Europe: Age of Revolution
The Scientific Revolution
(Fall 2011)
First Exam: HIS123
Dr. Robinson Yost
Please Read: Be sure to label each section. Do not merely collect & list specific facts or spin a web of vague,
unsupported generalizations. Use specific details & examples from class & readings to support your arguments
with evidence. DEMONSTRATE that you have READ THE BOOK. Use your time wisely so that you COMPLETE
ALL SECTIONS of the exam. This is an opportunity to show what you have learned. Good luck!
I. Identifications (20 pts.)
Choose TWO (10-12 minutes)
Identifications should include the following: who, what, when, where, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, the historical
significance/context. Write at least half a page for each ID in complete sentences.
Charles I
Huguenot
Versailles
baroque
II. Quotations (10 pts.)
Atlantic system
Oliver Cromwell
equant point
De fabrica
stellar parallax
Leviathan
agricultural revolution
Thirty Years’ War
Choose ONE (5-6 minutes)
Quotations should include the following: who, what, when, where, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, the historical
significance/context. Do not merely summarize or re-state the quote. You should write at least half a page.
1) We have seen that kings take the place of God, who is the true father of the human species. We
have also seen that the first idea of power which exists among men is that of the paternal power and
that kings are modeled on fathers.
2) I was soon put down under the decks, and there I received such a salutation in my nostrils as I had
never experienced in my life; so that with the loathsomeness of the stench and crying together, I
became so sick and low that I was not able to eat, nor I had the least desire to taste anything. I now
wished for the last friend, death, to relieve me . . .
3) When the sweet Poison of the Treacherous Grape, had Acted on the world of a General Rape; Drowning
our very Reason and our Souls in such deep Seas of large o’reflowing Bowls, that New Philosophers
Swore they could feel the Earth to Stagger, as her Sons did Reel: When Foggy Ale, leavying up mighty
Trains of muddy Vapors, had besieg’d our Brains; and Drink, Rebellion, and Religion too, made Men so
Mad, they knew not what to do…
4) All the sky was of a fiery aspect, like the top of a burning oven, and the light seen above 40 miles about
for many nights. God grant mine eyes may never behold the like, who now saw above 10,000 houses all
in one flame.
5) In the middle of all sits Sun enthroned. In this most beautiful temple could we place this luminary in
any better position from which he can illuminate the whole at once? He is rightly called the Lamp,
the Mind, the Ruler of the Universe…So the sun sits as upon a royal throne ruling his children the
planets which circle round him.
6) And in order to leave no occasion for troubles or differences between our subjects, we have
permitted, and herewith permit, those of the said religion called Reformed to live and abide in all the
cities and places of this our kingdom and countries of our sway, without being annoyed, molested, or
compelled to do anything in the matter of religion contrary to their consciences…
III. Essay (70 pts.)
Choose ONE (35-40 minutes)
A. Using the quote below as a starting point, write a concise, coherent essay discussing the “Scientific
Revolution” (ca. 1500-1700).
Philosophical/conceptual changes in the 1500s and 1600s influenced
scientific discoveries and vice versa; likewise, religious, political, &
scientific changes all influenced one another in a variety of ways.
Address the following in your essay:
● What were the most important changes (ca. 1500 to 1700) in astronomy/physics and
anatomy/physiology? Explain the most important scientific changes in historical context, show
that you understand the significant discoveries/concepts.
● How does your evidence CONNECT to the quotation? Be explicit in connecting your discussion
to the quotation. Give several examples of how religious/political/philosophical changes
influenced scientific discoveries.
Be sure to consider historical context in your essay (in other words, write about history NOT the present).
Demonstrate that you understand material from both class AND readings.
B. Using the quotation below as a starting point, write a concise, coherent essay discussing the “Scientific
Revolution” (ca. 1500-1700).
In one sense, the Scientific Revolution was not a revolution. It was not
characterized by the explosive change and rapid overthrow of traditional
authority that we normally associate with the word ‘revolution.’ The
Scientific Revolution did overturn centuries of authority, but only in a
gradual and piecemeal fashion. Nevertheless, its results were truly
revolutionary.
The essay should address the following:
● Do you agree or disagree with this quote? Justify your position with specific historical evidence
from the period (ca. 1500-1700). [NOTE: Don't use "I" in your response.]
● Who were the MOST important individuals? What were the MOST revolutionary changes in
science during this period? Justify your choices & be explicit in connecting your essay’s
argument to the quotation.
Be sure to consider historical context in your essay (in other words, write about history NOT the present).
Demonstrate that you understand material from both class AND readings.
IV. Bonus Opportunity (5 points) [1 point per correct answer, write all responses in exam book]
1) The English civil war (1642-1646) divided the country between the king’s army of supporters known as
_________________ and the parliamentary forces called ________________ because of their distinctive
short haircuts.
2) During a series of revolts known as the ______________ (1648-53), the young king was threatened as
nobles saw their chance to reassert control against a weakened monarchy.
3) After a struggle between the Independents and Presbyterians in Parliament, the army purged the
Presbyterians in late 1648 leaving a _______________ of about seventy members which put the king on
trial and executed him.
4) In 1655, Louis XIV reputedly told the Paris parlement “_____________”, stressing that the state authority
rested in him personally.