Lecture on Revolutions and Nationalism

Factors Leading to Revolutions

1. Rise of Nationalism

   • Shared language, religion, social customs, and desire for territory
   • Shift from diverse empires to nation-states
   • States using nationalism for unity (e.g., Russian language policies)
   • Backfires: Ukrainian, Polish, Finnish counter-nationalism

2. Discontent with Monarchist and Imperial Rule

   • General rejection of oppressive authority worldwide
   • Examples:
     • Safavid Empire's harsh taxes leading to rebellion
     • Ottoman Empire's Wahhabi movement and decline

3. Development of New Ideologies and Systems of Government

   • Enlightenment thinkers: Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu
   • Popular sovereignty: power in the hands of the people
   • Liberalism: civil rights, representative government, private property, economic freedom

Major Atlantic Revolutions

1. American Revolution (1776)

   • Causes: British control, new taxes, Enlightenment principles
   • Key document: Declaration of Independence
   • Outcome: U.S. independence in 1783, model for other nations

2. French Revolution (1789)

   • Inspired by American Revolution, Enlightenment ideals
   • Causes: Louis XVI's control, war debts
   • Key document: Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
   • Outcome: Republic established

3. Haitian Revolution (1791)

   • French colony, most prosperous, majority enslaved
   • Leadership: Toussaint Louverture
   • Outcome: Defeated French, first black government in the Western Hemisphere

4. Latin American Revolutions

   • Influenced by Enlightenment, resentment of European control
   • Creole class discontent
   • Key figure: Simón Bolívar, 'Letter from Jamaica'
   • Outcome: Independence and republican governments

Other Nationalist Movements

1. Philippines Propaganda Movement

   • Spanish colony, racial hierarchy
   • Wealthy Filipinos educated in Europe, brought back nationalist ideas
   • Outcome: Philippine Revolution

2. Unification of Italy and Germany

   • Fragmented states unified by nationalist leaders
   • Methods: Diplomacy, military tactics

Conclusion

• Review more for Unit 5 and access video note guides for better understanding.

• Key Takeaways: Nationalism, discontent with oppressive rule, and Enlightenment ideologies fueled major revolutions and nationalist movements. American, French, Haitian, and Latin American revolutions were significant, with numerous other nationalist movements contributing to political changes globally.

Further Resources: Links to additional reviews and note guides provided.