v Part V Overview: West Europe’s Enlightenment (1750-1850)

Ø Long term global impact of Enlightenment Movement

§ Intellectual=> challenge to traditions & stimulate reform

§ Outgrowth of “Scientific Revolution”=> confidence

§ Reason now applied to social & political life

· Posed serious challenge to historical & moral ideas

· In particular=> faith & Catholic Church worldview

§ Supporters pressed for political & economic reform

§ Cast doubt on traditionally long accepted behavior

Ø Result: ideal of change viewed differently- how?

§ Viewed as positive force & integral part of modern world

§ Downside? => considered too rapid & violent for many

· French Revolution of 1789=> rapidly spreads

· French Republic displaced monarchy & aristocracy

· Reign of Terror & its excessive, mindless violence

· Rise of Napoleon => wars throughout Europe

Ø French Revolution => future model for later revolutions

§ Brought the people to political & social forefront

· Created early revolutionary goal & legal framework:

¨ Limited traditional (absolute) power of Kings

¨ Secured rights of citizens

¨ Promoted freer economic activity & trade

Ø Supporters of Fr Revolution embraced concept of Liberalism

§ Classical Liberalism- defined? (role of government?)

§ In future: major ideological & political impact

§ Wars of Fr Revolution & Napoleon unleashed new force?

Ø Nationalism => how was this new political force defined?

§ Role of language, history, & culture?

§ Impact on people’s passed loyalty to dynasties?

· What supplanted their loyalty?

§ How was Nationalism as a political ideology used?

· 1. Liberate people from foreign domination

· 2. Justify wars of aggression against other states

· Used both ways for next 2 centuries – worldwide

§ In time=> it evolved into a kind of secular religion

· Inspired loyalty & self sacrifice of people to Nation

· (Previously reserved for only great religious traditions)

Ø Industrialization=> another major factor of global influence

§ Europe exports manufactured commodities (finished)

§ Technology & its impact on society takes root

· Beginning in Western Europe=> gradually spreads

§ Productive capacity enables Europe to dominate

· Global economic markets

· Supported by strong, technologically advanced Navy

Ø As result: how did Europe define the “rules of the game?”

§ To be a modern, powerful & independent state meant=>

· becoming industrialized=> imitating Europe & US

Ø Downside to industrialism=> impact on society?

§ Social problems, economic dislocation, injustice

§ Political response to above problems?

· Socialism in variety of forms (1830-1840s)

· Role of Karl Marx & Communist Manifesto (1848)?

Ø 2 edge sword of Enlightenment, revolution, & industrialism?

§ Allowed Europe (and later US) to dominate rest of world

· Asia, Africa, & Central & So. America (late 19^th cent.)

§ Same intellectual & political ideas and economic skills=>

· Allowed 20^th century Non-Europeans to the turn tables

¨ Used same ideas & skills to eject Europeans masters

§ Demonstrated significance of Enlightenment & Revolution

· Not only with regard to Western Europe’s History, but:

· Also history of modern world beyond Europe as well