Author Bio: The author of "Duties," Giuseppe Mazzini, was an Italian author who wrote prolifically promoting the unification of Italy in the 1830s and 1840s. Mazzini was considered a liberal at the time for his nationalist ideas, but they nonetheless became important as Italy began merging into one united country by 1870. His works helped to lay the foundations for the liberal constitutional monarchy that would be established in unified Italy.
Context/Background: During the 1800s, Italy and other European countries such as modern-day Germany were comprised of many small nation-states left over from the middle ages through the Renaissance and Enlightenment. As Europe grew into a more modern age, however, unification became an increasingly prominent idea that was propagated to the masses by advocates such as Mazzini in order to raise nationalism. These hopes for a united Italy finally came to fruition by 1870 through Count Camillo Cavour, whose efforts united the diverse regions and created the independent state of Italy.
Summary: While Mazzini first clarifies that a man's absolutely primary duty is to humanity and his family, the next and hardly less important duty is to his country and the brotherhood and unity focused towards the higher goal of a united country. He declares that united, independent countries are the highest order of nation, and what God originally intended before they were corrupted by greedy monarchs. The "Divine design" of unity will, Mazzini writes, transcend class and monarchy to unite all people of the country in harmony. The ideal nation would be one whose people are united by language, economic tendencies and specialties, culture, and history, and only when the people of a country are united together in brotherhood can this heavenly purpose be fulfilled.
Important Quote: "O my brother, love your Country! Our country is our Home, the house that God has given us, placing therein a numerous family that loves us, and whom we love... Our country is our common workshop, whence the products of our activity are sent forth for the benefit of the whole world."
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Thursday, June 4, 2015
The Grievances of Carcassonne
Author: The author of The Grievances of Carcassonne is the Third Estate. There is no one author of this primary document, instead a group of people wrote it to express the views and opinions of the middle class. The Third Estate is the representation of the middle class in the French government during the French Revolution.
Speaker: see above.
Date/ context: During this time in France the Third Estate had very little power in the government. France was ruled by an absolute monarch who controlled the French population. This document represents a few of the problems the French people saw with their government and nation.
Summary: This primary document begins by stating that the Third Estate has many grievances that they want their humble ruler to consider. The entire first two paragraphs is basically the Third Estate addressing the king and feeding his ego. The primary document then goes on to list the grievances the French people have against their government. The grievances include reinstating Roman Catholicism as the only religion in France, freedom of the people to vote for their taxes and laws, and equal taxes for all people. In addition the Third Estate asks for freedom of press and individual liberty. Overall, The Grievances of Carcassonne model that of the Bill of Rights.
Quotes:
“Among these rights the following should be especially noted: the nation should hereafter be subject only to such laws and taxes as it shall itself freely ratify.”
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
An End to the Woes of Anarchy
Author: Napoleon; 15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821 was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the latter stages of the French Revolution and its associated wars in Europe. As Napoleon I, he was Emperor of France from 1804 to 1815. His legal reform, the Napoleonic Code, has been a major influence on many Civil Law jurisdictions worldwide, but he is best remembered for his role in the wars led against France by a series of coalitions, the so-called Napoleonic Wars.
Context:A time after the French Revolution. A new Emperor took the throne after a war against the monarch. The revolution was fought for more say by the people and uneven taxing of the lower peasants.
Summary: Napoleon tells the people of Italy that since he came to the throne to determine the fate of all those people who formed the empire of France. He tells Italy that he is making it better and gave someone related to him to make it great.
Key of Quotation: "I have done away with the uncertainty in Italy by placing upon my head the crown of Iron...."
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
The Impact of the Factory System on Women
Author: Engels (1820-1895) was born to a family of Prussian (present day Germany) textile workers. He held a close friendship with Karl Marx under which their ideals of communism flourished. He was raised Lutheran, but later developed atheistic ideals and distanced himself from both his former religion and his family. He dropped out of high school and studied extensively the works of Hegel before joining the Prussian army in 1841. He, while still a soldier, stayed and studied at university in Berlin where he Marx. The two would later go on to become the forebearers of communism. Engels is most likely biased in the fact that he grew up rather poorly. This modest upbringing probably spurred some of his internal thoughts about the disparities between the rich and the poor. His life in Berlin and in other industrialized cities also likely changed his outlook because he was exposed to these conditions; men still living in the countryside would not likely have seen and/or heard of these horrific conditions.
Speaker: See above.
Date/Context: This particular work was published in 1844, three years after he became a soldier in the Prussian army. At this time in western Europe, factory conditions were extremely unfavorable. Children were working very long hours and very dangerous jobs and women were expected to work for sustenance while still raising kids and maintaining the household. Strain was evident in all levels of the working class (proletariat) and people desperately wanted change. They were also angry at the fact that owners of large businesses and factories led such carefree lives while others were born into work and died working, too.
Summary: Engels starts the document by explaining that women (at once both wives and mothers) who spend twelve to thirteen hours at the mill and men (at once both husbands and fathers) who work that same amount have no time for children. These children are essentially left to fend for themselves. After giving birth, women are expected to come back to work, yet they cannot breastfeed their newborns. As a result, their breasts hurt and their shirts become soaked with milk; the children often go hungry when the mother is away. Engels uses two women, M.H. and H.W., to reaffirm these claims. He also talks about how narcotics are used to keep the children still in the factory districts and how the separation of women from their children brings about the collapse of society. He ends by saying how fathers are negatively influenced by women being away as well and how children too often grow up without morals because of a lack of parental intervention.
Key Quotation: "The employment of women at once breaks up the family; for when the wife spends twelve or thirteen hours every day in the mill, and the husband works the same length of time there or elsewhere, what becomes of the children?"
Speaker: See above.
Date/Context: This particular work was published in 1844, three years after he became a soldier in the Prussian army. At this time in western Europe, factory conditions were extremely unfavorable. Children were working very long hours and very dangerous jobs and women were expected to work for sustenance while still raising kids and maintaining the household. Strain was evident in all levels of the working class (proletariat) and people desperately wanted change. They were also angry at the fact that owners of large businesses and factories led such carefree lives while others were born into work and died working, too.
Summary: Engels starts the document by explaining that women (at once both wives and mothers) who spend twelve to thirteen hours at the mill and men (at once both husbands and fathers) who work that same amount have no time for children. These children are essentially left to fend for themselves. After giving birth, women are expected to come back to work, yet they cannot breastfeed their newborns. As a result, their breasts hurt and their shirts become soaked with milk; the children often go hungry when the mother is away. Engels uses two women, M.H. and H.W., to reaffirm these claims. He also talks about how narcotics are used to keep the children still in the factory districts and how the separation of women from their children brings about the collapse of society. He ends by saying how fathers are negatively influenced by women being away as well and how children too often grow up without morals because of a lack of parental intervention.
Key Quotation: "The employment of women at once breaks up the family; for when the wife spends twelve or thirteen hours every day in the mill, and the husband works the same length of time there or elsewhere, what becomes of the children?"
