Unit 2 – The End of Absolutism and the French Revolution
Change to the old system is best exemplified by the ideas of the French Revolution. This
unit emphasizes the events of the French Revolution and their impact on the way people
thought. The unit starts by looking at the 1600s and the idea of absolutism. We then study
the causes of the Revolution. The events of the Revolution are broken into 3 phases –
Moderate, Violent and Reaction Phases. We end with the coup d’
Idea Progression
Calls for change
Absolutism and the Old Regime
Calling of the Estates General
The Moderate Phase begins
the Citizen
Tennis Court Oath
Flight of the King
Declaration of Pillnitz
Radical Phase Begins
New government (National Convention)
The rule of the Directory
People and Terms to Know
+ Rights of Man and
Taking of Church lands and the Civil Constitution of the Clergy
Revolutionary Wars (against Austria + Prussia)
Reaction Phase begins
Immediate Causes
Storming of the Bastille (July 14, 1789)
National Assembly (abolishes Feudalism )
Women’s March on Versailles
Rise of the Political “Clubs”
Long Term Causes of the Revolution
Reign of Terror (1793-94)
Coup d’Etat lead by Napoleon Bonaparte (1799)
(remember to identify who/what they are AND their significance)
Rousseau
Three Estates
Huguenots
Louis XIV
Louis XVI
Tennis Court Oath
Voltaire
Louis XIV
Constitution
Absolutism
Marie Antoinette
Bastille
Assignats
Declaration of Pillnitz
Reign of Terror
September Massacres
Civil Constitution of the Clergy
Paris Commune
Maximillian Robespierre
Coup d’etat
Renaissance
Versailles
Old Regime
3 Estates
Estates-General
Declaration of Rights of Man +
Citizen
The Great Fear
Sans-culottes
Committee of Public Safety
Consulate
Enlightenment
Henry IV
Jacques Necker
Nationalization
Bourgeoisie
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
Jacobin Club
Girondins
Guillotine
Conservative
French Revolution
Big Ideas
- How do the changes of the Renaissance, Reformation, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
(the last unit) pave the way for the French Revolution?
- What are the forces of change that cause or contribute to the French Revolution?
- What impact does the French Revolution have on European society (you will need to use other
units to assist you in this question for the final) ?
What is the legacy of the French Revolution?
Was the French Revolution a success?
Questions to Consider
Pre-Revolution
 Describe how France and other European nations were ruled by absolute monarchies in the
1600 and 1700s. How is Louis XIV a great example of absolutism?
 What measures did Cardinal Richelieu and later Louis XIV use to centralism power?
Causes of the Revolution
 What are the 4 long term causes of the Revolution? Be able to support each with at least 2
pieces of evidence.
 What are the immediate causes of the Revolution?
 Explain the 3 estates of French society in the 1700s. Who made up each group and what
percentage of society did they make up? Know some other facts about each estate.
 What are the expectations of each estate going into the Meeting of the Estates general? (Be
able to break down the 3rd Estate into its sub groups and know their expectations)
The Revolution begins
 Describe the meeting of the Estates-General. How did the voting system work? How did
the meetings break down and lead to the King losing control?
The Moderate Phase
 Know the characteristics, events and the goals of this phase.
 Describe the events surrounding the Fall of the Bastille.
 What were some of the reforms of the National Assembly?
 Describe how the power of the church was weakened significantly in this phase.
 Describe the attempted escape of the king in some detail and why this is a turning point in
the Revolution.
 Explain the idea of mob mentality. How does the Paris mob influence the French
Revolution?
The Violent Phase
 Why does the Revolution turn violent?
 Describe the decision to convict the king of treason and then have him executed.
 What are the goals of the violent phase of the Revolution?
 How do Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety gain control of the National
Convention?
 Who are the san-coulette? How do they impact the Revolution?
 Why does the violence come to an end?
The Reaction Phase
 What are the characteristics and goals of this phase?
 Describe the type of government that rules during these 5 years.
 Why do people eventually turn against the Directory?
 Describe the coup d’etat of 1799.
Overall
 Is violence ever justified in seeking historical change? Explain using examples from the
French Revolution
 What was the legacy/impact of the Revolution? Why do we still study it today?
Other things to know
Explain the structure of the Old Regime (Three Estates)
What economic factors affected the rise in tensions in 1789?
Why was the Fall of the Bastille so important?
What role did the commoners (both rural and the Paris mob) play in the revolution?
Why was the “King’s Flight” an important turning point in the revolution?
