Political Revolutions

Enlightenment 1. Changed the way people viewed the world and introduced new ideas about the role of government.

Scientific Revolution 1. Challenged the authority of the Church and established a method of standardized study (scientific method)

The Result: Political Revolutions! American colonies declare independence from Britain in 1776 France supports the U.S. and begins its own revolution in 1789

Recognize any Enlightenment Philosophies? “When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Capitalism Adam Smith writes Wealth of Nations in 1776. a. Capitalism- an economic system based on private ownership of capital b. Laissez-faire- “hands off”- the doctrine that government should not interfere in economic affairs

The Industrial Revolution Introduced mass production, but also changed social (working and living conditions), economic (working class vs. upper class) and political dynamics

Communism Karl Marx writes the Communist Manifesto in 1848 a. Communism- an economic system based on state ownership of capital b. Utilitarianism- welfare state- the idea that government exists for the good of the people and should provide services for them