Recording-2025-03-03T16_37_14.315Z

Decline of Political Power in the Church

• While faith remains strong among individuals (e.g., attendance at church, tithing, prayer), the political influence of the church is diminishing.

Monarchs and the Rise of Absolute Power

King Henry VIII

• Notably known for having six wives (divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived).

• Established the Anglican Church not just for personal reasons, but to consolidate power, making entire nation convert.

• This led to dissent, resulting in the Puritans seeking religious freedom, celebrated today as Thanksgiving (the Pilgrims).

Transition of Power to James I

• James I continues his grandfather Henry VIII's disregard for Parliament.

• Authored the King James Bible, solidifying his attempt to unify his reign but largely maintaining the status quo.

Charles I

• Further undermined Parliament by disbanding it, leading to a civil war.

• His subsequent execution marked a pivotal moment in English governance.

Oliver Cromwell

• Assumed power as a leader post-civil war, initially trusted but quickly became a dictator.

• Eventually, Cromwell’s rule led to his downfall.

Charles II and James II

• Charles II's reign is characterized by continuity rather than significant changes.

• James II reignited conflicts with Parliament and was effectively ousted, leading to William and Mary taking the throne in what became known as the Glorious Revolution.

• From this point, Parliament becomes the predominant power in England.

Philosophical Developments During this Period

Thomas Hobbes

• Authored the Social Contract, advocating the government's role in controlling the inherently wicked nature of humanity.

John Locke

• Contrasted Hobbes, arguing that people are naturally good and governments should serve to protect rights like liberty and property.

Enlightenment Thinkers

• Various Enlightenment figures critiqued government excess and laid groundwork for future revolutions.

• Included Montesquieu's ideas of checks and balances and Rousseau's concept of the general will.

• Voltaire emphasized freedom of speech and religion, laying groundwork for democratic ideals.

Shift from Monarchies to Revolutions

American Revolution

• Sparked by increased taxation post-French and Indian War, American colonists resisted tax measures without representation.

• Resulted in the Declaration of Independence (1776) invoking Enlightenment principles.

• Following their victory, established a Constitution that enshrined Enlightenment ideas.

French Revolution

• Spurred by Louis XVI’s summoning of the Estates General, leading to the formation of a National Assembly.

• Ended with the storming of the Bastille, the return to unequivocal monarchy was thwarted.

• Robespierre’s Reign of Terror marked a dark period reflecting the turmoil and extremes of revolutionary zeal.

Latin America and Revolutions

• Inspired by the examples set by America and France, leaders like Simón Bolívar sought independence.

• Bolívar called for the end of mercantilism and engaged in extensive liberation campaigns across South America.

• Toussaint L'Ouverture led the successful slave rebellion in Haiti, establishing the first independent black republic.

Imperialism and its Impacts

African Colonization

• European powers, notably England and France, aggressively sought African resources, leading to significant conflict and disenfranchisement of local populations.

Opium Wars and Qing Dynasty

• Qing dynasty's tepid responses to foreign intrusion culminated in wars (like the Opium War), resulting in China suffering territorial losses and trade imbalances.

Meiji Restoration in Japan

• Marked Japan's modernization effort to resist imperialistic forces, focusing primarily on military strength.

Conclusion

• Underlying themes include the shift in governmental structures, the impact of Enlightenment thought, and the rise of revolutionary movements against oppressive monarchies across the globe.