1. The American Revolution Outline
I. Reasons/Causes
1. Logistics
a. 3,400 miles away (distance)
b. takes a year to get there and back (time)
2. Ideology
a. Enlightenment- people started thinking for themselves.
b. Philosophers- John Locke, Paine, Hobbes, Rousseau, Montesquieu
3. Legislative Problems
a. Acts- Navigation, Sugar and Currency, Stamp,, Declaratory, Townshend, Tea Act of 1773
1. Taxation Without Representation
b. Proclamation Line of 1763
c. War Debt
II. The Fight
1. Boston Massacre
2. Boston Tea Party
III. Global Significance
1. Colonies gain independence
2. First time King/ Monarchy is overthrown
3. Land granted west of the Mississippi to America
4. Influenced other Revolutions (French)
2. The Enlightenment Outline
I. The Age of Reason
A. Scientific Revolution
1. Time that it took place (18th century)
2. Focused on scientific ideas
a. Copernicus- went against church, stated that the sun was center of universe (heliocentric)
b. Newton- described universal gravitation and the three laws of motions
B. Enlightenment
1. started in France and branched out
2. More about philosophy and challenging of the Catholic Church
3. Philosophers- Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Voltaire
a. Locke- life, liberty, and property
b. Montesquieu- checks and balances, separation of powers
c. Rousseau- social contract was to help community
d. Voltaire- against Catholic Church, believes in Freedom of Speech. "I disapprove of what you say, but i will defend to the death your right to say it." and Separation of Church and State.
II. Global Significance
1. Started to get people to question the Church.
2. Influenced many Revolutions (American and French etc.)
3. The French Revolution Outline
I. Reasons/Causes
1. Socially
a. Enlightenment- got people thinking
b. 3 Estates- Political Body
c. American Revolution- showed Monarchy could be overthrown
2. Politically
a. King Louis- weak leadership skills, treated people unfairly
b. 3 Estates thought they were being treated unfairly and being used by the Church
3. Economically
a. Debt from The 7 Year War
b. Spending money on material things
II. The fight
1. Army vs. the People
2. Bastille Day
3. Reign of Terror
4. March on Versailles
III. Global Significance
1. New ideas spread
2. Influenced Latin and South America Revolution and others
3. Showed society that things can be changed
4. Taught people about individual freedom
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Simon Bolivar's Message to the Congress of Angostura
In Simon Bolivar's Message to the Congress of Angostura, he states that Latin American people deserve their independence.
1. The first time he mentions freedom he says, "Americans by birth and Europeans by law, we find ourselves engaged in a dual conflict: we are disputing with the natives for titles of ownership, and at the same time we are struggling to maintain ourselves in the country that gave us birth against the opposition of the invaders." This means that they are Latin Americans by birth, but Europeans by law because they have a mother country in Europe. They are fighting with the people of Latin America for ownership, but also they are fighting to keep their country away from the invaders of Europe. Either their mother country needs to give them more rights or else they need to let them go and fend for themselves.
2. The next part that he states is, "As our role has always been strictly passive and political existence nil, we find that our quest for liberty is now even more difficult of accomplishment; for we, having been placed in a state lower than slavery, had been robbed not only of our freedom but also of the right to exercise an active domestic tyranny. . ." He is saying that even though Latin American people never really had a right to say or do what they feel, it is now gotten worse. He also says that they are being treated worse than slaves and that not only do they not have freedom, but they are also being denied the right to exercise a domestic tyranny. Latin American should have the right to freedom and instead of things getting worse, they should be getting that much better.
3. Next is when he says, "We have been ruled more by deceit than by force, and we have been degraded more by vice than by superstition." He is saying here that they are being ruled by lies, not force, and brought down by immoral conduct, not superstition. They are being treated like dirt, which is not right at all and things should change so they can have freedom and rights.
4. Lastly he says, "Give Venezuela such an executive power in the person of a president chosen by the people or their representatives, and you will have taken a great step toward national happiness. No matter what citizen occupies this office, he will be aided by the Constitution, and therein being authorized to do good, he can do no harm, because his ministers will cooperate with him only insofar as he abides by the law." This basically translates to him saying that if someone of the people were to represent all the people, then this would make everyone happy. It does not matter who that person is because the Constitution will help him and his helpers will help him as long as he follows the law. The people deserve a say in the power and this is a type of freedom.