Monday, June 1, 2015
The Communist Manifesto
Author: Karl Marx (b. 1818- d. 1883) and Friedrich Engels (b. 1820- d. 1895). Marx was born in Germany and was educated at the University Berlin and University of Bohn. He is reputed for his work as a philosopher, economist, sociologist, historian, and journalist. He is considered one of the most influential economists of all time. Although Marx contributed prolifically to all of these disciplines, his most noted theory was on relationships between society, economics, and politics, called Marxism. In this ideology, Marx denounces Capitalism and predicts that it will eventually give way to a new structure in Socialism. In Marx’s socialist system the workers would rule in a “dictatorship of the proletariat” and would control everything. The final evolution of socialism was communism, a system devoid of social class wherein everything being equal. Friedrich Engels was also born in Germany. He was an openly active atheist and anarchist as a young man, and had to flee the country for sometime. He eventually returned, and was greatly influenced by the work of the great philosopher Georg Hegel. Deeply concerned with their son’s activities, Engels’ parents sent him to England. It was in England where Engels first met Karl Marx. Thus, began a lifelong friendship and co-authorship between the two men.
Context: Their most famous co-authored work the Communist Manifesto, was commissioned by the underground German communist league in 1848. The communist manifesto was originally a series of pamphlets written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Both used their knowledge and careful observation of factories in order to highlight the oppression of the worker. They wanted to change the way that economic systems, and by extension politics operated.
Summary: Marx and Engels open the passage with a brief overview of history and class struggle. They state that in every historical scenario the problem always arose between those that had power, and those that did not. They then note that the current power holder is the bourgeoisie. They assert that he workers, or the proletariat are only items in this grand capitalist scheme, and their only use is to work and die. In the factories the workers are organized into a hierarchy of labors and bosses, all answerable to the bourgeoisie. Marx and Engels advocate for workers unions to alleviate some of the miseries, sufferings, and injustices in the factories. Then Engels and Marx define that communist are for the proletariat as a whole, and fight for all of the workers movement. They argue that all other proletariat parties, including the communists wish to overthrow the middle class and abolish most private property. However, Communism targets the bourgeoisie and advocates abolishing all of their private property. Communists call for an overthrow of the government by the bourgeoisie and advocate for a state ruled by the working classes with ten steps. The ten steps are changes from capitalism starting with the abolition of private property, to state regaled “equality.” Communism will be achieved once everything as Marx and Engle stated was equal. With a chilling finale, both men call for the workers to rise up and forcibly implement this new system in government.
Quote: “The Communists disdain to conceal their views and aims. They openly declare that their ends can be attainted by only the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions. Let the ruling classes tremble at a Communist revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Workers of the world, unite!”
Context: Their most famous co-authored work the Communist Manifesto, was commissioned by the underground German communist league in 1848. The communist manifesto was originally a series of pamphlets written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Both used their knowledge and careful observation of factories in order to highlight the oppression of the worker. They wanted to change the way that economic systems, and by extension politics operated.
Summary: Marx and Engels open the passage with a brief overview of history and class struggle. They state that in every historical scenario the problem always arose between those that had power, and those that did not. They then note that the current power holder is the bourgeoisie. They assert that he workers, or the proletariat are only items in this grand capitalist scheme, and their only use is to work and die. In the factories the workers are organized into a hierarchy of labors and bosses, all answerable to the bourgeoisie. Marx and Engels advocate for workers unions to alleviate some of the miseries, sufferings, and injustices in the factories. Then Engels and Marx define that communist are for the proletariat as a whole, and fight for all of the workers movement. They argue that all other proletariat parties, including the communists wish to overthrow the middle class and abolish most private property. However, Communism targets the bourgeoisie and advocates abolishing all of their private property. Communists call for an overthrow of the government by the bourgeoisie and advocate for a state ruled by the working classes with ten steps. The ten steps are changes from capitalism starting with the abolition of private property, to state regaled “equality.” Communism will be achieved once everything as Marx and Engle stated was equal. With a chilling finale, both men call for the workers to rise up and forcibly implement this new system in government.
Quote: “The Communists disdain to conceal their views and aims. They openly declare that their ends can be attainted by only the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions. Let the ruling classes tremble at a Communist revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Workers of the world, unite!”
The Declaration of Rights of the Men
Author Bio-Arthur Young (11 September 1741 – 12 April 1820) was an English writer on agriculture, economics, social statistics, and campaigner for the rights of agricultural workersYoung's first visit to France was in 1787. Travelling all over that country around the start of the French Revolution, he described the condition of the people and the conduct of public affairs at that critical juncture. The Travels in France appeared in one large quarto volume in 1792, reprinted in two octavo volumes (Dublin, 1793); enlarged second edition in two quarto volumes (London, 1794). On his return home he was appointed secretary of the Board of Agriculture 1793 just formed under the presidency of Sir John Sinclair. In this capacity he gave most valuable assistance in the collection and preparation of agricultural surveys of the English counties. His sight, however, failed, and in 1811 he had an operation for cataract, which proved unsuccessful.
Date and Context- The time when this article publish is the time when Young visit France during the French revolution. As he says the condition and unfairness going in France he write this article.
Summary- In this article the way a men should live describe the article focus on the rights of a free living person. It describes the fact that men are born to live equally no one had any rights to be more superior than other. The article have 17 rights that a person should have the most important one is that the equality among the people there should be no higher classes than humanity everyone is equal in the view of god there is no way that a king will go first in heaven and a peasant go last, everyone should be treated equally.The sources of the Declaration included the major thinkers of the French Enlightenment, such as Montesquieu, who had urged the separation of powers, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who wrote of general will—the concept that the state represents the general will of the citizens. The idea that the individual must be safeguarded against arbitrary police or judicial action was anticipated by the 18th-century parlements, as well as by writers such as Voltaire. French jurists and economists such as the physiocrats had insisted on the inviolability of private property. Other influences on the authors of the Declaration were foreign documents such as the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) in North America and the manifestos of the Dutch Patriot movement of the 1780s. The French Declaration went beyond these models, however, in its scope and in its claim to be based on principles that are fundamental to man and therefore universally applicable.
Key Qoutation-" Men are born and remain free and equal in rights".
Date and Context- The time when this article publish is the time when Young visit France during the French revolution. As he says the condition and unfairness going in France he write this article.
Summary- In this article the way a men should live describe the article focus on the rights of a free living person. It describes the fact that men are born to live equally no one had any rights to be more superior than other. The article have 17 rights that a person should have the most important one is that the equality among the people there should be no higher classes than humanity everyone is equal in the view of god there is no way that a king will go first in heaven and a peasant go last, everyone should be treated equally.The sources of the Declaration included the major thinkers of the French Enlightenment, such as Montesquieu, who had urged the separation of powers, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who wrote of general will—the concept that the state represents the general will of the citizens. The idea that the individual must be safeguarded against arbitrary police or judicial action was anticipated by the 18th-century parlements, as well as by writers such as Voltaire. French jurists and economists such as the physiocrats had insisted on the inviolability of private property. Other influences on the authors of the Declaration were foreign documents such as the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) in North America and the manifestos of the Dutch Patriot movement of the 1780s. The French Declaration went beyond these models, however, in its scope and in its claim to be based on principles that are fundamental to man and therefore universally applicable.
