Ch. 16: Atlantic Revolutions, Global Echoes

Main Idea and Key Concepts

The Atlantic Revolutions were a result of new enlightenment ideas and resulted in the creation of numerous revolutions. As a result of those revolution other events unfolded such as the beginning of the abolition of slavery and the first wave feminist movement. Nationalism additionally became a worldwide concept influencing most of the world by the 19th century and helped to drive innovation as a result of competitiveness.

Chapter 16- Notes

Atlantic Revolutions Worldwide-

Revolutions occurred in North America, France, Haiti, and Latin America in context to expensive wars and unstable commercialization. Sparked by the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers various controversies emerged challenging several long standing ideas, traditions, and laws.

The American Revolution 1775-1787

The official American Revolution began with the creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, thus launching a unified assault by the thirteen colonies against the British. Previously the North American colonies were left to fend for themselves which lead to local elected officials leading the colonies. This was a result of the British being more invested in the much more profitable West Indian colonies. Additionally at the same time the British was preoccupied fighting against France which was draining on Britain's funds. The beginning of the American Revolution was actually a result of Britain attempting to tighten its control of its North American colonies with the introduction of the Stamp Act and other taxes. The introduction of the Stamp Act and other various taxes infuriated the colonists since they were used to mercantilism without taxes. As a result jump-started the Democratic ideas in the North American colonies.

The French Revolution 1789-1815

French soldiers returning from aiding the newly liberated Americans were infused with ideas freedom and equality. Louis XVI called the Estates General meeting. The First and Second, the clergy, wealthy, and noblemen, two percent of France's population. The Third Estate, the commoners, the rest of the population. While attending the Estates General The Third Estate wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which stated that all men are born free and equal in rights. Further along ideas from the Enlightenment influenced the French to become a more violent revolution, leading to the execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette in 1793. French revolutionaries decided to create a new France from scratch. Instead of creating a new better society, created a violent warring country. Napoleon Bonaparte tamed the revolution and focused on increasing the territory of France.

The Haitian Revolution 1791-1804

The Haitian Revolution began in the colony Saint Domingue later renamed Haiti. This colony boasted about 500,000 slaves as the main labor force. However the white population in Saint Domingue was only about 40,000 individuals. The variety of reasons to start a revolution differed from greater economic conquests to equality and freedom for slaves. Lead by Toussaint Louverture the slave colony revolted against France, joined by Britain and Spain also seeking to enlarge their own empires defeated the French. Thus the Haitian slave revolt became the only successful slave revolt in history.

Spanish American Revolutions 1808-1825

The Latin American colonies hear the echoes of revolutions around the world, influenced by others the people of Latin America began to revolt. Spanish colonies observed the long standing tradition of the separation of classes in Latin America. Additionally at the same time Napoleon invaded Spain thus weakening its empire. Spain's Latin American colonies saw this opportunity, revolted, and gained its independence from Spain. Although uniting the numerous groups in Latin America the revolution took longer to occur, which was a difference between the Latin American and American revolution.

Abolition of Slavery

Roughly from years 1780-1890 a worldwide movement took place with slavery losing its grip on the world and started to die out. Enlightenment thinkers influenced others and were critical when talking about the subject of slavery. Soon empires began to forbid the sale of slaves, Britain in 1807 forbade the sale of slaves in its empire. However some nation resisted the call of dropping slavery, one such was the newly liberated United States of America. However although slaves were freed most lived in slave like conditions for the following decades.

Nationalism

Additionally to contributing to the end of slavery nationalism influenced countries to compete against the other to become the best. Thus nationalism drove innovations and technological progress worldwide. Nationalism spread worldwide to become and influential and very powerful idea in the 19th century. Soon thereafter ethnic groups started to identify themselves more prominently and founded new countries. Examples include Egypt for the Egyptians and Japan for the Japanese.

The Beginnings of Feminism

Another echo from the Atlantic revolutions was the first wave Feminist movement. Enlightenment thinkers challenged several ancient traditions one of those was the traditional male patriarchy. With the growing middle class as a result of the Industrial Revolution women's voices began to be heard, searching for equality. As communication became easier among countries women began to become more organized and created conventions to express their views. One result of a unified movement was by 1900 women gained access to be able to attend universities.