Summary Notes on Enlightenment and Revolutions

The Enlightenment

  • 17th and 18th centuries philosophical movement.

  • Key concepts include the social contract and divine right.   - Divine Right: Monarchs ordained by God, requiring obedience.   - Social contract: Governments established to fulfill social and economic needs.

Key Philosophers

  • Thomas Hobbes: Advocated for an absolute ruler for peace.

  • John Locke: Belief in natural rights; justified revolting against unjust governments.

  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Belief in equality and general will of the people.

  • Voltaire: Promoted religious toleration.

  • Montesquieu: Proposed separation of powers.

  • Adam Smith: Introduced the idea of the invisible hand in economics.

  • Mary Wollstonecraft: Advocated for women's political rights.

Enlightenment Revolutions

  • American Revolution (1765-1783): American colonists revolted against British taxation; led to independence.

  • Key events: Boston Tea Party, Declaration of Independence.

  • French Revolution (1789-1799): Financial crisis led to the overthrow of Louis XVI.   - National Assembly, Declaration of the Rights of Man, and Reign of Terror established.

  • Haitian Revolution: Enslaved Haitians revolted, led by Toussaint L’Ouverture; established independence in 1804.

  • Latin American Independence (1810-1820s): Revolts against Spanish rule; leaders included Simón Bolívar and José de San Martin.

Industrial Revolution

  • Began in the 19th century in Britain, characterized by significant advances in technology and agriculture.

  • Innovations: Steam engine, spinning jenny, cotton gin.

  • Emergence of social classes: Aristocrats, middle class, working class laborers.

Nationalism

  • Growth of nationalism in Europe post-Napoleonic era.

  • Key unification movements: Italy (Cavour, Garibaldi) and Germany (Bismarck).

  • Russian reforms and the Emancipation Edict.

  • Ottoman Empire's vulnerability in the face of European powers.

Social Changes

  • Rise of labor unions and improvement in living conditions.

  • Increasing public education and social mobility.

  • Continued class inequalities and limitation of women's roles.