Key Qoutation-" Men are born and remain free and equal in rights".
Principal of Analysis
Author Bio- Sir Isaac Newton ( 25 December 1642 – 20 March 1726/7) was an English physicist and mathematician (described in his own day as a "natural philosopher") who is widely recognised as one of the most influential scientists of all time and as a key figure in the scientific revolution. His book Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica("Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy"), first published in 1687, laid the foundations for classical mechanics. Newton made seminal contributions to optics, and he shares credit with Gottfried Leibniz for the development of calculus.
Date and Context- The time when this article is written up is the time when queen Anne is in the power when the revolution is going in England and between the scientific revolution.
Summary- Newton write about the basics of the world in his book Principlia he mentioned his three most important laws and the way the solar system works. He showed how his inverse square law worked perfectly with Kepler's elliptical orbits; how planets are deflected into orbit around the sun by the pull of the sun's gravity, and how the same principle can be used to explain the orbit of the moon and of Jupiter's moons; he demonstrated that Descartes' theory of vortices lacked the same explanatory power. Working from Halley's research on the subject, he declared that comets transcribed orbits around the sun just as planets did; he calculated the mass of each planet; he used the pull of the sun's gravity to account for the flattening of the Earth at the poles and the bulge at the equator; he used the gravitational pull of the moon and sun to explain the ocean tides. In his account, the entire universe was held together in a web of gravitational pulls, acting on every star, planet, moon and comet; thus Newton rendered the whole universe explainable by a law--subject to the insight of mathematics and the human mind.
Key Quotaion- " And yet we are not to consider the world as the body of god, or several parts thereof, as the parts of God . He is a uniform being, void of organs, members or parts, and they are his creature subordinate to him and subservient to his will..."
Date and Context- The time when this article is written up is the time when queen Anne is in the power when the revolution is going in England and between the scientific revolution.
Summary- Newton write about the basics of the world in his book Principlia he mentioned his three most important laws and the way the solar system works. He showed how his inverse square law worked perfectly with Kepler's elliptical orbits; how planets are deflected into orbit around the sun by the pull of the sun's gravity, and how the same principle can be used to explain the orbit of the moon and of Jupiter's moons; he demonstrated that Descartes' theory of vortices lacked the same explanatory power. Working from Halley's research on the subject, he declared that comets transcribed orbits around the sun just as planets did; he calculated the mass of each planet; he used the pull of the sun's gravity to account for the flattening of the Earth at the poles and the bulge at the equator; he used the gravitational pull of the moon and sun to explain the ocean tides. In his account, the entire universe was held together in a web of gravitational pulls, acting on every star, planet, moon and comet; thus Newton rendered the whole universe explainable by a law--subject to the insight of mathematics and the human mind.
Key Quotaion- " And yet we are not to consider the world as the body of god, or several parts thereof, as the parts of God . He is a uniform being, void of organs, members or parts, and they are his creature subordinate to him and subservient to his will..."
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Reasons for Establishing the Empire
Context:The Senate declared Napoleon Bonaparte supreme Emperor of France. At his Coronation, the Pope was present, but Napoleon crowned himself as Emperor asserting that the Pope did not have power over him. The piece is an address to the Senate recalling the reasons for establishing an empire in place of a Consulate.
Author Bio: Napoléon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and its associated wars. As Napoleon I, he was Emperor of the French from 1804 until 1814, and again in 1815.
Summary: The Document begins by stating how the State of France is strong. He then recalls the state of France prior to his power, in civil war and Anarchy. The Senate was then thanked for its support. He then talked about reform in the Government. He then calls his name the most unquestioned of titles. He concludes by swearing to Senate that if attacked, he will fight back.
Key Quotation: “The oath of Napoleon shall be forever the terror of the enemies of France”
Virtue and Terror
Author Bio: Maximilien Robespierre was a lawyer and politician. He was one of the most known and influential figures of the French Revolution. He was a member of the Estates General, the Constituent Assembly and the Jacobins Club. Robespierre wished a republic would be established, the death penalty and slavery abolished and advocated for universal suffrage and equality. He was known as "the Incorruptible" but also known as a "bloodthirsty dictator" by his enemies and was also a member of the Public Committee for Safety during the Reign of Terror.
Context: This speech was given to the Convention on February 5, 1794. This was during the Reign of Terror that starred the guillotine. During the Terror, anyway suspected of being against the revolutionists were seen as enemies of France were sentenced to death. Robespierre uses this speech as justification for that type of barbarity.
Summary: Robespierre begins his speech by explaining what France and its people are trying to achieve: a prosperous republic of fully equally citizens who can respect their country without knowing horrors like they are experiencing now. He then explains the problems of France, the way everything good is substituted for something corrupt like morality for egoism, the rule of reason for the tyranny of custom and contempt of vice for contempt of misfortune. The people want to stop this terror and these vices and fulfill the duties of nature. He proclaims that only a republican or democratic type of government can achieve these great desires. Robespierre believes that the fundamental principle of a government of these types is virtue. He then goes on to say that in times of revolution, terror is necessary to inflict justice and restore order. He believes that to once again reach a virtuous government one must inflict terror to get rid of those who are disrupting order.
Key Quotation:
"If the strength of popular government in peacetime is virtue, the strength of popular government in revolution is both virtue and terror; terror without virtue is disastrous, virtue without terror is powerless."
"Subdue the enemies of liberty through terror and you will right as founder of the Republic."
The Mortal God
Author: Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was an english philosopher that made huge jumps in the thinkings about absolutism. He is also noted for ideas of liberal thought and these became the foundation for modern philosophy and political science. Hobbes was not only revolutionary in the thoughts about humanity and government, but he was also a historian, mathematician, theologian and physicist. He is best noted for his book Leviathan which this excerpt comes from.
Speaker: See above.
Context: Leviathan was written during the English Civil War and in response to the conflict the book demonstrates a need for a strong central authority that would hinder evil discord and civil war, leading him to desire a government of an absolutist monarchy.
Summary: Hobbes opens by commenting on the nature of man; he believes that nature has made man equal and even though they have different talents when they are all together it does not really make a difference and all men have equal ability. He then laments on the three causes of quarrel: competition, insecurity and glory. Without a common power to make all men equal, men live in a time of war consisting of every man against every man. In this state there is no room for progress and the life of man is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short". He then comes to his conclusion that the only solution to these problems is essentially an absolutist monarch who held sovereignty over his subjects. He also references the social contract theory where man gives up his rights to the government in hopes that the government will protect those rights.
Key Quotation:
- "I authorize and give up my right of governing myself, to this man, or to this assembly of men, on this condition that you give up your right To him, and authorize all his actions in like manner. This done, the multitude so united in one person , is called, a commonwealth...This is the generation of the great Leviathan, or rather, to speak more reverently of that mortal god, to which we own under the immortal God, our peace and defense."
