Unit 5.2 - 5.3

Enlightenment, Revolutions, And Industrial Revolutions

Enlightenment Ideas and Revolutions

• The French Revolution used enlightenment ideas, drawing inspiration from events in the New World.

Atlantic Revolutions

• American, Haitian, and Latin American revolutions are collectively referred to as Atlantic Revolutions.

• These revolutions occurred across the Atlantic Ocean in the New World, influencing the Old World (Europe).

• The concept of "New World" and "Old World" became popular after the Columbian Exchange.

• These revolutions in the New World influenced changes in the Old World.

• Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and China were not yet in their revolutionary stages due to various reasons. Their transformations would occur later, sometimes through events like world wars.

Haitian Revolution

• The Haitian Revolution was a successful slave rebellion, which was rare in world history.

• It was a rebellion of black slaves against their colonizers.

• Haiti was France's most profitable colony, and the revolution frightened Europeans.

Latin American Revolutions

• Simon Bolívar, a Creole, played a significant role in the Latin American revolutions.

• Bolívar was in exile in Jamaica and advocated for the removal of the Spanish from Latin America.

• Creoles, though high in the social hierarchy, identified with the New World rather than Spain.

• Bolívar helped inspire changes and the emergence of new states in South America.

Paradox of Enlightenment Thinkers

• Enlightenment thinkers like Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Toussaint Louverture, and Simon Bolívar were slave owners.

• The enlightenment did not immediately abolish slavery.

• Revolutions occurred, but some issues like slavery lingered.

Additional Examples

• Philippine Nationalism:

  • Filipino nationalism, exemplified by figures like Jose Rizal, aimed to remove the Spanish after over 300 years of colonization following the Columbian Exchange.

  • The Philippines eventually gained independence.

• Maori Nationalism in New Zealand:

  • The Maori were the indigenous people of New Zealand.

  • Conflicts arose when settlers from Great Britain arrived, leading to wars.

  • Despite fighting, the Maori were ultimately assimilated and did not achieve full independence.

Industrial Revolutions

• There were two Industrial Revolutions:

  • First (Early): Approximately 1750-1820.

  • Second (Late): Approximately 1820-1900.

First Industrial Revolution

• Began in Great Britain due to various factors.

• Adam Smith, a Scottish economist, wrote The Wealth of Nations in 1776.

  • This book laid the foundation for modern capitalism.

• Liberal democracy emerged during the enlightenment.

Problems with Early Capitalism

• Slavery persisted.

• Pollution was rampant due to lack of environmental regulations.

• Child labor was common, with young children working in dangerous conditions like coal mines.

• Workers faced hazardous conditions, long hours (seven days a week), and no safety protections.

Pushback and Reforms

• Reforms were sought to address the issues of early capitalism.

• Labor unions emerged.

• New laws were enacted to protect workers.

• Some individuals, like Karl Marx, proposed alternative systems such as communism and socialism.

Spread of the Industrial Revolution

• The revolution spread from Great Britain to:

  • Europe

  • The United States

  • Russia

  • Japan

• The Ottoman Empire and China lagged behind, attempting to maintain their traditional ways.

  • China's failure to adapt led to defeats in the Opium Wars.

  • Japan, on the other hand, embraced industrialization and became more powerful.

Subsequent Units

• The remainder of the unit will cover the features and impacts of the Industrial Revolution, including:

  • Gender

  • Environmental effects

  • Inter-state relations

• The following unit will focus on the consequences of the Industrial Revolution, primarily imperialism.