Revolutions Overview

Introduction

• Theme: Revolutions and their causes.
• Focus on major revolutions influenced by democratic ideals.

Causes of Revolutions

1. Rise of Nationalism

• Description: A sense of commonality among people based on shared language, religion, social customs, and desire for territory.
• Development: New during the period; diverged from the multi-ethnic empires of the past like the Ottoman and Mongol Empires.
• States' Response: Some states tried to use nationalism to create unity, for example, Russia enforcing the Russian language; however, it backfired in places like Ukraine, Poland, and Finland, fostering counter-nationalism.

2. Discontent with Monarchist and Imperial Rule

• General dissatisfaction with oppressive government authority.
• Examples: Rebellion against new taxes in the Safavid Empire; Wahhabi movement against the corrupted form of Islam in the Ottoman Empire.

3. Development of New Ideologies

• Enlightenment thinkers proposed new governmental structures centering on popular sovereignty and democracy.
• Liberalism emphasized civil rights, representative government, private property, and economic freedom.

Major Atlantic Revolutions

1. American Revolution (Began in 1776)

• Causes: British taxation and curtailment of freedoms post-7 Years War.
• Highlight: Declaration of Independence embodied Enlightenment principles.
• Outcome: Establishment of the United States with a republican government post-victory in 1783.

2. French Revolution (Began in 1789)

• Inspiration: Ideals of democracy from American Revolution influenced French soldiers.
• Key Document: Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen.
• Outcome: Overthrow of the monarchy and establishment of a republic.

3. Haitian Revolution (Began in 1791)

• Context: Haiti was France's most prosperous colony.
• Outcome: Establishment of the second Republic in the Western Hemisphere and the first black government in the region.

4. Latin American Revolutions

• Influences: Enlightenment ideas.
• Players: Creole class taking a prominent role due to dissatisfaction with imperial control.
• Key Leaders: Simón Bolívar, among others, led through Enlightenment ideals.
• Outcome: Independence for multiple colonies and formation of republican governments.

Other Nationalist Movements

1. Propaganda Movement in the Philippines

• Context: Education and Enlightenment ideas from Europe influenced wealthy Creoles and mestizos.
• Outcome: Lead to the Philippine Revolution at the end of the century.

2. Unifications of Italy and Germany

• Strategy: Combination of diplomacy and military tactics inspired by nationalist fervor.
• Outcome: Unification of fragmented states into single governments for both nations.

Conclusion

• Revolutions and nationalist movements have played a critical role in shaping modern governmental structures and national identities.