In this module we continue to examine the processes/revolutions that contributed to the transformation of the traditional world to the modern world – The Scientific Revolution, The Enlightenment, and the political revolutions. Some of the key institutions and ideals that we associate with the modern world emerged because of these events.
The Political revolutions of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries challenged long held beliefs about government and the sources of political power. They challenged traditional rulers’ claims of divine right and absolutism. They challenged the church and its role in government. The modern political doctrine of Liberalism also emerged during this period. An important modern world institution that emerged out of these revolutions was the Nation state. Socially the revolutions challenged the privileged classes and the concept of Predetermination which buttressed the rigid social hierarchy. The world that emerged after the revolutions, although exhibiting some characteristics we associate with the modern world, remained traditional in many ways. In addition to identifying the causes of the revolutions, we will evaluate how each was influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment
As you read the materials for this module think about these questions,
What characteristics of the modern world can be traced to this period?
What did equality mean to different revolutionary groups leading the revolutions in the different countries?
The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment:
The Scientific Revolution was a revolution in ideas. What do you consider to be two important ideas to come out of the revolution? Who are the scientists who came up with these ideas?
What was the long-term impact of the Scientific Revolution?
What was the relationship between the new Science and religion? What is the relationship between science and religion in the modern World? In this module we examine the Enlightenment and the role it played in the transformation of the traditional world into the modern world. What was the Enlightenment? How did a revolution in natural science lead to new ideas in political philosophy? How did the Scientific revolution “cause” the Enlightenment? What was the enlightenment like i
Enlightenment thinkers concerned themselves with the following questions –
The relationship between the individual and the state
The development of the concept of universal natural rights
The role of religion in politics/government
The political revolutions:
These revolutions are sometimes referred to as the Atlantic Revolutions because they took place on both sides of the Atlantic, involving European colonial powers and their colonies in the Americas. The revolutions played an important part in the transformation of traditional societies into modern societies.
We will identify the causes of the revolutions
Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment ideas on the revolutions
Assess what each revolution contributed to the modern world
Read Chap 1 pp 3 – 26 from Modern World History
Read Brooks Vol 2, Chap 10
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|