Unit 1
What role(s) did the printing press play in shaping the Early Modern European Revolutions of Thought?
The printing press contributed to increased literacy and spread information quickly.
What is the “social contract?"
Social Contract: The idea that governments are a product of a “contract” between the ruler and the people.
What is the “Great Divergence?"
The Great Divergence is the split between the rich world and the poor world that occurred after 1800.
How and why did Peter the Great embark on a policy of “Westernization” in Russia?
Peter the Great modeled Russia after Western Europe after the Revolutions in Thought to make the country thrive. He did so by ...
- creating a navy
- moving the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg
- children of nobles received Western schooling
- Russian men had to cut off their traditional beards
- allowed European to open businesses in Russia
What factors and characteristics of the Ancien Regime in France led to the outbreak of Revolution by 1789?
France was poor due to a series of wars with Britain, saw a series of droughts lead to failed harvests and food shortages, and the nobles and clergy were overpowering the Third Estate.
Why did the Industrial Revolution take place in Europe, and not in China?
China did not industrialize first because they were already politically and culturally unified and did not need any competition amongst themselves; instead they were focused on maintain stability and order. Europe was not culturally and politically unified at this time, allowing them to compete with each other to progress their society.
How did the rise of Christian influence in Japan impact Japanese politics and society by 1630 CE?
The Tokugawa were laser-focused on maintaining stability and order. The rise of Christianity threatened this order, and the Tokugawa acted swiftly; they enacted a policy of isolationism and outlawed Christianity.
Why did Napoleon crown himself emperor?
Napoleon crowned himself emperor so that he could be able to spread the ideals of the French Revolution across Europe and further build his empire. He also did so to create stability and order within France, as the country was struggling to develop a strong government after the revolution.
What does the concept of the “Invisible Hand” indicate about the role of the government in economics?
The Invisible Hand implies that the government is not necessary to stimulate the economy; if we are all driven by our own self-interest, we will be able to stimulate the economy without any interference from the government.
Why did West Africa become the major source of enslaved laborers for European colonies, and what impacts did the slave trade have on West Africa?
West Africa became the major source of enslaved labors due to the majority of the Native population having been killed by smallpox, the Africans were immune to Afro-Eurasian diseases, West Africa's proximity to the Americas, and their lack of an understanding of the American landscape.
Why did Russia not experience a revolution during the Age of Revolutions?
Russia did not experience a revolution during the Age of Revolutions because they lacked a middle class, they were highly illiterate, and incredibly diverse, making it hard to unify the area.
Why did socialism emerge during the Industrial Revolution?
Socialism emerged during the Industrial Revolution to address the pitfalls of capitalism and to support the needs of the working class who have been mistreated by the private owners.
In what ways were Pre-Columbian American human societies more complex and sophisticated than has typically been understood?
Pre-Columbian societies had built roads to better transport around the Andes Mountains, developed a counting system with rope (quipu) since they had no written language, created centralized governments, and created new agricultural systems (chinampas/terraced farming).
What were the visions of nationalism used by German Liberals and by Otto von Bismarck?
The German Liberals believed that a nation should be created based on a shared culture and language. They also believed that nationalism would unify the country and provide liberty to all. Bismarck used nationalism to fuel fear and gain more power.
Why did communism emerge during the Industrial Revolution?
Communism emerged during the Industrial Revolution to eliminate the endless cycle of class struggles, the exploitation of workers, and the bourgeoisie's power. Marx believed that the industrial system had made every worker lose their "individual character" and they must realize their power to overthrow the elite.