Essential Question: What should people in power do when their power is threatened?
In class, we have been studying Napoleon and his conquests. Obviously Napoleons reign did not last forever. Eventually Napoleons power was threatened, and he was exiled to the island of St. Helena where he died in 1821. This begs the question, what should people in power do when their power is threatened? To answer the question, we have been reading documents and watching reenactments about the decisions of Klemens Von Metternich and the Congress of Vienna.
When Metternich and the other powerful people at the Congress of Vienna noticed that their power was being threatened by Napoleon, they eliminated him with the concept of balance of power.
The Congress of Vienna decided to bring French territory back to its boundaries as existed prior to expansion. Further, expand Prussian
territory so as to surround France with a stronger neighbor. Establish the Kingdom of the Netherlands as
another stronger border state. Give Russia and Austria additional territory as a condolence for the difficulties
faced under Napoleon’s conquest. This land redistribution will ensure a balance of power for the allies in the
face of any later attempts at French expansion. The reason for this was because it maintained a balance of power between Russia, Austria, Prussia, Britain, and France. It also reversed the changes of Napoleon's conquest. The impact that the Congress of Vienna had was peace among the major European powers. There were no wars between the 5 major powers of Europe up to 1853.
I believe that the Congress of Vienna made the right decision. There would have been no need to punish France by taking additional land away. The only way that the Congress of Vienna could peacefully restore order was to only take back the land that Napoleon acquired during his conquest. Also, by surrounding France with strong neighbors and redistributing land, France could no longer expand like it did before. This choice may have not been the most popular among some people, but it was definitely the right one. In this situation, it is crucial to be willing to give up some of your power for the greater good. If the European powers were not willing to give up some of their power, there would have been no land redistribution, and no solution to protecting their power form Napoleon.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Ideologies
Essential Question: What were the major political ideologies of the 19th century and how did they influence social and political action?
Lately, we have been studying conservatism, liberalism, and nationalism. The major political ideologies of the 19th century. To learn more about these ideologies, the class was divided into six groups. Each group made a presentation on either conservatism, liberalism, or nationalism. Once the presentations were finished, we watched them as a class. While watching the videos, we discussed and took notes.
Liberalism presentationMy common craft presentation helps define and liberalism because it gives key information and the main beliefs about it. Such as the belief in individual liberty for all. Another important aspect of liberalism is the belief in human born natural rights. Rights you aquire naturally from birth. Liberals supported innovations and reform and thought that religions were just superstitions. Liberalism influenced social action during the 19th century through beliefs in social status. Liberalism supported meritocracy, the belief in acquiring jobs based on your skills and not your social class, and middle class participation in government. This gave more people a chance to change their social status and have a say in government. Liberalism also influenced political action during the 19th century through beliefs on how government should control people. It promoted constitutional monarchy over absolutism. Also, liberalism asserted that the goal of government was to protect and promote individual liberty.
From watching the presentations on conservatism, I now know that conservatism did not promote innovation and reform(unlike liberalism), and supported keeping things traditional. Conservatives feared change. They thought there would be a revolution if the change failed or backfired. They also supported monarchy. Conservatism influenced both social and political action during the 19th century through beliefs in how the government should control people and determine social class. Nineteenth century conservatives supported monarchy, the hierarchical class system dominated by aristocracy, and the church. They also opposed innovation and reform. From watching the presentations on nationalism, I now know that nationalism is the bringing together of nations through shared language culture and history. Nationalism and liberalism both shared a spirit of optimism, believing that their goals represented the inevitable, historical progress of humankind. Nationalism influenced both social and political action during the nineteenth century through beliefs in uniting nations. Nationalism supported the belief of uniting nations to make them stronger as a whole. Bringing together through language, culture and history.
Lately, we have been studying conservatism, liberalism, and nationalism. The major political ideologies of the 19th century. To learn more about these ideologies, the class was divided into six groups. Each group made a presentation on either conservatism, liberalism, or nationalism. Once the presentations were finished, we watched them as a class. While watching the videos, we discussed and took notes.
Liberalism presentationMy common craft presentation helps define and liberalism because it gives key information and the main beliefs about it. Such as the belief in individual liberty for all. Another important aspect of liberalism is the belief in human born natural rights. Rights you aquire naturally from birth. Liberals supported innovations and reform and thought that religions were just superstitions. Liberalism influenced social action during the 19th century through beliefs in social status. Liberalism supported meritocracy, the belief in acquiring jobs based on your skills and not your social class, and middle class participation in government. This gave more people a chance to change their social status and have a say in government. Liberalism also influenced political action during the 19th century through beliefs on how government should control people. It promoted constitutional monarchy over absolutism. Also, liberalism asserted that the goal of government was to protect and promote individual liberty.