He also stated that English-America is completely different than Spanish-American, therefore they can not adopt their ways. This is comparing the American Revolution to the Latin American Revolution.
1. The first time he mentions freedom he says, "Americans by birth and Europeans by law, we find ourselves engaged in a dual conflict: we are disputing with the natives for titles of ownership, and at the same time we are struggling to maintain ourselves in the country that gave us birth against the opposition of the invaders." This means that they are Latin Americans by birth, but Europeans by law because they have a mother country in Europe. They are fighting with the people of Latin America for ownership, but also they are fighting to keep their country away from the invaders of Europe. Either their mother country needs to give them more rights or else they need to let them go and fend for themselves.
2. The next part that he states is, "As our role has always been strictly passive and political existence nil, we find that our quest for liberty is now even more difficult of accomplishment; for we, having been placed in a state lower than slavery, had been robbed not only of our freedom but also of the right to exercise an active domestic tyranny. . ." He is saying that even though Latin American people never really had a right to say or do what they feel, it is now gotten worse. He also says that they are being treated worse than slaves and that not only do they not have freedom, but they are also being denied the right to exercise a domestic tyranny. Latin American should have the right to freedom and instead of things getting worse, they should be getting that much better.
3. Next is when he says, "We have been ruled more by deceit than by force, and we have been degraded more by vice than by superstition." He is saying here that they are being ruled by lies, not force, and brought down by immoral conduct, not superstition. They are being treated like dirt, which is not right at all and things should change so they can have freedom and rights.
4. Lastly he says, "Give Venezuela such an executive power in the person of a president chosen by the people or their representatives, and you will have taken a great step toward national happiness. No matter what citizen occupies this office, he will be aided by the Constitution, and therein being authorized to do good, he can do no harm, because his ministers will cooperate with him only insofar as he abides by the law." This basically translates to him saying that if someone of the people were to represent all the people, then this would make everyone happy. It does not matter who that person is because the Constitution will help him and his helpers will help him as long as he follows the law. The people deserve a say in the power and this is a type of freedom.
He also stated that English-America is completely different than Spanish-American, therefore they can not adopt their ways. This is comparing the American Revolution to the Latin American Revolution.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Declaration of the Rights of Man
1. Everyone has the same amount of rights as others. Class distinction may only take place if everyone agrees.
2. The rights that all men have when born, are life, property, security, and resistance to authority in a cruel of unjust manner.
3. All power and authority comes from the nation. No individual can have power unless it comes from the nation.
4. Liberty is the freedom to do anything, as long as one is not hurting others or putting others in danger. The natural rights of man has no limit except that others have the same rights.
5. Laws can only be made to protect society from getting hurt. Nothing can be stopped if it is not a law, and no one will be forced to do anything the law does not say to do.
6. The law is made according to the general will of the people. Everyone has a say, whether it be personally or through a representative. Everyone can be eligible to have some public position and have the right to any occupation they want according to their talents and abilities.
7. No one should be accused, arrested or imprisoned unless stated by the law. Any one soliciting, etc. will be punished. Any person arrested in virtue of the law, will give in because if they do not, it is an offense.
8. Punishments are not to be to strict or horrible for the crime. The punishment must fit the crime. No one should be punished, unless the law states it and it is passed by the commission of the offense.
9. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. If arrest is necessary, all things that were not important to the securing of the prisoner's person will be repressed due to the law.
10. No one should be bothered regarding their opinions. This includes their religion, as long as it does not bother the public order stated by the law.
11. The free communication of ideas and opinions is one of the most important rights given to man. Everyone may speak, write, and print anything, but one must be responsible of the abuse of this freedom.
12. The rights of man requires public military force. However, the forces are for the good of everyone, not just of those intrusted in it.
13. A common donation is needed in order to maintain the public forces and administration. This donation should be evenly distributed to all the people according to how much they have.