- "And...this person, is called sovereign, and said to have sovereign power; and everyone besides, his subject."
Friday, May 29, 2015
The Spirit of the Laws by Baron de Montesquieu
Author: The author of The Spirit of the Laws is Baron de Montesquieu. Montesquieu is known for questioning contemporary society as well as his beliefs in the separation of powers (Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches). He believed in shared power in the government in order to prevent tyrannical rulers. He best known work is The Spirit of the Laws, which was written in 1748.
Speaker: See Above
Date/ Context: In 1748, Louis XIV reign was coming to an end. He had built the palace Versailles to distract the nobles from the corruption of his reign. One noble however, Montesquieu, was not fooled by the palace. Montesquieu often wrote about the corruption and tyranny of Louis XIV’s rule. This primary document, The Spirit of the Laws, is his most well known work on the separation of powers and the downfalls of an absolutist ruler. This primary document was so controversial it was banned by the pope.
Summary: This primary document begins by explaining that if the legislative branch, who makes the laws, and the executive branch, who enforce the laws, are controlled by the same person liberty for the people can not be achieved. In addition, Montesquieu states that if all three branches of government, the executive, legislative, and judicial branch are ruled by the same person liberty can not be achieved. The document then goes on to state that in France, there is no liberty because France is ruled by an absolute ruler, which Montesquieu refers to as despotic. Overall, Montesquieu is trying to express that liberty and the rights of citizens can only be preserved through democracy and separated powers and not through an absolute ruler.
Key Quotes:
“When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty…”
“Again there is no liberty if the power of judging be not separated from the legislative and executive powers.”
"The Fall of the Bastille"
Author: Although there is no technical author of this document assumptions can still be made. The footnotes tell us that the document is made from an accumulation of eyewitness accounts from contemporaries of the revolution. From this, we can infer that the authors were mostly nobles, since the lower classes were mostly illiterate. In addition, many of the information provided is from the point of view of the people behind the gates of the Bastille, which supports the fact that it is a noble supporting Louis XVI. It is possible that the account is from a soldier, however mostly were slaughtered in the initial storming.
Data/Context: The Bastille was a prison for political opposers of the Old Regime. Therefore, it served as a symbol for the monarchical despotism of France. However, the Bastille was raided by a mob of nearly 200,000 people in an effort to show Louis XVI their strength. Once inside, the mob freed the remaining prisoners and grabbed all firearms within the grounds. Then, the officers and military inside were slaughtered unless they defected from the regime and joined the people. The event, which happened on July 14, 1789, is considered to be the catalyst for the French Revolution as a whole.
Summary: The people of France were upon the Bastille. The soldiers inside could either commit a murder-suicide with explosives, or allow the people to enter. Upon being promised a safe imprisonment, they opened the gates and let down the bridge. However, the enraged people murdered and humiliated the soldiers despite the efforts of those who promised them safety. Afterwards, the Marquis de Liancourt informed the King of the Bastille's whereabouts, where the recognition of the revolution began.
Key Quote: "'It is then a revolt.' 'No sire,' replied the duke. 'It is a revolution.'"
politics and scripture
author bio:Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet was a French bishop and theologian, renowned for his sermons and other addresses. He has been considered by many to be one of the most brilliant orators of all time and a masterly French stylist.
Date/Context: (1679)- Monarchical government is the best form.
summary: is a work of political theory prepared by Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet as part of his duties as tutor for Louis XIV's heir apparent, Louis, le Grand Dauphin. It is one of the purest expressions of the branch ofpolitical absolutism which historians have labeled "Divine Right Absolute Monarchy."
Key Quote: Kings Should respect their powers and only employ them for the general good.
Date/Context: (1679)- Monarchical government is the best form.
summary: is a work of political theory prepared by Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet as part of his duties as tutor for Louis XIV's heir apparent, Louis, le Grand Dauphin. It is one of the purest expressions of the branch ofpolitical absolutism which historians have labeled "Divine Right Absolute Monarchy."
Key Quote: Kings Should respect their powers and only employ them for the general good.
A Citizen devoted to the republic
Author Bio: Napoléon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and its associated wars. As Napoleon I, he was Emperor of the French from 1804 until 1814, and again in 1815.
Date/Context: (November 10,1799) I found division among all authorities , and agreement upon one point, namely, the constitution was half destroyed..
Summary: This is basically a lot of napoleon gloating and describing what he has accomplished.
Key quote: All parties came to me, confined to me their designs, disclose their secrets and request my support
Date/Context: (November 10,1799) I found division among all authorities , and agreement upon one point, namely, the constitution was half destroyed..
Summary: This is basically a lot of napoleon gloating and describing what he has accomplished.
Key quote: All parties came to me, confined to me their designs, disclose their secrets and request my support
The people of the fatherland
Author bio: Johann Gottlieb Fichte was a German philosopher. He was one of the founding figures of the philosophical movement known as German idealism, which developed from the theoretical and ethical writings of Immanuel Kant.
Date/Context: 1807-1808, like italy, Germany did not achieve unification until 1871. But there were those who who provided the philosophical and idealistic foundation for later policies that would prove more practical.
Summary: Fichte asserts that their oldest common ancestors set themselves bravely in opposition to the worldwide rule of the Romans, and believes that German's now faced with Napoleonic rule should do the same. Fichte asks, why would the German's just give up everything their ancestors fought for and succumb to the Napoleon and his tyrannical rule. He maintains that Germans should fight to be Germans, not the subjects of other, more powerful nations.
Key Quote: a true German could wish to live only to and to remain a German, and to have his sons the same.
Date/Context: 1807-1808, like italy, Germany did not achieve unification until 1871. But there were those who who provided the philosophical and idealistic foundation for later policies that would prove more practical.
Summary: Fichte asserts that their oldest common ancestors set themselves bravely in opposition to the worldwide rule of the Romans, and believes that German's now faced with Napoleonic rule should do the same. Fichte asks, why would the German's just give up everything their ancestors fought for and succumb to the Napoleon and his tyrannical rule. He maintains that Germans should fight to be Germans, not the subjects of other, more powerful nations.
Key Quote: a true German could wish to live only to and to remain a German, and to have his sons the same.
The Wealth of Nations
Author Bio: Adam Smith (1723-1790), also know as the Father of modern economics, was a Scottish philosopher, economist, and a key figure during the Enlightenment period. He attended the University of Glasgow, where he studied social philosophy; He eventually became a Professor for the same university. He is known for developing the idea of a free market economy. One of his most famous works, "The Wealth of Nations" is considered one of the first works about economics.
Speaker: See above.
Date/Context: This document was created in 1776. It focuses on how we as humans participate in trader, interactions with others, and trade with other nations. This document is considered the original works on economics.
Summary:
Speaker: See above.
Date/Context: This document was created in 1776. It focuses on how we as humans participate in trader, interactions with others, and trade with other nations. This document is considered the original works on economics.