How did the National Assembly try to create a new France, free of old class distinction, religious
domination and emphasize the ideas of “Liberty, Fraternity, Equality”?
Explain the evolution of the Reign of Terror.
What changes were brought about by the revolution?
How did Napoleon gain and consolidate power?
Explain Napoleon’s domestic policies that strengthen France.
Describe Napoleon’s attempt at conquering Europe. Why was he not completely successful?
(Emphasis will be placed on the idea of cause and effect)
Unit 2 – The Rise of Industrial Societies
Unit Overview – This unit examines how economic decisions influence history and our
lives. We started off by spending a lot of time looking at economic terminology and
economic systems around the world (command, free market, traditional). From there we
looked at the motivation for economic change in Britain and why it took the lead in the
Industrial Revolution. Agricultural and population changes cause changes in the way work
is done. The old Mercantilist system and Cottage industries rapidly change to an emphasis
on Capitalism and the Factory System. The textile industry leads the way with
technological changes that will eventually see more inventions, a new source of power,
transportation changes and a huge shift in the social conditions of the people. Finally, this
new way of life leads to important questions about government and ownership over the
means of production.
Idea Progression
Three Economic Models
Revolution
Mercantilism
Enclosure Movement
Changes in Textile Industry
New sources of Power – Steam
Problems and Benefits of Industrialization
Communism
Rural Economies based on Cottage Industry and Agriculture
Agricultural Inventions/Changes
Flying Shuttle
Spinning Jenny
factory system & cities
New forms of transportation
Population growth
Water Frame
Urbanization
Agricultural
Why Britain
Water powered factories
Factory working Conditions
Solutions to Social Problems
Socialism
Capitalism
Traditional economy
Profit motive
John Kay – Flying Shuttle
Newcomen Engine
Luddites
Das Kapital
Socialism
Robert Owen
Free Market / Capitalism
Entrepreneur
Hargreaves – Spinning Jenny
Locomotion
Adam Smith
Bourgeoisie
Factory Act
New Lanark
Command Economy
Mercantilism
Arkwright – Water Frame
Factory system
Karl Marx
Proletariat
Mines Act
Supply and demand
Laise-faire
Cottage industry/ putting out sys.
James Watt – Steam power
Industrial revolution
Fredrich Engles
Communism
Urbanization
Industrial Revolution (1750-1850):
Historians say that the Industrial Revolution began when new inventions began to develop factories
and thus bring an end to the domestic system of production. The second half of the 18th century
served as a catalyst for an age-old evolutionary process rather than a commencement of inventions.
By the middle of the 19th century, industrialization began to reshape the landscape of Europe and
altered the lifestyle of Europeans
BIG IDEAS
-The industrial revolution caused a huge societal shift and brought about many changes in the values
of society. Explain the overall impact of the industrial revolution on society.
-**** Be able to compare and contrast the economic systems that existed prior to the Industrial
Revolution (mercantilism + cottage industry versus capitalism + factory system)
- ****Compare and contrast the theories of capitalism and communism.
Other things to know
Why does the Industrial Revolution begin in Britain?
Explain the changes brought about by the Agricultural Revolution and why they were necessary
prior to any changes in industry.
Understand the principles of the three economic theories we’ve studied. What is the motivating
factor of each theory?
Describe the experiment, which Robert Owen implemented at New Lanark.
Explain the law of supply and demand and determine the optimum price.
Unit 3 – Nationalism and the Rise of the Nation-State
Unit Overview – We start this unit by looking at the reaction to Napoleon’s conquest of
central Europe and his eventual defeat. The Congress of Vienna attempts to establish an
international system so that no one power can dominate Europe the way that France did
under Napoleon. The Congress system emphasizes the restoration of ‘legitimate’ rulers to
the thrones of European countries and attempts to crush any liberal or nationalist feelings
in Europe. Collective security is established through a ‘balance of power’ and enforced
through the Concert of Europe. Rebellions and uprisings continue throughout Europe
during this period, but with limited success. The competing ideas of Liberalism vs.
Conservatism dominate this era. The year 1848 sees revolutions spread to almost every
country in Europe. France continues to lead the path of government changes. A conflict in
the Crimean Peninsula begins to shake the balance of power. The weakened position of
the Austrian Empire allowed Italy to begin its road to unification through a series of
diplomatic and military moves. Finally, the central portion of Europe attempts to unite,
eventually leading to the creation of a unified German state. These new states dramatically
alter the balance for power. Through Bismarck’s policies and alliances, Germany moves in
to a position of great importance prior to World War One.
