French Society and Revolution

  • Nobles and monarchs paid 6.7% in taxes.
  • Le Code Noir: Established in 1685, outlawed slavery; opposite of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (DotRoMaC, 1789).
  • Causes of French Revolution: Economic hardship, social inequality, political unrest.
  • American Revolution (1776) sought freedom and equality while slavery persisted.

Industrial Revolution

  • Introduced laissez-faire economics: minimal government intervention in business.
  • Urbanization: Transition from rural to urban settings.
  • Poor working conditions: long hours, low wages, unsafe environments.
  • James Watt invented the steam engine, driving mass production.
  • Significant transportation innovations: Locomotive, steamboat.
  • Results: Rise of the Middle Class, urbanization, and development of democracies.

Social and Economic Changes

  • Social Darwinism: Adaptation and survival of the fittest societal theory.
  • Sphere of Influence: Dominance of industrialized nations over others, e.g., Britain in India.
  • Exploitation: Taking advantage for personal gain; notable during the Industrial Revolution.
  • Child labor was detrimental, forcing children into factory work under harsh conditions.

Enlightenment and Revolutions

  • Comparative Relevance: American, French, Haitian revolutions inspired by Enlightenment principles, challenging divine rights.
  • Bill of Rights: Rights derived from a higher authority (God), established to protect individual freedoms (first 10 amendments).
  • Racism: Defined as prejudice against a race.

Global Geography and Imperialism

  • New vs. Old Imperialism: New Imperialism focused on colonization vs. Old's settlement strategy.
  • Example of a colony: Different governance styles (local self-rule vs. direct rule).
  • Annex: Addition of territory by a country.
  • Hegemony denotes dominance of one country over others.

Major World Religions

  • Hinduism: Unknown origin; polytheistic beliefs; no definitive founder.
  • Confucianism: Founded by Confucius; serves as a philosophy mainly.
  • Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha; sacred texts guide beliefs.
  • Judaism, Christianity, Islam: Major religions with foundational prophets and texts, each with unique beliefs (monotheistic).

Social Structure in Pre-Revolution France

  • Three estates:
    • First Estate: Clergy
    • Second Estate: Nobility
    • Third Estate: Commoners