world history Unit 2: Revolution and Change, 1715–1815

The Enlightenment is viewed here as a time when individuals questioned the state of the human condition, and subsequently, a theme for the unit might be: “Most citizens of the Modern Western World did not benefit from new ideas and technologies derived from the Enlightenment, or from radical change as a result of the revolutionary events which occurred during the 18th Century.”

Enlightenment thinkers believed that new knowledge and information would result in changes to the political, social, economic, and intellectual realities of European society and the world beyond. However, technological advances and artistic expression as well as other world events spurred on the demands of the people of Europe.

What became viewed as desirous and necessary conflicted with the existing structure of the ancien régime. Students investigate the forces that led to the conflict and violence of the French Revolution. Students examine the events that propelled western civilization into a new stage of human development, and challenge myths and stereotypes concerning this period of world history. Some guiding questions that may assist students in this unit are:

· What are the ways in which a society can be governed?

· What is the relationship between the state and its citizens?

· Did social, economic, and technological change lead to revolutionary ideals?

· What role did the expansionist interests of the Western world vis-a-vis the non-Western world play in their economic and political development?

· What impact did issues such as slavery and regional trade have on the growth of non-Western societies?

· How did artistic expression in Neoclassicism indicate a rejection of the excesses of aristocratic life during the 18th Century?

· Was Napoleon a great leader who was able to mould forces to achieve his goals, or simply a leader who effectively took advantage of existing circumstances?