Czarist Russia

Russia's early intellectuals came from nobility but later were dominated by revolutionaries. Intellectuals often discussed new ideas and their meaning for Russia. They met in places such as taverns, parks, and cafes. Many intellectuals wanted to modernize Russia by bringing ideas from Western Europe. There were two different type of intellectual groups; Populists and Marxists. Populists dressed as peasants and told peasants to revolt. Many of them were arrested while dressed as peasants for promoting revolt. Marxits were much more liberal. They beleived that change would happen in good time. Intellectuals that tried to bring about change were often punished by government police and many revolutionaries were also exiled.

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Unit 6- Imperialism

During the age of Imperialism, many countries such as France, Great Britain, and Germany claimed land in Africa for their own. Great Britain took over the most land in Africa and had a huge effect on them. One effect was the Boer War. During this time, a large number of British soldiers fought with the Boer republics to put them under British rule. It ended with the republics becoming British colonies with a promise of self government. After this war, it seemed that Great Britain was disliked by almost everyone. There were many reasons that Europeans use imperialism. Some were exploratory and idealistic reasons. Cecil Rhodes wanted to expand Britain to Africa, and had a vision of spreading Britain's cultural values. Others were political reasons such as when France enforced their military when capturing Saigon, Vietnam.

Latin America - Jose Morelos

Padre Jose Maria Morelos was a Mestizo priest born on September 30, 1765, who led rebel forces for four years trying to liberate Mexico. Born into a poor family, Morelos fought his was to the top and eventually led the revolt. He assumed leadership after Miguel Hidalgo was executed. During 1811-1815 he tried to abolish slavery and tried to give men the right to vote. He was a strong leader, but in 1815 he was defeated by Agustin de Iturbide. Ironically, later, in 1821, the same man who defeated Morelos proclaimed Mexicos independance. He was later overthrown in 1823 after declaring himself emporer.

Entry two- French Revolution

Entry Two - French Revolution
Summary - The French Revolution is defined as the political upheaval of world importance that began in France in 1789. Inspired by the success of the American Revolution, French citizens overthrew the noble, ruling class and establish a democratic government. The French monarchy under Louis XVI was viewed as oppressive and corrupt and the social structure was rigid, meaning it did not allow for social mobility which eventually forced the people to demand change.
1) What was the main reason the French revolted against Louis XVI? Louis XVI denied all cahiers for a better government and country. The third estate were paying the highest taxes, and hated it. The clergy, or first estate complained that the third estate wasn't paying enough.
2) How did the enlightenment philosophers influence the French Revolution (Hint - Deceleration of the Rights of Man) The enlightenment philosophers proposed many ideas for a better government, and people started questioning authority.
3) Would you consider the French Revolution a success? I would consider it a success because Napoleon instated the Napoleonic code, which was a great form of government. He expanded France, and had an overall positive outcome on France.

Entry One

Entry One - The Enlightenmnet
Summary - The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement of the 18Th century characterized by belief in the power of human reason and questioning authority. Many enlightenment philosophers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau published their ideas on government.
1) How did the Enlightenment philosophers influence change in society? Enlightenment philosophers came up with many new ideas for government, that are used today. Montesquieu came up with separation of powers, Voltaire fought for free speech, Locke came up with human rights. Napoleon used some of these ideas in the Napoleonic code.
2) Who is the most influential enlightenment philosopher? Why? Montesquieu was very influential because most governments use separation of powers to make sure no one man has to much power. Governments that use this, usually do pretty well.