Revolutions Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Focus on major revolutions.
• Three main factors causing revolutions:
  • Rise of nationalism.
  • Discontent with monarchist and imperial rule.
  • Development of new ideologies and systems of government.

Rise of Nationalism

• Nationalism: Sense of commonality based on shared language, religion, and culture; often linked with a desire for territory.
• New concept during the period:
  • Previous large empires included diverse peoples without a singular shared identity (e.g., Ottoman Empire, Mongol Empire).
  • Growing idea: Peoples sharing culture, history, and ethnicity should have their own territory and self-rule.
• States using nationalism:
  • Injected nationalist themes in schools and public rituals.
  • Pushed for military service to build unity.
  • Example: Russian language imposition backfired in Ukraine, Poland, Finland.

Discontent with Monarchist and Imperial Rule

• Global rejection of big government authority.
• Example: Safavid Empire faced rebellion due to high taxes, leading to its weakening and eventual fall.
• Wahhabi movement as a reform against the Ottoman Empire's corruption, contributing to its decline.

New Ideologies and Government Systems

• Enlightenment thinkers (Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu) proposed popular sovereignty:
  • Power to govern lies with the people.
  • Governments should be democratic to ensure people can vote and influence policies.
• Idea of liberalism:
  • Emphasized civil rights, representative government, protection of private property, and economic freedom.

Major Atlantic Revolutions

American Revolution (1776)

• 13 British colonies in North America developed independently.
• Post-7 Years' War debt led Britain to impose taxes, curtail freedoms.
• Enlightenment principles led to the revolution.
• Declaration of Independence: Popular sovereignty, natural rights, social contract.
• Victory with French aid led to the establishment of the United States in 1783.

French Revolution (1789)

• French soldiers returned with democratic ideals post-American Revolution.
• King Louis XVI's attempts to tighten control led to rebellion and establishment of a republic.
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen emphasized natural rights and popular sovereignty.

Haitian Revolution (1791)

• French colony Haiti was prosperous with majority enslaved population.
• Inspired by French revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality.
• Led to the first black government in the Western Hemisphere after defeating France.

Latin American Revolutions

• Spanish and Portuguese colonies influenced by Enlightenment ideas.
• Creole class resented imperial control, especially post-Napoleon's invasion.
• Creole leaders like Simon Bolivar rallied people with Enlightenment ideals.
• Series of wars led to independence and formation of republics.

Other Nationalist Movements

Philippine Propaganda Movement

• Spanish colony with a strict racial hierarchy.
• Filipino students in Europe inspired by nationalist and Enlightenment ideas.
• Published ideas leading to suppression by Spain and eventual revolution.

Unification of Italy and Germany

• Prior fragmented states unified under nationalism.
• Leaders inspired populations to unify under single governments through diplomacy and military tactics.

• Next Unit Review
• Video Note Guides
• Closing remarks on the importance of studying revolutions and their impact.