Chapter 29 features a rapid transition in the world involving a series of revolutions that take place in response to the diffusion of Enlightenment Principles which have been circulating the world from their respective hearths. We see that in North America, the British colonists receive funding from the French and are able to gain their independence from the British Crown. Europe also experiences revolutions of its own, with France ridding itself of its monarchy and creating a = republic in its place. The Haitian Republic was also created, with individuals there fighting against the French rule that had individuals there extremely discomforted. Latin America featured revolutions centered around a swift creole movement to grant independence to the people through the elimination of Spanish and Portuguese officials. These revolutions paved the way for a very powerful and long-standing principle to be introduced: nationalism. Nationalism fostered the care for a given country by the citizens with all of them putting the needs of their respective country before their own.
Image from the Surrender of the British at the Battle of Yorktown
Cultural Overview
The Enlightenment principles which managed to diffuse over a massive portion of the world were capable of spurring a plethora of changes among various empires and colonies of given empires. Citizens began to desire freedoms such as the freedom to speech and the ability to have a ruler who acted in the best interests of the people they ruled. The series of changes that occurred around the world also sparked the development of a deep loyalty and attachment for one's country, dubbed "nationalism". Nationalism grew into force very important in dividing societal groups of a given empire as well as bolstering support for the national government as well.
State Building Overview
Napoleon became a large authoritative figure that took over a large part of Europe, and ruled France through establishing himself as the ruler.
Economical Overview
The French Revolution was caused by the severe mistreatment of the lower class, including the absurd amount of taxes they were forced to pay, while the nobility paid next to none.
The Enlightenment inspired slaves as well as women to demand the same rights that were granted to property owners (white men). They fought for both the right to vote, and the opportunity for opportunities at jobs that were once only allowed to men.
Social Overview
Slaves slowly would become free, as the slace trade would be abolished due to William Wilberforce. The estate system would soon be destroyed in France, and women would slowly gain more rights. Creoles would gain dominance in the social ladder of Latin America, as well as the first ever successful slave revolt.