots of death (like americans)
- Resulted in monarchy being abolished and formation of republican government

How did Napoleon's policies reject the accomplishments of the French Revolution?

a. his civil code strengthened the accomplishments of the revolution
b. his civil code took away many of the rights that women gained during the rev.
c. he was a sole ruler which went against the revolutionary ideals
d. he brought back power to the Catholic Church which went against the revolution
e. he tried to solve all of Frances problems when the revolution was mostly to benefit the 3rd estate
f. his policies showed both equality and inequality
g. he decreed many revolutionary ideas (equality of opportunity, equality before the law, and religious toleration)

American Exceptionalism

The idea that the United States has a unique destiny to foster democracy and civilization on the world stage.

American Foundation Myth

Americans would have equal contribution in their government however there were chiefs who have the power to totally veto a decision. Many of the principles that USA was founded on do not match the reality of their state of existence.

Causes of the Industrial Revolution

-The scientific revolution brought about new mechanical inventions
-The availability of investment capital and the rise of the middle class provided an economic base
-Geographic and social conditions in England favored industrialization:
\---The cotton textile industry was well established
\---Britain was a colonial and maritime power and was able to easily ship products; rivers provided the necessary waterpower to run machinery
\---England had abundant reserves of coal and iron
\---The necessary labor force was in place following the enclosure movement that forced thousands of people from rural land to cities
\---Investment capital supplied by a burgeoning middle class provided money to purchase equipment for the emergent factories

What were the effects of the Industrial Revolution?

- Introduction of the factory system
- Steam engine
- More jobs
- Movement of people into urbainized society
- Population boom/city growth
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Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Capitalism

an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.

Colonialism

the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Nationalism

A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country. Actions in support of one's own nation OR the exclusion and detriment of other nations

Features of the Industrial Revolution

- transportation
-steam engine
- inventions to improve daily life and make processes quicker
- Factory development
- Improvement of health, work, and living conditions

Egalitarianism

the belief that all people should have equal political, economic, social, and civil rights

Egalitarian Capitalism

enable people from all walks of life to make the journey from working for money towards the point where money works for them, so that we no longer see capital and labour as protagonists across society; but where both are available to all

Trade Unions

Early labor organizations that brought together workers in the same trade, or job, to fight for better wages and working conditions

Grand National Consolidated Trades Union

union created by Robert Owen used to coordinate a strike for the return of the eight hour work day. Lack of real working-class support led to the union's complete collapse, and the union later became trade unions for individual crafts.

Amalgamated Society of Engineers

The largest and most successful trade union created in 1851 which provided generous unemployment benefits in return for a small weekly payment. One of the first craft unions.

Great Britian artisan policy

Artisans were not allowed to leave in order to keep a hold of innovation, however immigration prevented this from happening.

What change happened in 1825 Great Britian

Trade artisans were allowed to leave Great Britian

Great Britian and Industrial Revolution

- a. . By 1850, industry had made Great Britain the wealthiest country in the world, and the revolution had spread to the European continent and the New World. In another fifty years, both Germany and the United States would surpass Britain in industrial production.
- They could feed more people at a lower cost due to agricultural revolution
- Lots of capital to invest in factories
- Supply markets allowed Britian to have people to sell to (colonies).

Agricultural Revolution

A time when new inventions such as the seed drill and the steel plow made farming easier and faster. The production of food rose dramatically.

Congress of Vienna

Meeting of representatives of European monarchs called to reestablish the old order after the defeat of Napoleon.

What were the causes of the Congress of Vienna (goals)

- Restoring balance of power to Europe
- Stopping the spread of Liberalism and Nationalism
- Determining economic compensation for Napoelonic Wars
- Restoring legitimiate powers of Europe

What countries were part of the Congress of Vienna

Russia, Prussia, Austria, GB, France

Who led the Congress of Vienna?

Klemens von Metternich

Conservatism

an ideology based on tradition and social stability that favoured the maintenance of established institutions, organized religion, and obedience to authority and resisted change, especially abrupt change. Most conservatives held to a general body of beliefs.

Liberalism

An ideology based on the belief that people should be as free from restraint as possible. Economic liberalism is the idea that the government should not interfere in the workings of the economy. Political liberalism is the idea there should be restraints on the exercise of power so that people can enjoy basic civil rights in a constitutional state with a representative assembly.

Utopian Socialists

Intellectuals and theorists in the early 19th century who favored equality in social and economic conditions and wished to replace private property and competition with collective ownership and cooperation

Impact of Congress of Vienna

-diminished size+power of France
-Power of Britain and Prussia increased
-Nationalism begins spreading

Forces for change in France between 1830 and 1848

Louis-Philippe was greatly disliked and eventually was forced to abdicate. Afterwards, Louis Blanc took over--the rise of national workshops

Froces for change in Great Britian between 1830 and 1848

Under the German-speaking House of Hanover, reforms could take place. The Reform Act of 1832: helped the working poor by slum clearing and such. (However, in the end, this act primarily benefited the upper middle class.) The Corn Laws were also repealed.

Why did revolutions fail during this time?

More infighting that collective fighting against the problem