Western Civilization Public

Western Civilization

Caroline Jenner
Course by Caroline Jenner, updated more than 1 year ago Contributors

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Post-1600 European History

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1. As Luther’s and Calvin’s reformed theology spread, Christian Europe found itself splitting into Protestant and Catholic camps. What forms of violence characterized the tensions between Catholics and Protestants c. 1520-1648? What forms of accommodation, compromise or continuity can be found in the same era? Violence and Tension 30 Years' War Calvinism and Huguenots Dutch Revolt Schmalkaldic War (1546-1555) Book of Common Prayer Kings and Queens against each other Toleration Edict of Nantes Kings and Queens who were tolerant
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2. Absolutism in France was not accomplished in a day.  Louis XIV built on a long French tradition of increasing centralization of state authority.  What were the key developments in this centralizing process, especially during the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV, and who carried them out?  What were the consequences of this process for competing power groups in France?  Was Louis XIV's power really absolute?
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3. Like many other European monarchs in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Kings of England attempted to consolidate their authority and power at the expense the nobility and Parliament.  Yet the English rulers failed in their efforts to install absolutist policies.  Why did Charles I's (1625-49) and James II's (1685-88) attempts to quash political opposition fail?  What were the most decisive constitutional developments in England during the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, and what were their consequences for the balance of power in that country? Charles I tries to rule on his own Scots get sick of his Anglican policies Catholic English civil war James II tries absolutism Catholic Son of Charles and keeps his principles Shy away from checks and balances Parliament is calling the shots William and Mary are asked to invade Constitutional developments Bill of Rights Act of Settlement Parliament decides who the monarchy will be Demonstration of Parliament's power
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4. One of the key ideas which emerged during the Enlightenment was that of progress.  What, specifically, was meant by the concept of progress, as it related to human nature and to human societies?  Why and how did the philosophes and other eighteenth century thinkers arrive at their belief that human civilization could progress?  Were all of them similarly optimistic? Thomas Hobbes Man is selfish by nature Monarchy relies on the loyalty of people Denied rights of peasants to rebel Voltaire Attacks on the established Catholic Church and Christianity Saw the ruling and social system as broken Montesquieu Separation of Powers "To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them"
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5. Napoleon Bonaparte dominated both French and European history from 1799 to 1815.  In what ways was Napoleon's influence felt, both politically and militarily?  Did he uphold or betray the accomplishments of the French Revolution?  Did his years in power produce any lasting consequences? Betrayed French Revolution Kept the title of emperor Invites Aristocracy back Restores the Catholic ties and invited clergy back Uphold French Revolution Enshrines beliefs of revolution in moral code Changed battlefield and military concepts Corps created Napoleonic Code Property, Colonial Affairs, Family, and Individual Rights Nationalism Metternich system is a result of Napoleonic lecture Restores old order based on legitimacy Relative peace on continent for 100 years Redrawn borders Anti-liberalism and anti-nationalism Louisanna's government Military legacy
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6. The early nineteenth century witnessed the appearance of several new terms, among them “liberalism,” “conservatism,” “romanticism,” and “nationalism.”  Discuss the origins of and beliefs associated with each of these ideologies.  Which, in your opinion, was most influential in the period 1815-1870, and why? Liberalism vs. Conservatism Liberalism Enlightenment Era John Locke and Adam Smith Individual freedom>government authority Government responsibilities: Maintain law Protection from foreign bodies Allowance of laissez-faire Conservatism Championed by Edmund Burke and Metternich Relies on monarchy and status quo Advocates for a concrete government Nationalism vs. Romanticism Nationalism as a non-political movement Going into German villages German folklore in Grimm stories Feeling that each country is unique Different peoples, cultures, languages Romanticism Gothic ideas Emotional, spiritual, medieval Artistic movement Against Enlightenment
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