14. Everyone has the right to decide the necessity of the donation, what it is used for, and to divide it proportionally throughout the people, and also the mode for the collection and duration of taxes.
15. Society can require public agents an account of their administration.
16. A society has no constitution if the laws are not enforced, and checks and balances does not take place.
17. Property is a sacred right and can only be taken away legally for the public necessity if demanded and only if the owner is reimbursed.
2. The rights that all men have when born, are life, property, security, and resistance to authority in a cruel of unjust manner.
3. All power and authority comes from the nation. No individual can have power unless it comes from the nation.
4. Liberty is the freedom to do anything, as long as one is not hurting others or putting others in danger. The natural rights of man has no limit except that others have the same rights.
5. Laws can only be made to protect society from getting hurt. Nothing can be stopped if it is not a law, and no one will be forced to do anything the law does not say to do.
6. The law is made according to the general will of the people. Everyone has a say, whether it be personally or through a representative. Everyone can be eligible to have some public position and have the right to any occupation they want according to their talents and abilities.
7. No one should be accused, arrested or imprisoned unless stated by the law. Any one soliciting, etc. will be punished. Any person arrested in virtue of the law, will give in because if they do not, it is an offense.
8. Punishments are not to be to strict or horrible for the crime. The punishment must fit the crime. No one should be punished, unless the law states it and it is passed by the commission of the offense.
9. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. If arrest is necessary, all things that were not important to the securing of the prisoner's person will be repressed due to the law.
10. No one should be bothered regarding their opinions. This includes their religion, as long as it does not bother the public order stated by the law.
11. The free communication of ideas and opinions is one of the most important rights given to man. Everyone may speak, write, and print anything, but one must be responsible of the abuse of this freedom.
12. The rights of man requires public military force. However, the forces are for the good of everyone, not just of those intrusted in it.
13. A common donation is needed in order to maintain the public forces and administration. This donation should be evenly distributed to all the people according to how much they have.
14. Everyone has the right to decide the necessity of the donation, what it is used for, and to divide it proportionally throughout the people, and also the mode for the collection and duration of taxes.
15. Society can require public agents an account of their administration.
16. A society has no constitution if the laws are not enforced, and checks and balances does not take place.
17. Property is a sacred right and can only be taken away legally for the public necessity if demanded and only if the owner is reimbursed.
The propagandistic value of the image includes putting light and angels at the top because this makes it appear godly, which makes people want to follow the laws even more. Also, the "Eye of providence", which is located in the triangle, sometimes represents the eye of God watching down on mankind. This picture reminds me of The Ten Commandments. What is trying to be accomplished is, they want the people to think it is godly like The Ten Commandments, therefore it must be obeyed.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine
1st Quote- "It is repugnant to reason, to the universal order of things to all examples from former ages, to suppose, that this continent can longer remain subject to any external power. The most sanguine in Britain does not think so. The utmost stretch of human wisdom cannot, at this time, compass a plan short of separation, which can promise the continent even a year's security." This is basically saying it is nearly impossible for Britain to be running a colony, while being so far away. Britain is around 3,000 miles away from the colonies and yet they claim they are running them well? They have no idea what the colonists are going through and therefore should not be taxing and making decisions for them. This quote helped influence the colonists because it helped them realize how far Britain really was, and how they should be able to make their own decisions.
2nd Quote- "Europe is too thickly planted with Kingdoms to be long at peace, and whenever a war breaks out between England and any foreign power, the trade of America goes to ruin, BECAUSE OF HER CONNECTION WITH BRITAIN. The next war may not turn out like the last, and should it not, the advocates for reconciliation now will be wishing for separation then, because neutrality in that case would be a safer convoy than a man of war. Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'TIS TIME TO PART." This is saying that whenever England goes to war with another country, that the American Colonists are a part of that war too because they are connected to Britain. This turns countries against the colonists, even though it's really Britain's fault and not the colonists. Paine tells the colonists it is time to depart from Britain and move on to be independent. This influenced the undecided colonists because it helped them take the extra step they needed to revolt against the British.