From watching the presentations on conservatism, I now know that conservatism did not promote innovation and reform(unlike liberalism), and supported keeping things traditional. Conservatives feared change. They thought there would be a revolution if the change failed or backfired. They also supported monarchy. Conservatism influenced both social and political action during the 19th century through beliefs in how the government should control people and determine social class. Nineteenth century conservatives supported monarchy, the hierarchical class system dominated by aristocracy, and the church. They also opposed innovation and reform. From watching the presentations on nationalism, I now know that nationalism is the bringing together of nations through shared language culture and history. Nationalism and liberalism both shared a spirit of optimism, believing that their goals represented the inevitable, historical progress of humankind. Nationalism influenced both social and political action during the nineteenth century through beliefs in uniting nations. Nationalism supported the belief of uniting nations to make them stronger as a whole. Bringing together through language, culture and history.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Napoleon's Impact on Europe
Essential question: What was Napoleons impact on the social, economic and political systems of Europe?
Many people have different opinions on Napoleon Bonaparte, and whether he was good or evil. But in the end, what stands out is the huge impact he had on the world and Europe especially. Long ago when Napoleon controlled Europe, he impacted European society in many different ways. One impact he had, was on European economic systems. Napoleon encourage new industry and built new roads and canals. He also established mitocracy, which allowed citizens to acquire jobs based on their skills and not just their social class or connections. This allowed for many poor citizens to have jobs and for many jobs to be created. Ida M Tarbell wrote, "These deeds are great epics. They move in noble, measured lines and stir us by their might and perfection. It is only a genius of the most magnificent order which could handle men and materials as Napoleon did.". This explains how Napoleon was able organize men and materials like no other. How he was able to do great things such as establish ways to form a more efficient economy. Another impact that Napoleon had was on European political systems. During his rule, Napoleon redesigned the government entirely. He mixed the social and economic classes, and allowed for economic access for all classes. He made education accessible to all, not just the rich. Napoleon also made the government more democratic. From the writings of Madame de Staël, "It is necessary" he said "to do something new every three months, in order to captivate the imagination of the French nation, with whom anyone who stands still is lost.". This excerpt helps show that Napoleon cared for his people. He wanted to find ways to keep his people happy and well kept. The final impact Napoleon had was on the European social system. There were many ways that he improved the European social system. Due to Napoleon new laws and political system, he improved education and daily life. More citizens had rights to property and access to education, not just the rich. He also encouraged the sharing of new ideas and new economic systems. He gave economic access to all classes. From the words of Marshal Michel Ney, "The times are gone when the people were governed by suppressing their rights. Liberty triumphs in the end and our august emperor comes to confirm it." . This quote explains how Napoleon gave his people more freedom and access to new things. How he cared about the rights of his people and did not suppress them.
Citation
Many people have different opinions on Napoleon Bonaparte, and whether he was good or evil. But in the end, what stands out is the huge impact he had on the world and Europe especially. Long ago when Napoleon controlled Europe, he impacted European society in many different ways. One impact he had, was on European economic systems. Napoleon encourage new industry and built new roads and canals. He also established mitocracy, which allowed citizens to acquire jobs based on their skills and not just their social class or connections. This allowed for many poor citizens to have jobs and for many jobs to be created. Ida M Tarbell wrote, "These deeds are great epics. They move in noble, measured lines and stir us by their might and perfection. It is only a genius of the most magnificent order which could handle men and materials as Napoleon did.". This explains how Napoleon was able organize men and materials like no other. How he was able to do great things such as establish ways to form a more efficient economy. Another impact that Napoleon had was on European political systems. During his rule, Napoleon redesigned the government entirely. He mixed the social and economic classes, and allowed for economic access for all classes. He made education accessible to all, not just the rich. Napoleon also made the government more democratic. From the writings of Madame de Staël, "It is necessary" he said "to do something new every three months, in order to captivate the imagination of the French nation, with whom anyone who stands still is lost.". This excerpt helps show that Napoleon cared for his people. He wanted to find ways to keep his people happy and well kept. The final impact Napoleon had was on the European social system. There were many ways that he improved the European social system. Due to Napoleon new laws and political system, he improved education and daily life. More citizens had rights to property and access to education, not just the rich. He also encouraged the sharing of new ideas and new economic systems. He gave economic access to all classes. From the words of Marshal Michel Ney, "The times are gone when the people were governed by suppressing their rights. Liberty triumphs in the end and our august emperor comes to confirm it." . This quote explains how Napoleon gave his people more freedom and access to new things. How he cared about the rights of his people and did not suppress them.
 Citation |
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Capitalism, Socialism, Communism
This week in history class, we had a very entertaining lesson on Karl Marx's theory of capitalism. To begin the lesson, we were all given three Hershey's Kisses. Then, everyone had to play Rock Paper Scissors with each other in an attempt to win chocolates. If you won, you took one Hershey's Kiss from the class mate. If you lost, you had to begrudgingly surrender one of your chocolates. After we finished playing, some were left with 10 and some were left with none. The teacher then collected all of the chocolates and handed them out again to make sure we all had three. The purpose of this was to represent that capitalism allowed for some people to become really rich or really poor. Then the wealth was collected and redistributed among the population. I really enjoyed this lesson. Especially because we got to move around and work with our hands. It was a relief from writing notes and analyzing pictures.
