Define the Revolution in Western Politics, 1775-1815.
Describe how the topics of liberty and equality fit into the struggles of this period in history.
Name the basic characteristics of The American Revolutionary Era (1775-1789).
List the major details of why the French Revolution (1789-1791) began.
Describe the effect of the World War on Republican France (1791-1799).
Define the characteristics of The Napoleonic Era (1799-1815).
Revolutions
For this week we have the beginnings of Modern World History. For our timeline, we are beginning with the French and American Revolutions. The American Revolution occurred first--with shots at Lexington and Concord in 1774 and hostilities beginning long before (with the Proclamation of 1763 to be precise). In short, the French loaned the Americans money, the states refused to pay back the loan saying it was a gift, and France's weak economy couldn't withhold the pressures of the social politics. Of course, what caused the stress to the French economic structure was Napoleon's Wars.
Napoleon was ruthless, established laws and codes that are still in use today, and . . . he had some odd behavior. For instance, US President Thomas Jefferson sent agents to France to purchase the Port of New Orleans from France in 1803. Napoleon was broke and needed the money to finance his wars and he had only acquired the territory from Spain in 1800. He sold the entire Louisiana Purchase to the United States for fifteen million USD (less than THREE cents an acre!).
Use the text this week as an active guide. Message me with questions. This is a topic that many of us know a little, or a lot, about as the American Revolution more-or-less launched political reform globally . . . Thus, have fun. And, of course, use facts and substance to guide your reader and think about the lasting parallels to today.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqQfNPggpDI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7qRZmHLobQ
https://bcc-cuny.digication.com/MWHreader/Women_of_The_Third_Estate_1789
https://bcc-cuny.digication.com/MWHreader/Declaration_of_the_Rights_of_Man_and_Citizen
https://bcc-cuny.digication.com/MWHreader/U.S._Bill_of_Rights
https://bcc-cuny.digication.com/MWHreader/Bolivar_Address_to_Venezuala
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A_o-nU5s2U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80b4ROFoaFY
Revolutions Assignment
Liberty Kids cartoons are published by the Public Broadcasting Network, and School House Rock shows are from the late 1970s and early 1980s. These latter shorts aired in "dead" commercial time on ABC. The French Revolution cartoons are also American made.
When viewing these three pictures about history, aimed at young children, how do they reflect your readings, documents, the mini-lecture, and class dicussion? What is missing (hint: is Europe mentioned in the American Revolution or is the American Revolution mentioned with the French)? What is added? What is the perceptive? Most importantly, think about the nature of these cartoons. Do you think they provide an accurate portrayal of history? Are they fair? Within this analysis, make sure you are paying attention to the larger aspects of political authority.