Enlighten Me!
Built on rational thought, logic, and observation, this intellectual movement began to challenge historical views about religion, government, and science.
What is the Enlightenment?
This world revolution involved colonists declaring their independence from Britain due to "taxation without representation." It was a violent affair, so why was there a Tea Party?
What is the American Revolution (Revolutionary War)?
"I'm hungry!" is probably what people in this revolution said. This revolution saw British subjects push back against the laws they found unjust, and eventually desire to become their own independent country after over a century of being controlled. (revolution name + violent or not + Successful or not)
What is the Indian Independence Movement? - Nonviolent - Sucessful
This man used non-cooperation, civil disobedience, hunger strikes, and 'swadeshi' to help India gain independence from Britain. He was shot and died on January 30th, 1948.
Who is Mahatma Ghandi?
Our 8th amendment protects us from unusual punishment. Cesare Beccaria similarly wrote that the accused should be free of this method of punishment.
What is torture (or capital punishment)?
Thomas Hobbes described human nature in these terms, believing that all humans acted this way on a basic level.
What is selfish/greedy/cruel?
This revolution created a nation independent from Britain, but used civil disobedience, hunger strikes, and economic boycotts to achieve its goals.
What is the Indian Independence Movement?
This revolution rejected the nation that had claimed it before, arguing that it did not have the right to increase taxes on the people without their say. Different colonies grouped together to form a united front against Britain. (revolution name + violent or not + Successful or not)
What is the American Revolution - Violent - Successful
He was the general of the Continental Army in the American Revolution, and later became the first president of the United States.
In the Declaration of Independence, we read that we have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Before, John Locke had three similar natural rights, and here they are.
What are the rights of life, liberty, and property?
John Locke proposed this idea to explain how the government should protect natural rights. The people give the government the authority to rule in exchange for having their rights protected.
What is the social contract?
This revolution first occurred on a tennis court, where a new constitution was drafted by the people. Mass beheadings kept the new republic going, including the king and any opponents during the Reign of Terror.
What is The French Revolution?
This revolution saw poor and mistreated peasants unite against their royal ruler, desiring a government that put the needs of the common people first. Their leaders desired to take control of all production and industrialize the nation, distributing land among the peasants. (revolution name + violent or not + Successful or not)
What is the Russian Revolution - Violent - Successful
At the end of the French Revolution, the Directory (2nd republic attempt), was falling apart. This man stepped in as dictator, eventually bringing reforms while rolling back previous progress. He would later bring his ideas and methods to the rest of Europe by force.
Who is Napoleon?
In the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution, we see these Enlightenment ideas enshrined in our government. Voltaire would likely be speechless if he could see them in action. (2 terms)
What are freedom of speech and freedom of religion?
Given his interpretation of human nature, Hobbes believed that this was the true purpose of government.
What is to protect people from their own selfishness?
This world revolution was created by the rich military government controlling all the wealth. The poor were left with little money, few rights, and a highly oppressive government. This revolution evolved into a decade-long civil war, with killing and kidnapping on both sides.
What is the El Salvador (Salvadorian) Civil War?
This revolution ended right as the Soviet Union collapsed, with the people linking arms, singing, and taking important buildings, such as radio stations, for their cause. (revolution name + violent or not + Successful or not)
What is the Estonian Revolution? - Non-violent - Successful
He led the Bolshevik party to create a Communist government in Tsar-ruled Russia.
Who is Vladimir Lenin?
Cesare Beccaria argued that these kinds of legal proceedings were a right of the accused, and they are now enshrined in our Constitution. However, given what the accused might experience, they may want it to last a little longer.
What is a fair and speedy trial?
John Locke denied this concept of royal ruling outright, stating instead that it was the people who had ultimate authority over their governing body.
What is the divine right of kings?
This world revolution had people across this European country singing for an independent nation. Tens of thousands of people held hands and sing to create the Baltic Chain, spanning miles in protest of Soviet control.
What is The Estonian Revolution?
This revolution ended in a peace treaty signed by both sides and monitored by the United Nations in 1991. When they returned to investigate the situation, they found the military government had neglected their side of the deal. (revolution name + violent or not + Successful or not)
What is the El Salvador (Salvadoran) Civil War? - Violent - Could be argued successful/unsuccessful
Though the opposite of a revolutionary, he was notable for being one of the last absolute monarchs in Europe. He was killed during the Communist/Bolshevik revolution in Russia in 1918.
Tsar Nicholas II
Baronde Montesquieu believed that one source of power could lead to the oppression of human rights. He argued instead for this government setup, which our government models today.
What are three branches of government?