Intellectual Revolutions in Europe (1500-1800)

Unit 1: Intellectual Revolutions in Europe (1500-1800)

• Scientific Revolution: Copernicus, Galileo, Newton developed the scientific method, shifting to evidence-based reasoning with Bacon.
• Political Philosophies: Hobbes advocated for absolute rule (Leviathan). Locke emphasized natural rights and the social contract. Montesquieu supported separation of powers, while Rousseau focused on the general will.
• Government Evolution in England: The Glorious Revolution established constitutional monarchy, limiting royal power and promoting parliamentary representation. The English Bill of Rights furthered this.

Essential Questions (Unit 1)

• How did England develop representative government in the 17th century? The Glorious Revolution ended absolute monarchy and established constitutional monarchy, limiting royal power while expanding parliamentary authority.
• How did thinkers like Locke and Rousseau challenge absolutism? Locke emphasized natural rights and the social contract. Rousseau argued for the general will and collective governance.
• How did the Enlightenment stretch into the 19th century? Enlightenment ideals of reason, liberty, and progress influenced the French Revolution, 19th-century liberalism, and reform movements (e.g., abolitionism, women's suffrage).

Unit 2: The French Revolution and Napoleon

• French Revolution: Causes included Enlightenment ideas and social inequality. Key events like the Tennis Court Oath, Storming of the Bastille, and Reign of Terror shaped the revolution. Reforms included the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen and the Constitution of 1791.
• Napoleon: Rose to power through military success (coup d'état). Reforms included the Napoleonic Code, Concordat, and lycées. His fall followed continental system, Peninsular War, and Waterloo.
• Congress of Vienna: Aimed to balance power and restore legitimacy following Napoleon.

Essential Questions (Unit 2)

• How did social inequalities and Enlightenment ideas lead to the French Revolution?
• To what extent did Napoleon reflect or deviate from revolutionary ideals?
• How did Napoleon's empire affect Europe and lead to the Congress of Vienna?

Unit 3: Nationalism, Imperialism, and Industrialization

• Nationalism: Italy (Unification - Victor Emmanuel II, Cavour, Garibaldi) and Germany (Bismarck, "blood and iron," Realpolitik) are examples.
• Industrialization: Innovations like the steam engine and factories. Effects included urbanization, child labor, sanitation challenges, and responses such as labor laws. Economic theories like Adam Smith's laissez-faire and Karl Marx's communism had key impacts.
• Imperialism: Justifications included Social Darwinism and the "civilizing mission." The Berlin Conference (1884-85) established European rules for colonizing Africa, leading to exploitation of resources and people.

Essential Questions (Unit 3)

• How did the Agricultural Revolution lead to industrial growth?
• How did workers respond to factory conditions?
• What were the causes and consequences of European imperialism?
• How much impact did the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 have on Africa and global geopolitics?

Unit 4: World War I

• Causes (MANIA): Militarism, Alliances, Nationalism, Imperialism, Assassination contributed to the outbreak.
• Warfare Innovations: Trench warfare, machine guns, submarines, aerial surveillance changed the nature of warfare.
• Key Events: Major battles like Somme and Verdun, Eastern and Western fronts.

Essential Questions (Unit 4)

• How did MANIA contribute to the outbreak of World War I?
• How did technological advancements impact the war?
• What were the effects of World War I on global politics and societies?

Test your knowledge on the major intellectual revolutions in Europe from 1500 to 1800. This quiz covers the Scientific Revolution, political philosophies, and the evolution of government in England, including key figures like Locke and Rousseau. Challenge yourself to understand the shifts in thinking that influenced modern governance.