The Enlightenment and Its Impact on Society

The Enlightenment

An intellectual movement applying rationalist and empiricist approaches to the natural and human world.

Challenge to the status quo

Questioned religion's role in public life and authority of higher powers, promoted individual importance and natural rights, and advocated the Social Contract, popular sovereignty, democracy, and liberalism.

Expansion of suffrage

Allowed more people to participate in government after the American Revolution, eventually including all white males and later black males.

Impact of the Enlightenment on women

Sparked the feminist movement, including calls for suffrage and equality, exemplified by Olympe de Gouges' Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen.

Impact of the Enlightenment on coerced labor

Ideas of natural rights led to the abolition of slavery in the Americas and serfdom in Russia.

Nationalism

A sense of commonality based on shared language, religion, customs, and a vision for the future, often defined by a common enemy.

Use of nationalism by leaders

To inspire revolutions, unify fragmented regions, and foster pride through nationalist education and military service.

Causes of the American Revolution

Discontent with British monarchist and imperial rule, inspired by democratic ideals.

Declaration of Independence and Enlightenment philosophy

Reflects ideas of the Social Contract and popular sovereignty.

Effects of the American Revolution

Established a democratic-republic, inspiring others to overthrow imperial and monarchist rule.

Important French document

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, outlining rights for French citizens and establishing a republican government.

Causes of the Haitian Revolution

Inspired by French Revolution ideas, enslaved Haitians led by Toussaint Louverture rose up against French colonial rule.

Effects of the Haitian Revolution

Created the first black government in the Western Hemisphere and the second republic, marking the only successful large-scale slave rebellion.

Causes of the Latin American Revolutions

Enlightenment ideas and resentment of Spanish/Portuguese control, with Napoleon's invasion of Spain and Portugal destabilizing colonies.

Effects of the Latin American Revolutions

Independence achieved through wars, with many colonies forming republican governments.

Factors contributing to industrialization

Proximity to waterways, coal/iron/timber resources, access to foreign resources, improved agricultural productivity, urbanization, legal protections for private property, and accumulation of capital.

Change in goods production

Factories mass-produced goods, reducing costs, with labor becoming specialized and steam engines allowing factories to be built anywhere.

Industrialization in France

Slower due to lack of coal/iron and social upheavals. Government sponsored railroads and canals.

Industrialization in the USA

Rapid industrialization post-Civil War due to natural resources, political stability, and a growing population.

Industrialization in Russia

State-driven industrialization with railroads linking markets, but workers faced brutal conditions and frequent uprisings.

Industrialization in Japan

Meiji Restoration led to state-sponsored industrialization, making Japan a regional power.

First Industrial Revolution Technology

Coal and steam-powered machines, including James Watt's steam engine for locomotives and steamships.

Second Industrial Revolution Technology

Oil-powered internal combustion engines, electricity (lightbulbs, streetcars, subways), and telegraphs for communication.

Transportation Technology Phase One

Trains and steamships linked national economies.

Transportation Technology Phase Two

Steel ships and the Suez Canal increased maritime activity.

Building Materials Phase One

Iron.

Building Materials Phase Two

Steel, thanks to the Bessemer process.

Adam Smith's Economic Ideas

Replaced mercantilism with free-market capitalism and laissez-faire policies.

Transnational Business

Companies operating across multiple countries, e.g., Dutch East India Company.

Banking and Finance Practices

Stock markets and limited liability corporations.

Economic Benefits of the Industrial Era

Higher living standards, cheaper goods, and increased access to products.

Impact of Industrialization on Working Class

Poor living conditions in tenements, long hours, dangerous work, and low pay.

Government Response to Working-Class Issues in England

Expanded suffrage, created political parties, restricted child labor, opened public schools, and limited work hours.

Working Class Self-Help

Formed social societies for insurance and community, and labor unions for collective bargaining.

Marxism

Karl Marx's theory advocating for the proletariat to overthrow the bourgeoisie and create a classless society.

Qing China Response to Industrialization

Self-Strengthening Movement borrowed Western ideas while preserving traditional culture, but resistance led to limited progress.

Ottoman Empire Response to Industrialization

Tanzimat Reforms modernized factories, railroads, and government, but conservative resistance halted progress.

Social Hierarchy Changes Due to Industrialization

Created new classes: industrial working class, middle class (factory owners, professionals), and wealthy industrialists.

Impact of Industrialization on Women

Working-class women earned low wages, while middle-class women were confined to domestic roles.

Challenges from Rapid Urbanization

Housing shortages, poor sanitation, public health crises, lower life expectancy, and increased crime.