Age of revolutionIn this unit we'll be studying two concurrent movements that shape the future of "the West". The Enlightenment was a new philosophical movement that focused on logic, reason, and natural law. When applied to politics, these ideas began to change how people interacted with their government and how they believed power should be structured and handled.
At the same time we also see the rise of Absolute rulers. These monarchs of Europe believed in the "divine right of kings" and as such began to consolidate and wield their power in ways not fully seen before. With this tug-of-war between these two ideologies, we start to see tensions increase throughout Europe and across the world. Eventually these tensions will erupt in two very different but incredibly influential rebellions: the American and French Revolutions. We'll also be looking at the Industrial Revolution which will fundamentally transform the world and how people live which will in turn change how governments begin to work. We will see another political revolution in the form of Nationalism throughout Europe and then Imperialism throughout the world. All of these elements will create the situation which will lead to the First World War. |
Unit 5 handouts
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