Summary:
- Human Nature and the Division of Labor
- Man, unlike other animal species, will always need assistance/interaction with one another.Usually in the animal kingdom, species become completely independent when they are grown. For Man, he shall rely on the help from his fellow being, However, he should never expect it. When we are born, we are all basically the same. Technically in the early stages of our childhood, we do not differentiate from others. It is not until we choose a specific occupation that we begin to become different. We develop different experiences and receive specific education.
- The Invisible Hand**
- When it is our goal to promote ourselves, we actually promote our society. We try to make something out of ourselves, and in doing so, we basically make our nation better, economically. Though we are only trying to watch out for ourselves, we are actually helping the "revenue" of our society.
- Unreasonableness of Restraints**
- Trade among other countries should happen peacefully without conflict. However, this act of buying and selling creates so much antipathy; Feared to be the nature of human affairs. In many European countries such as Great Britain, they focus on trying to withhold trade from foreign manufacturers. This restraint favors the body of the people.
Key Quotations:
- "The difference of natural talents in different men is, in reality, much less than we are aware of..."
- "...every individual necessarily labours to render the annual revenue of the society as great as he can. He generally, indeed, neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows hoe much he is promoting it."
- "Commerce, which ought naturally to be, amongst nations, as among individuals, a bond of union and friendship, has become the most fertile source of discord and animosity.."
Thursday, May 28, 2015
The Blank State of the Mind
Author Bio: Born in 1632 and died in 1704, John Locke is considered one of the most important individuals during the Scientific Revolution. He attended University at Oxford, and eventually became a Physician. He was very interested in Human interaction; how people create them and how they are handled. His works and philosophies helped with the inspiration of the American and French Revolutions.
Speaker: See Above.
Date/Context: The time period of this document is during the years of Enlightenment/Scientific Revolution. Specifically in 1690, this document focuses on the human mind molds life experiences. Another thing discussed is if we are born with opinions/ideas, or if we create them as we age.
Summary: One of his most well know works, this document focuses on the question: Are children born with any innate ideas that have been inherited from parents, or are all ideas products of associations with society? Many men believe that when we are born, our minds have already created ideas about may things. But for others, our minds are blank canvases; no characters or any ideas. So how do we paint our canvas and create a picture? Experience. That is how we form our knowledge. External objects (experiences from life), are what mold and nourish the mind. If we placed a child where they were to never experience anything but just a world of black and white, they would not see the spectrum of color that the world provides to us.
Key Quotations:
Speaker: See Above.
Date/Context: The time period of this document is during the years of Enlightenment/Scientific Revolution. Specifically in 1690, this document focuses on the human mind molds life experiences. Another thing discussed is if we are born with opinions/ideas, or if we create them as we age.
Summary: One of his most well know works, this document focuses on the question: Are children born with any innate ideas that have been inherited from parents, or are all ideas products of associations with society? Many men believe that when we are born, our minds have already created ideas about may things. But for others, our minds are blank canvases; no characters or any ideas. So how do we paint our canvas and create a picture? Experience. That is how we form our knowledge. External objects (experiences from life), are what mold and nourish the mind. If we placed a child where they were to never experience anything but just a world of black and white, they would not see the spectrum of color that the world provides to us.
Key Quotations:
- "It is established opinion among some men, that there are in the understanding certain innate principles, some primary notions, characters, as it were stamped upon the mind of man, which the soul receives in its very first being and brings into the world with it.
- "External objects furnish the mind with the ideas of sensible qualities, which are all those different perceptions they produce in us.
- "...if a child were kept in a place where he never saw any other but black and white till he were a man, he would have no more ideas of scarlet or green that he that from his childhood never tasted an oyster r a pineapple has of those particular relishes..."
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
What is Enlightenment?
Author: Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher who is widely considered to be a central figure of modern philosophy. He argued that fundamental concepts structure human experience, and that reason is the source of morality.
Context: Written in 1784, although Kant lived in Germany he was no doubt influenced by the Revolution in France.
Summary: Seeks to "accept the rationalism of the Enlightenment while still preserving a belief in human freedom." This particular document concisely describes the goals and ideas of the Enlightenment.
Quote: "Dare to Know! Have courage to use your own reason!”
Luxury, Debauchery, and Lavish Expenditures
Luxury, Debauchery, and Lavish Expenditures (II, 105)
Author Bio: “Marquis de Ferrieres was a conservative noble, yet still a severe critic of the monarchy , the nobility, and revolutionaries.
Date/Context: This piece is in reference to the clergy of the time.
Summary:
De Ferrieres begins the document by mentioning that there were dioceses of all sizes, some quite large, and some with only fifteen families. He complains some priests that did their jobs properly received very little pay, and those who didn’t do much were overpaid. The king was responsible for choosing the bishops, and they didn’t appoint bishops with the most credentials, but the ones of families with a greater influence. He describes his distaste for this idea by saying “What evils have not resulted from this!” He mentioned that the bishops incapable of doing their job somehow managed to stay in these positions and abused their powers. De Ferrieres ends the document with the statement that “the dioceses remained in the hands of obscure secretaries.”
Key Quotation: “...ecclesiastics who performed no function in the cult and who, residing elsewhere, carried away the revenue of these benefices, dissipating it in luxury, debauchery, and lavish expenditure.”
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
The Tennis Court Oath
Author Bio: No single person wrote the Tennis Court Oath, but it was signed by all but one (576/577) of those who were members of the Third Estate and who were locked out of the Estates-General on June 20, 1789. This men were likely biased in the fact that they were upper class men part of the French political system. They were likely upset with the current status of government, being that Louis XVI wanted to be the absolute ruler but they wanted to institute reforms and have influence as well as the king.
Speaker: See above.
Date/Context: From its inception, the Estates-General was in contention over organizational practices. To combat this, the Third Estate convened to form a new legislative body known as the National Assembly which was formed on June 17, 1789. Three days later, the members of this were locked out of their meeting place (albeit unintentionally) and so they marched to a tennis court to draft a new constitution for France; this would come to be one of the most important documents of the revolution.
Summary: The oath is rather short, but it conveys its meaning with the few words it presents. Essentially, it is split into two parts: (a) naming the extent of influence regarding the National Assembly and (b) stating the purpose of the aforementioned oath. The first part essentially states that the National Assembly was created to establish a constitution for the kingdom, to restore public order, and to maintain the monarchy. It cannot be stopped by anything and wherever its members are assembled there is the National Assembly. The second part of the oath states that this Assembly will not separate and will reassemble when necessary under the constitution of the king. Each member shall ratify this document with their signature. In hindsight, all but one of the 577 members of the Third Estate did indeed ratify it.
Key Quotations: "Decrees that all members of this Assembly shall immediately take a solemn oath not to separate, and to reassemble wherever circumstances require, until the constitution of the kingdom is established and consolidated upon firm foundations..."
Speaker: See above.