Adam Smith's Invisible Hand theory was also beneficial to the poor. In the Invisble Hand theory, the poor would help themselves. The theory purposes that by letting the economy run freely with no support or guidance, people will buy things from venders and the economy will naturally d flourish as if an invisible hand is guiding it. This will allow for the poor to acquire goods more easily and at a lower price. The Invisible Hand mostly benefitted the poor. Adam Smith developed this theory wanting to give the poor more options. The Invisible Hand allowed the poor to earn money and purchase items with no restraints. The theory included commerce and free trade. This made acquiring everyday items much easier for the poor.
For their time, both of these theory's were revolutionary. They still play a big role in the world today. I believe that both of these options are not perfect and could be made better. But out of the two, Adam Smith's theory is definitely superior. I believe that the collecting and redistributing of wealth would not be liked. People should be able to work hard and earn a lot of money with out having it taken away and given to others who don't work at all. Adam Smith's theory allows the population to earn their own money at their own pace. The beauty of it is that the economy supports itself and naturally flourishes over time. This theory also prevents the poor from having no money at all.
Adam Smith's Invisible Hand theory was also beneficial to the poor. In the Invisble Hand theory, the poor would help themselves. The theory purposes that by letting the economy run freely with no support or guidance, people will buy things from venders and the economy will naturally d flourish as if an invisible hand is guiding it. This will allow for the poor to acquire goods more easily and at a lower price. The Invisible Hand mostly benefitted the poor. Adam Smith developed this theory wanting to give the poor more options. The Invisible Hand allowed the poor to earn money and purchase items with no restraints. The theory included commerce and free trade. This made acquiring everyday items much easier for the poor.
For their time, both of these theory's were revolutionary. They still play a big role in the world today. I believe that both of these options are not perfect and could be made better. But out of the two, Adam Smith's theory is definitely superior. I believe that the collecting and redistributing of wealth would not be liked. People should be able to work hard and earn a lot of money with out having it taken away and given to others who don't work at all. Adam Smith's theory allows the population to earn their own money at their own pace. The beauty of it is that the economy supports itself and naturally flourishes over time. This theory also prevents the poor from having no money at all.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
MOSI Live Chat Expereince
The live video chat with Jamie was very cool. Especially because it was all the way over from Britain. Also, because we were getting information straight from the source rather than online. But we did have to do a lot of work to prepare for the chat. One thing we did to prepare was to read, observe, and investigate the MOSI website and write down three things that we learned. Another way we prepared for the chat was by watching a video of Jamie giving a tour of the museum and keeping a running list of terminology. We also had to draft two questions about industrialization with our group that we would like to ask Jamie during the chat. Lastly, we used our google keyword search skills to find the definitions of the MOSI machines video vocab.
During the chat we learned many things about the machines, how they work, and the whole process of producing fabric. Before the production of factories and steam powered machines, the whole process to produce cloth took weeks. Also, the spinning wheel, which was usually manned by children, was slow and hand powered. The spinning wheel has been around since the 11th century and was generally simple. Later, Richard Arkwright invented the water frame, which was patented in 1769. The water frame was a faster alternative to the spinning wheel and was originally powered by water wheel. Another thing we learned during the chat was the positive and negative impacts of the industrialization of textile production on families. Some of the positive impacts were that families no longer had to spend weeks producing cloth. They now had cloth readily available to them. Also, more jobs were created due to the factories. A negative impact was that many of the people who went to work in the factories eventually lost limbs, died by being sucked up into a machine, or had a terrible factory accident. All the knowledge that Jamie had of everything in the museum, made me realize that being a museum curator is not easy. Curators are basically a teacher. Teaching the public about our history.
Overall, I liked the MOSI Video chat. It is fun to hear information directly from the source than looking it up on the internet. I think that I learned a lot more from discussing the topic with an outside expert. I would definitely like to do this again in the future and I believe that I will benefit from it.
During the chat we learned many things about the machines, how they work, and the whole process of producing fabric. Before the production of factories and steam powered machines, the whole process to produce cloth took weeks. Also, the spinning wheel, which was usually manned by children, was slow and hand powered. The spinning wheel has been around since the 11th century and was generally simple. Later, Richard Arkwright invented the water frame, which was patented in 1769. The water frame was a faster alternative to the spinning wheel and was originally powered by water wheel. Another thing we learned during the chat was the positive and negative impacts of the industrialization of textile production on families. Some of the positive impacts were that families no longer had to spend weeks producing cloth. They now had cloth readily available to them. Also, more jobs were created due to the factories. A negative impact was that many of the people who went to work in the factories eventually lost limbs, died by being sucked up into a machine, or had a terrible factory accident. All the knowledge that Jamie had of everything in the museum, made me realize that being a museum curator is not easy. Curators are basically a teacher. Teaching the public about our history.
Overall, I liked the MOSI Video chat. It is fun to hear information directly from the source than looking it up on the internet. I think that I learned a lot more from discussing the topic with an outside expert. I would definitely like to do this again in the future and I believe that I will benefit from it.
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