The Revolution

The Revolution

July 20, 2006

Today in class we focused on chapter 16. In chapter 16 we that when the French Third Estate moved to gain more rights and political power, it had sparked a revolution that changed both France and Europe. The middle class and peasantry benefited from the initial period of the revolution, the French urban population led the country toward an establishment of a republic. The French society suffered a great deal of oppression known as the Terror. A ruthless soldier, by the name of Napoleon Bonaparte, took advantage of the opportunities opened by the revolution. He then created an empire with himself at the head. The influence of the revolution and its ideals had spread far beyond French borders and as a result of the revolution. Napoleon's military had gone on many conquests. The French Revolution left several legacies, of which the most important were the notions that revolution could topple any government and that a charismatic leader could seize

power. Both of these ideas would influence future French revolutions.

The new Britain

July 24, 2006

Today in class we discuss the industrial revolution of 1780-1850 and how it transformed the economic and social life in Britain. Industrialization had started because Britain enjoyed the many advantages over the rest of Europe and had already undergone an agricultural revolution. During the Industrial Revolution era, new machines and the expansion of factories changed the traditional economy, mainly based on agriculture and handicrafts that was made. Movements of population spread as industrial cities and towns became more up to date in the country. The industrial wealth translated into Britain's greater power in relations with both European neighbors and non-European societies. Industrialization made the health and living conditions bad in the new cities, especially for the poor, work-related injuries went up and disease spread. The industrialization changed the tradition within the family life and also changed the image of the family as an economic unit. Workers organized unions and thought of themselves as a class in ways they had not.

French and Industrial Revolution

July 25, 2006

Today in class we talked about the political and social changes brought by the French Revolution and Industrial Revolution. The powers of the European conservatism tried to hold them back. Austria, Prussia, and Russia were especially intent on preserving monarchies and political power in the hands of the traditional ruling class. The Congress of Vienna, had reflected their conservative view of the international political order, European leaders also faced threats to the domestic political, social, and economic order. Ideologies of liberalism, socialism, and nationalism had arisen as a consequence of these changes. Europe challenged these conservative notions. The influence of these ideologies brought only short changes at this time; the reforms were pushed back in Austria and Prussia. France was set on a course that would bring down the Second Republic. The British government, legislated earlier reforms, escaped the period of revolution for a short time. The Revolutions of 1848 left important memories, and traditional life continued on its course.

Headed for greatness

July 26, 2006

Today in class we discuss the second half of the nineteenth century, the expansion of industrialization in Western Europe and how North America led to further urbanization. New discoveries in science pushed industry even further ahead, for many early discoveries. Advances in medicine showed a very bright future and a culture in development. The middle class dominated and illustrated their values. 1914, the new era had transformed Europe and North America. Incomes rose, industry produced more and better products, advances in science and medicine improved life for many people, while science answered the unanswered questions about the physical and social life. The year of 1914 showed that Europe and North America was headed for greatness.

Exam day

July 27, 2006

Today was exam day, but we got the pleasure of taking our exam home. I am learning a lot of interesting things about history in the world that I really