Idea Progression
Napoleon Bonaparte is defeated
Of Power
Congress of Vienna is called
Concert of Europe established to maintain
Struggle between ideas of Conservatism and Liberalism
Revolutions of 1848 (especially France)
Frankfurt Parliament
Rise of Nationalism
Crimean War
Nationalist Revolts
Push for Italian Unification
(with French help - War with Austria, Plebiscites, Two Sicilies, help Prussia vs. Austria, Franco-Prussian War)
Unification ( Bismarck – War with Denmark, War with Austria, Franco-Prussian War)
Napoleon I (Bonaparte)
Louis XVIII
Tsar Alexander I
Romanticism
Saxony
Traupau Protocol
Florence Nightingale
Garibaldi
Frankfurt Assembly
Napoleon III
Danish War
Alsace-Lorraine
Ems Telegram
Battle of Waterloo
Prince Clemons von Metternich
Conservatism
Edmund Burke
Concert of Europe
Ottoman Empire
Giuseppe Mazzini
Pope Pius IX
Otto von Bismarck
Republic
Seven Weeks War (AustroPrussian War)
Universal suffrage
Kleindeutsch
Balance
Push for German
Rise in Militarism and disruption of Balance
Congress of Vienna
Lord Castlereagh
Liberalism
Confederation of the Rhine
Status quo
Legitimacy
Count Camillo di Cavour
Sardinia/Piedmont
Prussia
Junkers
Franco-Prussian War
The Hundred Days
Talleyrand
Nationalism
Bourbon
Carlsbad Decrees
Crimean War
Victor Emanuel II
Zollverein
North German Confederation
Schleswig-Holstein
Chancellor
Great Powers
Grossdeutsch
Louis-Philippe – July Monarchy
Revolutions of 1848
Congress of Vienna
To create a lasting peace and to erase all of the revolutionary fervor that had spread throughout
Europe, the victors met at Vienna in September, 1814. The four great powers: Great Britain, Austria,
Prussia, and Russia dominated Congress, although the grand architect of the Congress of Vienna was
the Austrian Chancellor, Prince Metternich (1773 - 1859). Metternich was aware of the social,
political, and to some degree economical, changes that the French Revolution and the ensuing
Napoleonic War, had caused to the state of France and to Europe in general, he decided to try to
erase the legacy of the Revolution. Congress of Vienna wanted to make sure that such ideas such as
nationalism and liberalism be totally erased from Europe. For example, they decided not to
liberate Poland, and thus kept Poland under the power of Russia. Congress also wanted to make sure
that no nation could grow as to dominate all of Europe again. To keep the people of France happy,
France walked away with little reproach and instead got a generous peace term. For example they
kept all of the territories that they got prior to November 1, 1792. The powers also put in new states,
called Buffer States, that would serve as to stop future French Expansion. They created the Kingdom
of the Netherlands, and gave Prussia some territories that would block future French Expansion.
Other purposes of the Congress included restoring the legitimate rulers back to the thrones of
Europe, and creating a Balance of Power. The idea of the Balance of Power is NOT the idea that
countries should be equal, but it was the idea of collective security. No single country would risk
expansion and increased power, because of the knowledge that the other Great Powers would unite
against them.
The Great Powers worked together through the Concert of Europe or Metternich System to put down
any liberal or nationalist uprisings throughout the first part of the 19th Century. The Traupau
Protocol and Carlsbad decrees reduced freedoms and limited the right to criticize the government.
This period demonstrates the determination of both the conservative and liberal idealists in Europe to
promote their ideas. Revolts and revolutions were usually crushed during this period. In 1848, most
of Europe (with the exception of Britain and Russia) experienced rebellions. Most ended in failure,
except for France which saw Louis Napoleon become leader, eventually taking the title Napoleon III
and establishing a new French Empire.
The Crimean War was the first major challenge to the balance of power. It is significant for many
reasons. It disrupts the balance of power, and exposes the weaknesses of the Ottoman and Austrian
Empires. Italy begins its 20 year path to unification through the leadership of Cavour and the
Sarindia/Piedmontese government. Garibaldi conquers southern Italy with military force. Through
diplomacy and war, Cavour is able to unite most of Italy. The unification of Italy shows the power
of nationalism and liberalism as forces of change.
The Unification of the German states takes a different road. After the failure of the Frankfurt
Parliament, Prussia becomes the driving force for a new united German state. Through the policy of
Weltpolitik, Bismarck is able to assert Prussian domination in the center of Europe. Through a
series of wars, Bismarck is able to weaken Austrian power and make Prussia the most powerful state
in central Europe. With the Franco-Prussian war, the southern German states will join the north and
create modern country of Germany.