Date/Context: From its inception, the Estates-General was in contention over organizational practices. To combat this, the Third Estate convened to form a new legislative body known as the National Assembly which was formed on June 17, 1789. Three days later, the members of this were locked out of their meeting place (albeit unintentionally) and so they marched to a tennis court to draft a new constitution for France; this would come to be one of the most important documents of the revolution.
Summary: The oath is rather short, but it conveys its meaning with the few words it presents. Essentially, it is split into two parts: (a) naming the extent of influence regarding the National Assembly and (b) stating the purpose of the aforementioned oath. The first part essentially states that the National Assembly was created to establish a constitution for the kingdom, to restore public order, and to maintain the monarchy. It cannot be stopped by anything and wherever its members are assembled there is the National Assembly. The second part of the oath states that this Assembly will not separate and will reassemble when necessary under the constitution of the king. Each member shall ratify this document with their signature. In hindsight, all but one of the 577 members of the Third Estate did indeed ratify it.
Key Quotations: "Decrees that all members of this Assembly shall immediately take a solemn oath not to separate, and to reassemble wherever circumstances require, until the constitution of the kingdom is established and consolidated upon firm foundations..."
Monday, May 25, 2015
"On Universal Toleration"
Author Bio: Voltaire (1694-1778), a French philosopher, is considered to be the epitome of a philosopher of the Enlightenment. He wrote a myriad of literature, including histories, novels, drama, and satires. His writing style derives from his natural wit and his intellectual maturity. He strongly opposed organized religion and absolutism, but he promoted religious tolerance and the idea of "deism," which is the rejection of organized religion but he belief in the existence of God. He also traveled around western Europe and adopted the ideas of other philosophers and scientists at the time, such as John Locke and Sir Isaac Newton.
Speaker: See above
Data/Context: The document provided is from one of Voltaire's most famous works, Treatise on Toleration. The main focus of this literature is promotion of tolerance between religions. He especially targets the harsh fanaticism of the Jesuit Society and their superstitions around religion.
Summary: Voltaire starts out by stating the obvious: Christians ought to be able to tolerate one another. He basically compares us to ants and and satirically implies that it is wrong to say “my ant-hill is alone cherished by god.” His basic and most important message is that all men are brothers made by a Deity and we should all join together in peace, worship, and praise as opposed to hatred.
Key Quote: "May all men remember that they are brethren! May they alike abhor that tyranny which seeks to subject the freedom of the will, as they do the rapine which tears from the arms of industry the fruits of its peaceful labors!"
Speaker: See above
Data/Context: The document provided is from one of Voltaire's most famous works, Treatise on Toleration. The main focus of this literature is promotion of tolerance between religions. He especially targets the harsh fanaticism of the Jesuit Society and their superstitions around religion.
Summary: Voltaire starts out by stating the obvious: Christians ought to be able to tolerate one another. He basically compares us to ants and and satirically implies that it is wrong to say “my ant-hill is alone cherished by god.” His basic and most important message is that all men are brothers made by a Deity and we should all join together in peace, worship, and praise as opposed to hatred.
Key Quote: "May all men remember that they are brethren! May they alike abhor that tyranny which seeks to subject the freedom of the will, as they do the rapine which tears from the arms of industry the fruits of its peaceful labors!"
Saturday, May 23, 2015
"Utopian Socialism"
Author Bio: Robert Owen (1771 - 1858) - born in a lower class family as the son of a saddle maker; at eighteen years old, set up a cotton mill which became incredibly successful within the following decade; for his workers, he provided high wages, above-par working conditions, and free schooling for their children; still made a large profit; wished to incorporate these and other goals into governmental legislation; considered the father of English socialism.
Speaker: see above
Speaker: see above
Date/Context: This speech was giving at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in 1816 at the opening of an “Institution for the Formation of Character.” Due to the rapid expansion of mechanized industry brought on by the Industrial Revolution, one should note that Robert Owen’s speech might be a bit too reactionary. The new, oppressive conditions found in many factories were a fresh issue in people’s minds, and especially without any legislation to protect the workers, some people might have excessively rebelled against these factories and their owners.
Summary: Every society has been founded on the following ideals. One, people can form their own character. This leads to religion as well as crime and punishment. It also leads to mutual hatred between people, groups, and nations. Two, people tend to lose their character while suffering through domestic life. This leads to half of all of humanity's crimes. Three, a majority of the population must live in poverty so that the rich minority can revel in their wealth. This leads to man fighting against one another as well as ignorance and vice. However, upon closer inspection of the facts, different truths are revealed. One, a person’s character is formed for them and not by them. Two, any character can be given to anyone. Three, people do not tend to lose their character. Four, everyone can produce more than they need which leads to a surplus in clothes, food, or whatever it is that that person creates. Five, everyone can be happy; there does not have to be a balance between a happy minority and distraught majority. Six, there exists a combination of the above principles that creates a society in which misery, poverty, and crime will be nearly abolished; everyone will live harmoniously in that society. Seven, a large portion of the principles that society has been run on up to this point are utterly incorrect. Eight, the change from the foundations of the past to the bright ideals of the future will not harm anyone. These are the points that society must change. Everyone has to play a part to fix the world. However, it is absolutely imperative that it happen gradually, for if it does not, the men who wish to fight against the change will injure the world further. The rest of society must change their perception to be able to fix their opinions of the world. To bring attention to their blindness will only irritate them, but this irritation must be soothed before the next step can be taken. After that however, reaching the goal will be swift due to the lack of obstacles presenting themselves. These thoughts and ideals have been offered unto humanity in the past. Even so, I believe that I have been the first one to combine them. Only by bringing them all together can they effectively create a new government in this time.
Key Quotations: “That any community may be arranged, on a due combination of the foregoing principles, in such a manner, as not only to withdraw vice, poverty, and, in a great degree, misery, from the world, but also to place every individual under circumstances in which he shall enjoy more permanent happiness than can be given to any individual under the principles which have hitherto regulated society.”
“That the change which would follow the abandonment of those erroneous maxims which bring misery into the world, and the adoption of principles of truth, unfolding a system which shall remove and for ever exclude that misery, may be effected without the slightest injury to any human being.”
Summary: Every society has been founded on the following ideals. One, people can form their own character. This leads to religion as well as crime and punishment. It also leads to mutual hatred between people, groups, and nations. Two, people tend to lose their character while suffering through domestic life. This leads to half of all of humanity's crimes. Three, a majority of the population must live in poverty so that the rich minority can revel in their wealth. This leads to man fighting against one another as well as ignorance and vice. However, upon closer inspection of the facts, different truths are revealed. One, a person’s character is formed for them and not by them. Two, any character can be given to anyone. Three, people do not tend to lose their character. Four, everyone can produce more than they need which leads to a surplus in clothes, food, or whatever it is that that person creates. Five, everyone can be happy; there does not have to be a balance between a happy minority and distraught majority. Six, there exists a combination of the above principles that creates a society in which misery, poverty, and crime will be nearly abolished; everyone will live harmoniously in that society. Seven, a large portion of the principles that society has been run on up to this point are utterly incorrect. Eight, the change from the foundations of the past to the bright ideals of the future will not harm anyone. These are the points that society must change. Everyone has to play a part to fix the world. However, it is absolutely imperative that it happen gradually, for if it does not, the men who wish to fight against the change will injure the world further. The rest of society must change their perception to be able to fix their opinions of the world. To bring attention to their blindness will only irritate them, but this irritation must be soothed before the next step can be taken. After that however, reaching the goal will be swift due to the lack of obstacles presenting themselves. These thoughts and ideals have been offered unto humanity in the past. Even so, I believe that I have been the first one to combine them. Only by bringing them all together can they effectively create a new government in this time.