3rd Quote- "WHEREFORE, instead of gazing at each other with suspicious or doubtful curiosity, let each of us hold out to his neighbor the hearty hand of friendship, and unite in drawing a line, which, like an act of oblivion, shall bury in forgetfulness every former dissension. Let the names of Whig and Tory be extinct; and let none other be heard among us, than those of a good citizen, an open and resolute friend, and a virtuous supporter of the RIGHTS of MANKIND, and of the FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES OF AMERICA." This strongly impacted the American Colonists because he basically told them to get up and do something about it. He told them to come together and stop it at once. He also stated that the Torys and Whigs should be forgotten and that everyone should be a supporter of the rights of man.
Sources- http://www.ushistory.org/paine/commonsense/singlehtml.htm
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2nd Quote- "Europe is too thickly planted with Kingdoms to be long at peace, and whenever a war breaks out between England and any foreign power, the trade of America goes to ruin, BECAUSE OF HER CONNECTION WITH BRITAIN. The next war may not turn out like the last, and should it not, the advocates for reconciliation now will be wishing for separation then, because neutrality in that case would be a safer convoy than a man of war. Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'TIS TIME TO PART." This is saying that whenever England goes to war with another country, that the American Colonists are a part of that war too because they are connected to Britain. This turns countries against the colonists, even though it's really Britain's fault and not the colonists. Paine tells the colonists it is time to depart from Britain and move on to be independent. This influenced the undecided colonists because it helped them take the extra step they needed to revolt against the British.
3rd Quote- "WHEREFORE, instead of gazing at each other with suspicious or doubtful curiosity, let each of us hold out to his neighbor the hearty hand of friendship, and unite in drawing a line, which, like an act of oblivion, shall bury in forgetfulness every former dissension. Let the names of Whig and Tory be extinct; and let none other be heard among us, than those of a good citizen, an open and resolute friend, and a virtuous supporter of the RIGHTS of MANKIND, and of the FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES OF AMERICA." This strongly impacted the American Colonists because he basically told them to get up and do something about it. He told them to come together and stop it at once. He also stated that the Torys and Whigs should be forgotten and that everyone should be a supporter of the rights of man.
Sources- http://www.ushistory.org/paine/commonsense/singlehtml.htm
.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
What is Enlightenment?
1. When Kant says "freedom", he means that mankind should be able to have the freedom to make decisions for themselves in all situations. For example, it says in the except, "All that is required for this is enlightenment is freedom; and particularly the least harmful of all that may be called freedom, namely, the freedom for man to make public use of his reason in all matters."
2. Kant feels that freedom is so central to the Enlightenment because without freedom it is hard for a person to work themselves out of immaturity. Man can not think for themselves because things are always handed to them. For example, Kant says, "He has even become fond of this state and for the time being is actually incapable of using his own understanding, for no one has ever allowed him to attempt it."
3. People become enlightened by releasing themselves from their self-imposed immaturity. Kant says, "All that is required for this is enlightenment is freedom...the freedom for man to make public use of his reason in all matters." An appropriate environment to accomplish this is one that does not lay everything out for you. For example, one must be able to make choices by themselves, without the help of others. Kant gives an example of this by saying, "If I have a book to serve as my understanding, a pastor to serve as my conscience, a physician to determine my diet for me, and so on, I need not exert myself at all."
4. Kant relates enlightenment to politics by saying, "But the manner of thinking of a head of state who favors religious enlightenment goes even further, for he realizes that there is no danger to his legislation in allowing his subjects to use reason publicly and to set before the world their thoughts concerning better formulations of his laws, even if this involves frank criticism of legislation currently in effect." This means that the head of state that allows his people to make decisions for themselves is helping the enlightenment.
2. Kant feels that freedom is so central to the Enlightenment because without freedom it is hard for a person to work themselves out of immaturity. Man can not think for themselves because things are always handed to them. For example, Kant says, "He has even become fond of this state and for the time being is actually incapable of using his own understanding, for no one has ever allowed him to attempt it."
