Lap 7 WH
Lap 7 WH
Ms. Rothweiler
Lap 7
Revolution
Overview
Overview
Rose Cherubin of George Mason University states: At first glance, there may not seem to be much of a
connection between the "Scientific Revolution" that took place in Western Europe starting in the 17th century
and the political revolutions that took place in Western Europe and its colonies beginning in the late 18th
century. What could the development of calculus and the discovery of laws of physics (such as gravitation)
possibly have to do with the overthrow of monarchical and colonial governments and the establishment of new
democracies?
Cherubin goes on to say, In fact, they have a lot to do with one another. In order to understand the connection,
and also to understand both the scientific and the political developments better, we must look to the
philosophical ideas they share.
There are 2 ideas that are fundamental to both the "Scientific Revolution" and the political
revolutions. They are:
the idea that the universe and everything in it work according to "laws of nature The divine being
makes things work in an orderly and regular fashion. This idea is accompanied bythe idea that the laws of nature are discoverable by means of reason. Reason of course needs
observation (we need something to reason about, some data to work with). But the point is that if we
want to understand the way the universe works, we can do so by means of observation and
reasoning. All human beings are supposed to have the ability to reason, although many do not use or
cultivate this ability much.
In other words, both the scientific revolution and the political revolutions were founded on the notion that
natural law governed all elements of the universe. Overall this meant that there was observable and
irrefutable law relating to natural phenomena, which was unchanging including moral principles
regarded as a basis for all human conduct.
The ideas of the Enlightenment (Scientific Revolution) infiltrated the thinking and attitudes of people in Western
Europe and the Americas. While European monarchs clung to the concept of divine right of kings as
justification for their rule, , the citizenry was influenced by the writers of the Enlightenment, thus questioning
who had the right to rule, what forms of government were best and what were the natural rights of man. King
George III of England understood his constitutional limits but still was determined to maintain the power and
influence of the crown. The Spanish monarch continued to exercise absolute political and economic control
over its empire, especially with the restoration of Ferdinand VII. In France, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette
entered the scene of absolutism. The young and pompous couple pushed the French people into an era of
turmoil, revolution and reaction. At the same time, Great Britain and other nations were steaming forward
through the Industrial Revolution, challenging old standards of thinking regarding the working class and the
wealthy.
Rationale
The French Revolution was a major turning point in European history. The concept of revolution was
not new. The Glorious Revolution had occurred in England but it did not change the political system
just the players. The French Revolution was the first time that any European monarchy was deposed by
its citizens in favor of a "republic". In addition, the French Revolution (via Napoleon) also changed the
map of Europe. Eventually the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved allowing for Prussia and the
influence of Germany to emerge, and Austria began to dominate Eastern Europe a disturbing
development in the eyes of the Russians In general the French Revolution helped shape the fate of
European history as we know it.
LAP Information
LAP 8- Revolutions
9 CLASS MEETINGS
Materials needed for LAP:
Notebook
Use of Internet if you have a device bring to class
Textbook
Materials for selected project
Online resources
LAP Objectives: Upon Completion of this LAP students will be able to:
OBJECTIVES: Upon Completion of this LAP students will be able to:
1. Discuss the concept of conservative, moderate, liberal, and radical
2. Analyze the causes of the French Revolution
3. Describe how the French Revolution reshaped political and social institutions.
4. Compare the roles of the National Assembly, Legislative Assembly, National Convention, and Directory.
5.
6.
7.
8.
fraternity
Reign of Terror
Louis XVI
Constitution of 1791
Jacobins
National Convention
radical
liberal
CLASS MEETINGS:
First Class Meeting : The Enlightenment
Due At the beginning of class: 7-1
Enlightenment
Second Class Meeting
Due At the beginning of class: No Assignment
Class Focus- The Political Spectrum
Third Class Meeting:
Due At the beginning of class: 7-2
The Haves and Have Not Activity
Introduce causes of French Revolution
DATE/DAY DUE
E Day March 11 All Sections
F Fay March 14 India
G Gay March 15 Africa and
China
H Day March 16 India
J Day March 17 China and
Africa
K Day March 18