Lecture Notes: Introduction to Modern History
Lecture 1: The Age of Enlightenment (17th-18th Century)
The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and cultural movement
that dominated Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. This era emphasized reason, logic,
and science as tools to understand and improve society. Key Enlightenment thinkers, or
'philosophes,' promoted ideas of liberty, progress, tolerance, fraternity, constitutional
government, and the separation of church and state.
Key Figures of the Enlightenment:
- John Locke - Developed theories on natural rights and government by consent.
- Voltaire - Advocated for freedom of speech and religious tolerance.
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau - Influenced political thought with ideas on the social contract.
- Montesquieu - Proposed the separation of powers in government.
- Immanuel Kant - Promoted the concept of 'sapere aude' (dare to know).
Lecture 2: The Industrial Revolution (18th-19th Century)
The Industrial Revolution was a period of profound economic and technological transformation
that began in Britain in the late 18th century and spread to other parts of the world. It marked
the transition from agrarian societies to industrialized urban centers, driven by innovations
in manufacturing, transportation, and communication.
Key Innovations of the Industrial Revolution:
- The Steam Engine - Pioneered by James Watt, revolutionized transportation and manufacturing.
- The Spinning Jenny - Increased textile production efficiency.
- The Power Loom - Mechanized weaving, improving productivity.
- The Telegraph - Transformed communication across long distances.
- Railways - Facilitated the rapid movement of goods and people.
End of Lecture Notes