Europe 1650-1815 lesson 2
Lesson 2: The Age of Enlightenment and Revolutions (1700-1815)
Overview:
During the period of 1700-1815, Europe witnessed significant intellectual, political, and social changes that transformed the continent. The Age of Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that advocated reason, logic, and progress, emerged during this time. Additionally, various revolutions and conflicts, such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution, reshaped European society and political systems.
Key Concepts:
1. The Enlightenment:
- The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a period of intellectual and philosophical growth in Europe.
- Enlightenment thinkers emphasized reason, individualism, and natural rights.
- Influential philosophers of the Enlightenment included John Locke, Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
2. Enlightenment Ideas and Impact:
- Enlightenment ideas influenced social, political, and economic spheres of European society.
- Philosophers advocated for the separation of powers, religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and the abolishment of absolute monarchies.
- These ideas contributed to the spread of democracy and the rise of nationalism.
3. American Revolution (1775-1783):
- The American Revolution was a war fought between the American colonies and Great Britain.
- The American colonies sought independence and self-governance, inspired by Enlightenment ideas of liberty and self-determination.
- The American victory resulted in the formation of the United States as an independent nation and ignited a desire for freedom among other European colonies.
4. French Revolution (1789-1799):
- The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France.
- Inspired by Enlightenment ideas, revolutionaries sought to dismantle the monarchy and aristocracy and establish a republic.
- The revolution led to significant social changes, including the execution of King Louis XVI and the Reign of Terror.
5. Napoleonic Era (1799-1815):
- Following the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte seized power and became the First Consul and later Emperor of the French.
- Napoleon conducted military campaigns to expand French territory and introduced various reforms, such as the Napoleonic Code.
- The Napoleonic Wars, fought against other European powers, resulted in the temporary expansion and subsequent decline of French power.
Key Personalities:
1. John Locke (1632-1704): English philosopher whose ideas on natural rights and government influenced the Enlightenment and the development of modern democracy.
2. Voltaire (1694-1778): French philosopher and writer known for his advocacy of civil liberties, including freedom of speech and religion.
3. Montesquieu (1689-1755): French lawyer and philosopher who proposed the idea of separation of powers, influencing democratic systems worldwide.
4. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778): Swiss philosopher whose ideas on social contract and popular sovereignty contributed to the development of democratic thought.
5. Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821): French military and political leader who rose to power during the French Revolution and established the Napoleonic Empire.
Key Terms:
1. Enlightenment: Intellectual and philosophical movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and progress.
2. Natural rights: Fundamental rights that all individuals possess by virtue of being human, including life, liberty, and property.
3. Separation of powers: The division of governmental power into distinct branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judiciary.
4. Republic: A form of government in which power is exercised by elected representatives and an elected or nominated president.
5. Napoleonic Code: A comprehensive and systematic civil code introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte, influencing legal systems in many European countries.
6. Reign of Terror: A period during the French Revolution characterized by mass executions and political repression, aimed at eliminating perceived enemies of the revolution.
Lesson 2: Political and Economic Developments in Europe (1650-1815)
Step 1: The Peace of Westphalia (1648)
- The Peace of Westphalia was a series of treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) in Europe.
- It established the principle of state sovereignty and the concept of a balance of power in Europe.
- This treaty marked the beginning of the modern state system and contributed to the decline of the Holy Roman Empire.
Step 2: Absolutism
- Absolutism refers to a system of government where the ruler has absolute power and control over the state.
- During this period, several European monarchs became absolute rulers, such as Louis XIV of France and Frederick the Great of Prussia.
- These rulers centralized political power, weakened the authority of nobles, and pursued policies for the consolidation of their states.
Step 3: The Enlightenment
- The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.
- It emphasized reason, science, and individual rights, challenging the authority of monarchy and the Catholic Church.
- Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke and Voltaire, advocated for political and religious reforms, leading to the spread of democratic ideas.
Step 4: The Industrial Revolution
- The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant economic and technological advancements that began in Britain in the late 18th century and spread throughout Europe.
- It marked the transition from agrarian and manual labor-based economies to industrial and machine-based economies.
- The revolution brought about revolutionary changes in industries, trade, transportation, and agriculture, leading to urbanization and social changes.
Step 5: French Revolution (1789-1799)
- The French Revolution was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France.
- It was influenced by Enlightenment ideas and the economic hardships faced by the lower classes.
- The revolution resulted in the overthrow of the French monarchy, the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the spread of revolutionary ideals throughout Europe.
Step 6: The Napoleonic Wars
- The Napoleonic Wars were a series of conflicts led by Napoleon Bonaparte between 1803 and 1815.
- Napoleon aimed to establish French dominance in Europe and created the French Empire.
- The wars had far-reaching effects and led to significant territorial changes, political transformations, and the spread of nationalism.
These are the key points to understand about the political and economic developments in Europe from 1650 to 1815.
Lesson 2: Europe 1650-1815
In this lesson, we will continue our exploration of Europe during the period 1650-1815. This period is commonly known as the Early Modern Period and encompasses significant political, social, and economic changes that shaped the continent.
To understand this period better, let's begin by discussing some key topics and themes:
1. Absolutism and Absolute Monarchy: During this period, we see the rise of absolute monarchies in Europe, where monarchs held complete power over their realms. Examples include Louis XIV of France and Peter the Great of Russia. To learn more about absolutism, you can research specific monarchs and their policies.
2. Enlightenment and Age of Reason: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. Thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau contributed to this movement. It's essential to understand their ideas and how they influenced the political and social developments of the time.
3. Scientific Revolution: The period from the late 16th to the 17th century witnessed a significant shift in scientific thinking and discovery. Scientists such as Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton made groundbreaking contributions to fields like astronomy, physics, and mathematics. Exploring their achievements will help you grasp the scientific advancements of the era.
4. European Colonialism: The 17th and 18th centuries were marked by European exploration and colonization worldwide. Countries like Great Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal established colonies and expanded their empires. Understanding the motivations, strategies, and consequences of European colonialism is crucial to comprehending this period.
To delve deeper into these topics and learn more about Europe during 1650-1815, I recommend the following steps:
1. Read textbooks and academic resources: Consult textbooks or scholarly articles focused on European history between 1650-1815. These sources will provide a comprehensive overview and analyze key events and themes in detail.
2. Visit libraries and online databases: Utilize libraries and online databases to access primary and secondary sources. These sources can include historical documents, diaries, letters, and academic studies that offer firsthand accounts or scholarly analysis of the period.
3. Attend lectures or courses: Look for lectures or courses offered by universities or educational institutions that specifically cover this period. Many institutions offer online courses or recorded lectures that you can access remotely.
4. Engage in discussions and debates: Join history forums or discussion groups, either online or in person, to engage with other learners or experts. Participating in debates or sharing your understanding of key topics will help you enhance your knowledge of Europe from 1650-1815.
Remember, understanding this period requires digging into various sources and forming connections between events, ideas, and individuals. Stay curious, ask questions, and keep exploring to gain a comprehensive understanding of Europe during 1650-1815!