3. People become enlightened by releasing themselves from their self-imposed immaturity. Kant says, "All that is required for this is enlightenment is freedom...the freedom for man to make public use of his reason in all matters." An appropriate environment to accomplish this is one that does not lay everything out for you. For example, one must be able to make choices by themselves, without the help of others. Kant gives an example of this by saying, "If I have a book to serve as my understanding, a pastor to serve as my conscience, a physician to determine my diet for me, and so on, I need not exert myself at all."
4. Kant relates enlightenment to politics by saying, "But the manner of thinking of a head of state who favors religious enlightenment goes even further, for he realizes that there is no danger to his legislation in allowing his subjects to use reason publicly and to set before the world their thoughts concerning better formulations of his laws, even if this involves frank criticism of legislation currently in effect." This means that the head of state that allows his people to make decisions for themselves is helping the enlightenment.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Offices of the Roman Republic
The first office of the Roman Republic that I am going to start off with is the Consul. I believe the consul is compared to the President of the American Democracy. They are similar because they are both chief military commanders. Also they both have an age requirement. A consul must be forty-one, or forty-two; depending on if they are a Patrician or Plebeian. A President must be thirty-five years old. Lastly, I believe that they are similar because a Consul is the highest office in the SPQR and the President is the highest in the American Democracy. The next SPQR office I am going to be using to compare is the Aedile. I believe it is like a Governor because they both help maintain public buildings, and regulate public festivals. Also, they both have to enforce public rules and orders. Being an Aedile or Governor are perfect ways to increase popularity and get their name known among others.
One difference between the Roman Senate and the American Senate is that the main purpose for the Roman Senate was to be an advisory council to the two Roman Consuls on military policy, while the main purpose of the American Senate is to ratify treaties with foreign governments and to "check and balance" the power of the federal governments. Secondly, the Roman Senate was a political institution to the Roman Republic, while the American Senate is the upper house of the bicameral United States Congress.
One difference between the Roman Senate and the American Senate is that the main purpose for the Roman Senate was to be an advisory council to the two Roman Consuls on military policy, while the main purpose of the American Senate is to ratify treaties with foreign governments and to "check and balance" the power of the federal governments. Secondly, the Roman Senate was a political institution to the Roman Republic, while the American Senate is the upper house of the bicameral United States Congress.
Pericles Funeral Oration
1. According to Pericles, Athens is great because everyone can be apart of the government, whether they are wealthy or poor. He specifically says, "Our form of government is called a democracy because its administration is in the hands, not of a few, but of the whole people." Public office is not based on social standing, but on ability. There is relaxation at home and since Athens is so great he says, "all kinds of imports flow in to us from all over the world."
2. Athens is less strict as a whole when compared to other city-states. Pericles says, "Our city is open to all the world." They do not hide anything from other city-states. Instead of relying on military, they rely on courage. For education, we are always ready to face danger just like the others. Also, they make friendship by helping others, not by being helped. He states, "Helping others makes us a more trustworthy friend, because we then act so as not to lose the good will that our help created."
3. With all the good things, comes some problems in Pericles' description of Athens. Pericles says, "No man is kept out of public office by the obscurity of his social standing because of his
poverty, as long as he wishes to be of service to the state." They take everyone into office if they want to be in it. This is a problem because the person could be uneducated and therefore make wrong decisions for the city-state. Another problem is that they do not have some form of defense. This could result in a disaster if a war were to break out.
2. Athens is less strict as a whole when compared to other city-states. Pericles says, "Our city is open to all the world." They do not hide anything from other city-states. Instead of relying on military, they rely on courage. For education, we are always ready to face danger just like the others. Also, they make friendship by helping others, not by being helped. He states, "Helping others makes us a more trustworthy friend, because we then act so as not to lose the good will that our help created."
3. With all the good things, comes some problems in Pericles' description of Athens. Pericles says, "No man is kept out of public office by the obscurity of his social standing because of his
poverty, as long as he wishes to be of service to the state." They take everyone into office if they want to be in it. This is a problem because the person could be uneducated and therefore make wrong decisions for the city-state. Another problem is that they do not have some form of defense. This could result in a disaster if a war were to break out.
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