These changes to the balance of power and the growth of industry and power in the new Germany
would put Europe powers on a collision course that would result in World War One.
Big Ideas
This time period is often referred to as the Age of Reaction and Revolution. Explain what the
reactions were against and why there was so much turmoil in Europe in the mid 1800s. (stress the
ideas of nationalism – liberalism – conservatism )
Compare the ideologies of Liberalism and Conservatism. Tie this idea back into the Enlightenment
Philosophers. Who was on each side? What did they want to accomplish?
Explain the Congress of Vienna, its aims, and its attempt to create a Balance of Power
Explain the role of nationalism in Europe in the period following Napoleon. How did it contribute to
the formation of new states and the breaking down of former empires.
Compare the unification of the Italian States and the unification of the German states. Explain the
path that each state took to reach its goal and how those paths had some similarities but many
differences.
Other things to know
-
-
Define nationalism and the 5 conditions necessary for nationalism to
develop. Provide examples
- Explain the role of Crimean War in upsetting the European Balance of
Power. How did this open the door for the unification movements of the
1850-1870 period
- Identify the three major powers involved with the Unification of Italy and
the role each of them played?
Identify how Sardinia/Piedmont was able to gain territory to create the unified state of Italy
(steps)
Explain Bismarck’s role in uniting the German states
Explain the difference between Kleindeutsch and Grossdeutsch and how
Austria is eventually squeezed out of any control in German unification.
Explain how Italian unification is based around liberalism and German
unification takes a more conservative approach.
What role did each of the following play in German unification?
o The war with Denmark (Schleswig-Holstein),
o The Seven Weeks War (Austro-Prussian War 1866)
o The Franco-Prussian War
Unit 4 – The Age of Imperialism
Unit Overview – Imperialism was not a new idea European nations. Many European
nations had colonies in the Americas and port-cities in Africa. However, in the late 1800s,
a new imperialism begins, pushed by the developments of the industrial revolution. There
were many driving motives for colonizing another region. Economic motives led the way
(even though most colonies would cost more than they would bring in), but other reasons
such as political, military, humanitarian, social Darwinism and prestige played large roles as
well. In the 1850s, less than 10% of Africa was under the influence of a European power.
By 1914, all areas of Africa except Liberia and Ethiopia had been “claimed” by a European
nation. Imperialism also dominated India and many parts of South-East Asia, and the
coastal areas of China. While imperialism did bring some benefits to those areas
considered to be economically important, it is a period filled with many tragedies for the
people under the rule of “mother country”. The legacy of imperialism still can be seen
today in the divisions of African society today, the commerce of India and the legacy of
Hong Kong. The competition between European nations for “there place in the sun” also
will be a long term factor in the lead up to World War One.
Idea Progression
The industrial revolution needs raw materials and new markets
improvements in technology ( transportation, weapons, drugs
against diseases
Scramble for Africa
British in India
Desire and ability to acquire colonies
British in China
Impact of Imperialism (both positives and negatives)
Resistance of local groups
Legacy of Imperialism
Terms to Know
Imperialism
Protectorate
Social Darwinism
Henry Stanley
Sepoy Rebellion
King Leopold
Muhammed Ali
Armenian Massacre
Colony
Sphere of influence
White Man’s Burden
Liberia
Suez Canal
Cash Crops
Boer War
Concession
Indirect rule
Quinine
Scramble for Africa
Berlin Conference
Opium War -1839
Sati
The Mahdi
Jewel in the Crown
Direct Rule
Maxim-gun
David Livingston
British East India Company
Treaty of Nanjing
Trade deficit
Gold, Glory, God
BIG IDEAS
-
Why was there such a desire to ‘colonize’ different areas of the world in the later
1800s? Provide examples for each motive using evidence from each section of your
handouts (1-5)
-
What are some of the results of imperialism (both positive and negative)
What is the legacy of imperialism today?
Other things to think about.
-
Why did colonization (especially in Africa) not take place sooner? What changes
allowed Europeans to dominate the region
How did the industrial revolution help cause the age of imperialism?
What were some of the ways people resisted colonial rule?
What was the Sepoy rebellion? Why did it start and what did it accomplish?
Describe the first Opium War. Why did it begin and what happened and what were
the terms of the treaty of Nanjing
What is the Suez Canal and why was it so important for European nations?
Explain the difference between direct and indirect rule and who used it.
Is there imperialism in the world today? Where ? Why?