Key Quotations: “That any community may be arranged, on a due combination of the foregoing principles, in such a manner, as not only to withdraw vice, poverty, and, in a great degree, misery, from the world, but also to place every individual under circumstances in which he shall enjoy more permanent happiness than can be given to any individual under the principles which have hitherto regulated society.”
“That the change which would follow the abandonment of those erroneous maxims which bring misery into the world, and the adoption of principles of truth, unfolding a system which shall remove and for ever exclude that misery, may be effected without the slightest injury to any human being.”
The Efficiency of the Domestic Economy
Context: This was written in 1664 on trading. It is a letter to the town Marseilles to encourage trade. He wants to improve his own country's economy with the help of others. This type of letter was a very typical letter from Louis XIV.
Author: The author of this letter is King Louis XIV of France. This was written towards the beginning of his reign which lasted from 1643 to 1716. Louis XIV, known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, was a monarch of the House of Bourbon who ruled as King of France from 1643 until his death.
Summarize: This is a letter to the town of Marseilles from King Louis XIV to explain how their foreign and domestic commerce. Marseilles is an essential trading center and is required to support the empire through commerce in exchange for security and governance. They decided to create a council that is devoted to commerce for the revival. The plan was to set aside livres (French currency) to be used for manufactures and navigation each year to support the companies of the East and West Indies. They are working to abolish tolls collected on rivers and give money to repair highways. Merchants and sea traders will receive subsides for each ton of merchandise they import or export. He explains that he wants the men of Marseilles to participate in commerce.
Quotation: "How advantageous it would be to this realm to reestablish its foreign and domestic commerce"
"Reality Check: An Update on the Political Rights of Women"
Author Bio: Committee of General Security (1792-1794) - part of the French Revolutionary government; controlled the police and the judicial system; administered the Reign of Terror.
Speaker: see above
Date/Context: The Committee was formed in 1792, so the document was presumably written around the same time. This was in the middle of the French Revolution while many French supported liberty and equality. Considering most of the proletariat were part of these uprisings, women took a stand on what they wished to have in the future government. The official government, otherwise known as the Convention, was presented with the issue of complaints about the planned dissolution of the Society of Revolutionary Republican Women. However, this Committee was most likely composed of men considering their stance on this issues which will be revealed in the summary (which will be told in the same perspective that it was written in).
Summary: In its investigation, the Committee attempted to answer two questions: Can women play a significant role in government? and can they join governmental associations? The Committee answers no to both of these. In regards to the first question, running the government requires extensive knowledge and training. One needs to have the utmost attention to the issues at hand. The Committee looked into the past and saw very few examples to support the assertion that women can do any of the aforementioned tasks. In reference to the second question, governmental councils are meant to complete a multitude of tasks including tracking the enemy, keeping a watchful eye on citizens, and facilitating the understanding of governmental decisions through debates. Women cannot effectively complete these tasks due to the difference between men and women that nature has provided. These contrasting factors allow women to maintain the general order of society instead. Man contrasts with woman by being strong and robust; he is able to brave all of the dangers of the world and can take charge of people if need be. Nature has given women separate aspects to their personality. They can educate, prepare young children, and elevate their souls into adulthood. However, their most important job is to keep good care of the house. Women’s naturally modest nature prevents their morals from shining through, and morals constitute the foundation of the republic. All in all, women should have no say in government whatsoever.
Key Quotations:
“(1) Can women exercise political rights and take an active part in affairs of government? (2) Can they deliberate together in political associations or popular societies? With respect to these two questions, the Committee decided in the negative.”
“In general, women are ill suited for elevated thoughts and serious meditations...”
Speaker: see above
Date/Context: The Committee was formed in 1792, so the document was presumably written around the same time. This was in the middle of the French Revolution while many French supported liberty and equality. Considering most of the proletariat were part of these uprisings, women took a stand on what they wished to have in the future government. The official government, otherwise known as the Convention, was presented with the issue of complaints about the planned dissolution of the Society of Revolutionary Republican Women. However, this Committee was most likely composed of men considering their stance on this issues which will be revealed in the summary (which will be told in the same perspective that it was written in).
Summary: In its investigation, the Committee attempted to answer two questions: Can women play a significant role in government? and can they join governmental associations? The Committee answers no to both of these. In regards to the first question, running the government requires extensive knowledge and training. One needs to have the utmost attention to the issues at hand. The Committee looked into the past and saw very few examples to support the assertion that women can do any of the aforementioned tasks. In reference to the second question, governmental councils are meant to complete a multitude of tasks including tracking the enemy, keeping a watchful eye on citizens, and facilitating the understanding of governmental decisions through debates. Women cannot effectively complete these tasks due to the difference between men and women that nature has provided. These contrasting factors allow women to maintain the general order of society instead. Man contrasts with woman by being strong and robust; he is able to brave all of the dangers of the world and can take charge of people if need be. Nature has given women separate aspects to their personality. They can educate, prepare young children, and elevate their souls into adulthood. However, their most important job is to keep good care of the house. Women’s naturally modest nature prevents their morals from shining through, and morals constitute the foundation of the republic. All in all, women should have no say in government whatsoever.
Key Quotations:
“(1) Can women exercise political rights and take an active part in affairs of government? (2) Can they deliberate together in political associations or popular societies? With respect to these two questions, the Committee decided in the negative.”
“In general, women are ill suited for elevated thoughts and serious meditations...”
Friday, May 22, 2015
Science & The Bible
Author Bio: Galileo Galilei, was an Italian astronomer, physicist, engineer, philosopher, and mathematician who played a major role in the scientific revolution during the Renaissance. He is widely heralded as one of the greatest scientists of all time.
Speaker: See above
Date/Context: 1615, its like a page and a half so look on page 42
Summary:The intention of this letter was to accommodate Copernicanism with the doctrines of the Catholic Church. Galileo tried to use the ideas of Church Fathers and Doctors to show that the condemnation of Copernicanism would be inappropriate.
Key Quotes: From this i do not mean to infer that we need not have an extraordinary esteem for the passages of holy scripture.
Speaker: See above
Date/Context: 1615, its like a page and a half so look on page 42
Summary:The intention of this letter was to accommodate Copernicanism with the doctrines of the Catholic Church. Galileo tried to use the ideas of Church Fathers and Doctors to show that the condemnation of Copernicanism would be inappropriate.
