Key Concepts from the Lecture on Scientific Revolution and Political Revolutions
- Scientific Revolution
- Major transformation in thought during the transition from medieval to modern European views.
- Shift from reliance on religious explanations to an emphasis on observation and natural laws.
- Key figures:
- Copernicus: Proposed heliocentric theory, challenging Church doctrine that placed Earth at the center of the universe.
- Kepler: Studied planetary motion.
- Galileo: Utilized telescopes to support heliocentric theory and laws of gravity.
- Connection to Enlightenment
- The Scientific Revolution laid the groundwork for Enlightenment thought, promoting ideas of natural rights and governance based on rationality.
- Enlightenment builds on the idea that if natural laws govern nature, similar laws can govern societies.
- Impact of Enlightenment Philosophers
- John Locke: Major ideas include:
- Concept of natural rights: life, liberty, and property.
- Government exists to protect these rights; if it fails, citizens are justified in overthrowing it.
- Montesquieu: Advocated for the separation of powers in government to prevent tyranny.
- Mary Wollstonecraft: Argued for women's rights and inclusion in Enlightenment discourse.
- Adam Smith: Considered the father of modern economics, advocating for free markets.
- Enlightened Despots
- Rulers who embraced Enlightenment ideas while retaining absolute power.
- Catherine the Great: Worked to educate the populace and reformed legal systems while maintaining her absolute authority.
- Seven Years' War
- Fought from 1756-1763; involved major global players like Britain and France.
- Outcomes:
- Britain becomes dominant colonial power in India.
- France loses significant territories in North America.
- Increased debt for Britain leads to taxation of American colonies, contributing to the American Revolution.
- American Revolution
- Colonists initially sought representation rather than independence.
- Thomas Paine: Influential figure advocating for independence through Enlightenment rhetoric.
- Events leading to revolution include increased taxation and restriction on movement.
- Revolution characterized as a civil war due to divisions between Loyalists and Patriots.
- Post-revolution, debates arise concerning its revolutionary nature regarding social and economic changes.
- French Revolution
- Structure divided into three estates:
- First Estate: Clergy
- Second Estate: Nobility
- Third Estate: Commoners, divided into bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants.
- Key events:
- Tennis Court Oath: Establishment of the National Assembly.
- Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen proclaimed Enlightenment ideals.
- Radical phases led by Robespierre, culminating in the Reign of Terror.
- Outcome led to initial republican government, later replaced by Napoleonic rule.
- Napoleon Bonaparte
- Implemented widespread reforms including the Bank of France and public education.
- Three critical mistakes led to his downfall:
- Continental System: Economic blockade against Britain that backfired.
- Peninsular War: Destabilized Spanish colonies and spread revolutionary ideas.
- Invasion of Russia: Catastrophic failure, leading to his eventual defeat.
- Congress of Vienna (1815)
- Aimed to restore the balance of power in Europe post-Napoleon.
- Conservative reaction against revolutionary ideas, promoting restoration of monarchies.
- Established the foundation for the Concert of Europe, a mechanism for maintaining peace in Europe.
- Latin American Revolutions
- Influenced by rising sentiments against colonial rule due to Peninsular War and Enlightenment ideals.
- Simón Bolívar: Key figure for independence movements in South America, advocated for the abolition of slavery to gain support.
- Revolutions often led to military dictatorships due to lack of democratic foundations from colonial history.
- Haitian Revolution
- Unique in being the only successful slave revolt resulting in the establishment of an independent state.
- Initial conflict started between the white planter class and free people of color, later involving enslaved individuals.
- Canada
- Shifted policies post-American Revolution, allowing for greater self-governance to prevent rebellion.
- Gradual path toward autonomy with establishment of the Dominion of Canada in 1867, maintaining ties to Britain without conflict.
- Key Themes for Essays
- Examine the causes and effects of major revolutions.
- Use Enlightenment ideas to contextualize political revolutions globally.
- Compare social structures and outcomes of revolutions across different regions and periods.
