AP WORLD UNIT 5

The Enlightenment: The Foundation of Revolutions
The Enlightenment was the ideological framework that inspired major revolutions by promoting new ways of understanding the world through:

• Rationalism – Using reason and logic instead of tradition and emotions.

• Empiricism – Using experimentation and observation rather than relying on external authority (such as religious doctrine).

Impact on Religion and Science

The Enlightenment led to the questioning of biblical and religious authority, replacing faith-based explanations with reason and experimentation.
Encouraged scientific breakthroughs in fields such as:

• Space Exploration

• Human Anatomy and Medicine

The Shift in Authority

The Enlightenment began in Europe, which was predominantly Christian, a revealed religion where questioning the Bible was not widely accepted.
The movement led to the Scientific Revolution, shifting authority from external sources (God, monarchy) to internal reasoning (human intellect and science).

New Belief Systems

The Enlightenment led to the creation of new religious and philosophical ideas:

• Deism – The belief that God created the universe but does not interfere in human affairs.

• Atheism – The rejection of belief in any deity.

Key Political Ideas of the Enlightenment

Individualism

• The individual became the foundation of society, rather than collective groups.

Natural Rights (John Locke)

All people are born with unalienable rights that cannot be taken away:

• Life

• Liberty

• Property

The Social Contract

• Governments are formed by individuals who consent to be governed in exchange for the protection of their rights.

The Impact of Enlightenment Ideas on Revolutions

Major Revolutions Inspired by the Enlightenment

American Revolution (1775–1783)

• Britain largely ignored the American colonies but, after the Seven Years’ War, imposed heavy taxes without representation.

• Americans, inspired by Enlightenment ideas, fought for self-governance.

French Revolution (1789–1799)

• Inspired by the American Revolution, the French rejected monarchy.

• Overthrew King Louis XVI and established a republic based on liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Haitian Revolution (1791–1804)

• Enslaved Africans in Haiti learned about the French Revolution’s ideals of freedom and equality.

• Led by Toussaint Louverture, they revolted against French colonial rule, creating the first free Black republic.

Latin American Revolutions (1810–1830s)

• Enlightenment ideas encouraged colonial leaders in Latin America to seek independence from Spain and Portugal.

• Figures like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín fought for self-rule, leading to newly independent nations.

Nationalism and Revolutions

The Rise of Nationalism

• Nationalism was a new political concept, unlike the Ottomans and Mongols, who ruled over diverse populations.

• Nationalism promoted self-rule by people of shared culture, language, and identity.

How States Used Nationalism

• Nationalist themes were taught in schools.

• Public rituals were used to glorify the nation.

• Military service was framed as a patriotic duty.

Russia’s Failed Attempt at Nationalism

• The Russian government forced all citizens to speak Russian, but this backfired.

• Poland, Ukraine, and Finland resisted, leading to counter-nationalism and demands for independence.

Political Dissent

• Many people united against imperial rulers and monarchs.

• New government ideas emerged:

  • Democracy – Government by the people.

  • Popular Sovereignty – The idea that power comes from the people rather than rulers.

  • Liberalism – Advocated for civil rights and property protection.

The Industrial Revolution: A Shift in Economic Systems

How the Industrial Revolution Began

• The Industrial Revolution transformed economies from agrarian (farming-based) to industrial (machine-based production).

Why Great Britain Industrialized First

• Geography – Close to waterways for transporting goods.

• Natural Resources – Rich in coal and iron.

• Access to Foreign Resources –

  • Trees from America.

  • Cotton from India.

• Agricultural Revolution – More food led to population growth.

• Urbanization – People moved to cities in search of jobs as farming declined.

• Protection of Private Property – Encouraged investment and innovation.

The Spread of Industrialization

Factors That Influenced Industrialization

• Proximity to waterways – Allowed for trade and transport.

• Coal and iron deposits – Essential for machines and factories.

• Access to foreign resources – Raw materials fueled production.

• Agricultural productivity – More food meant more workers for factories.

• Urbanization – People moved to cities for work.

• Protection of private property – Encouraged investment.

• Capital – Financial resources to build factories.

Technological Innovations of the Industrial Age

First Industrial Revolution

• Coal replaced wood as an energy source.

  • Burned hotter and lasted longer.

  • Allowed factories to be built anywhere, not just near rivers.

• Steam Engines powered:

  • Railroads

  • Ships

  • Factory machinery

Second Industrial Revolution

• Oil became a major energy source.

  • Led to the combustion engine (used in cars).

• Steel – Stronger and more durable than iron.

• Chemical Engineering – Allowed for new products and industrial chemicals.

• Electricity – Revolutionized communication and manufacturing.

Effects of Industrial Technology

Urbanization Increased

• Farmers moved from rural areas to cities to work in factories.

Transportation Improved

• Railroads and steamships allowed cities to develop further inland rather than just near coasts.

Global Trade and Migration Expanded

• Industrialized nations dominated world trade.

• Workers migrated in search of job opportunities.

Reactions to the Industrial Revolution

Political Reforms

• Expansion of Voting Rights – As more people could vote, political parties adopted social reforms to gain working-class support.

• Governments introduced labor laws to improve working conditions and wages.

Social Reforms

• Workers' Societies – The working class formed mutual aid societies that provided:

  • Insurance for sickness and injury.

  • Social events to build community.

Educational Reforms

• As high-paying jobs became more technical, education became essential.

• Children were pulled out of factories and placed in schools, increasing literacy rates.

• Public education expanded, providing opportunities for both boys and girls.

Urban Reforms

• Overcrowded cities led to poor sanitation, pollution, and unsafe living conditions.

• Governments improved sewage systems, housing regulations, and public health initiatives.

• Streetlights, police forces, and public parks were introduced to make cities safer.

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