Key Quotes: From this i do not mean to infer that we need not have an extraordinary esteem for the passages of holy scripture.
"The Indifferent Nobility"
Author Bio: Louis Philippe Compte de Segur (1773 - 1850) - father supported the French revolution of the early 19th century; consistently supported the revolution himself; cousin, Louis XVIII retook the throne, however, they disagreed on many policies; supported by the liberal upper class; forced abdication of his cousin after attempts to instill a pre-revolutionary monarchy Louis Philippe was elected into position of King by the parliament; known as “King of the French”; promoted colonialism that ultimately failed; recognized Belgium as independent; a new mob appeared toward the end of his reign asking for voting rights for the middle class. The attempt at controlling them failed, and they ended up abdicating Louis Philippe and establishing the French Second Republic.
Speaker: See above
Date/Context: This was presumably written from 1793-1830, for that was the time between him fleeing France and returning while being named king. Compte de Segur wrote about the nobility as one of the “Estates” or classes of French at the time. The First Estate was the clergy; the Second Estate was the nobles, who Compte de Segur writes about here; and the Third Estate was composed of everyone else in the kingdom. There was even fighting in the classes. Rights and privileges were determined on one’s class which upset many as they did not have a political voice. Compte de Segur’s flight from France creates a notably harsh tone towards the ruling and powerful classes of the nation, for he was threatened with death because of his dissent against them.
Summary: The royal families believe that their position is safe and intact. They continuously believe that they will not lose their power. However, they only ever discuss trivial matters and not of improving the lives of their citizens. They were easily manipulated by others, and now, they regard the shifting of power and influence as an unwarranted assault on their power.
Key Quotations: “The heads of the old noble families, believing themselves as unshakeable as the monarchy, slept without fear upon a volcano.”
“Indifferent to the real affairs of state as to their provinces, others by their own intendants...”
Speaker: See above
Date/Context: This was presumably written from 1793-1830, for that was the time between him fleeing France and returning while being named king. Compte de Segur wrote about the nobility as one of the “Estates” or classes of French at the time. The First Estate was the clergy; the Second Estate was the nobles, who Compte de Segur writes about here; and the Third Estate was composed of everyone else in the kingdom. There was even fighting in the classes. Rights and privileges were determined on one’s class which upset many as they did not have a political voice. Compte de Segur’s flight from France creates a notably harsh tone towards the ruling and powerful classes of the nation, for he was threatened with death because of his dissent against them.
Summary: The royal families believe that their position is safe and intact. They continuously believe that they will not lose their power. However, they only ever discuss trivial matters and not of improving the lives of their citizens. They were easily manipulated by others, and now, they regard the shifting of power and influence as an unwarranted assault on their power.
Key Quotations: “The heads of the old noble families, believing themselves as unshakeable as the monarchy, slept without fear upon a volcano.”
“Indifferent to the real affairs of state as to their provinces, others by their own intendants...”
Thursday, May 21, 2015
The Social Contract: Rosseau (II 76)
Author Bio: Rousseau was born in 1712 and died in 1778. He was a political philosopher who Believed that man was good when in a state of nature. He was known for his controversial views on religion and questioned the assumption that the will of the majority is always correct.
The Social Contract (1762) that the state of nature was a primitive and in brutish condition, without law or morality, which humans deliberately left for the benefits and necessity of cooperation.
Date/Context: The Social Contract was written in 1762.
Summary: Rousseau states in the first sentence that man faces crisis when they have insufficient personal strength to deal with the problem. He also says that the “force and liberty of a man are the chief instruments of his preservation.” Rousseau asks the reader to consider thinking about a form of association where while still being part of a whole group, you can focus on your individual needs and property. He says that the social contract theory is the solution for this because it does not exist, at least as far as he can see. Rousseau encourages the reader to remember one single point if nothing else. It is “The total alienation of each associate, and all his rights, to the whole community.” His goal is to create a “moral, collective body” of persons. Rousseau believes that each man is entitled to a private will that is different from his will that comes from being a citizen. In order for the Social Contract Theory to be successful according to Rousseau, is to obey the general will because this guarantees his absolute personal independence.
Key Quotation: “force and liberty of a man are the chief instruments of his preservation.” (76)
"Vanity Was His Ruin"
Author: The author of this primary document is the Duke of Saint-Simon. He was a soldier, diplomat and writer. Duke of Saint Simon was born in Paris and was part of the feudal nobility under Louis XIV. He often wrote about the life and accomplishments of Louis XIV.
Speaker: See Above
Date/ Context: Louis the XIV was the ruler of France during this time period. He named himself the ruler of France and dubbed himself the Sun King. While he was the absolute ruler of France he created the palace of Versailles to distract the nobles from the problems and corruption in France.
Summary: “Vanity Was His Ruin” was written by Duke of Saint Simon who was a noble Louis XIV was trying to distract from the corruption of his rule. This primary document shows how Duke of Saint Simon was not pleased with the rule of Louis XIV and states many examples of his corruption. The Duke believes that Louis XIV was born a good king and was given power by God but his education and responsibility lacks. Finally, the Duke of Saint- Simon tells the reader how the King’s daily activities and diet was also flawed.
Key Quotes:
“ God had sufficiently gifted him to enable him to be a good King; perhaps even a tolerably great King! All the evil came to him from elsewhere.”
On the Movement of the Earth
Author Bio: Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) is mostly credited for being a polish astronomer and mathematician in the renaissance, however Copernicus is truly a renaissance man due to his well roundedness and contributions in other fields. In his time he was also a polyglot, polymath, physician, governor, diplomat and economist. He is most noted for his work On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres which he published at the end of his life. Many think that he might have done this because of the church’s strong refutation of science at this time. Case in point, if he published his life’s work on his death bed the church could not condemn him directly.
Speaker: See previous description above.
Date/Context: During this period, Europe was creeping out of the middle ages with an explosion of scientific discoveries. However, two fields collided when the church put the kibosh on a lot of scientific advances because it felt threatened. Copernicus directly resembles that strongly because he had to publish his life’s work on his death bed, but when his work finally made a presence in the scientific community, it catalyzed the Copernican Revolution. Scientist like Brahe and Kepler joined this revolution and made adjustment to the previous’ theories as time passed.
Summary: In this passage, Copernicus directly address that many of the people reading the book will disregard his researched information just because it rejects the reasoning of the church. Copernicus then goes on to explain his complex before writing this book. In summary, the research before his own was very inconsistent and inconclusive. The previous mathematicians refused to use the same principals and ask the same controlled questions. Therefore, Copernicus could not base any of his new research on their incorrect results. He then went on the research many philosophers to figure out if anyone contemplated the motion of our solar system. Through his readings, Copernicus discovered that a handful of individuals agreed that the Earth had motion. He then deduced that the other planets should have the same motion as the Earth.
Key Quotations:
- I have at last discovered that, if the motions of the rest of the planets be brought into relation to the circles of the earth and be reckoned in proportion to the circles of each plaent
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)