Napoleon

     Napoleon had a large influence on the social, political, and economic systems in France. He also largely influenced the other European countries during that time. Once Napoleon would conquer a country they were under french control. Because of this more citizens had rights to property and access to education than before his rule. He also reorganized the institute of Egypt, and began the study of ancient Egypt.
     Napoleon favored the rights of the common citizens. Taking away the directory and giving common people more rights were only a few things he did in their favor. Not everyone favored Napoleon, especially not nobility. Since France was ruled by monarchy before the revolution, nobles would always have high positions in government. Napoleon disagreed with this method and elected people jobs by how qualified they are, not from their wealth or social connection. Madame de Stael was an example of someone who opposed this way of government.  Since she was apart of nobility, all of her power was taken away as soon as Napoleon came into rule.

(picture from class notes)

Congress of Vienna

     In class we discussed the Congress of Vienna and what people in power should do when their power is threatened. We also talked about Klemens Von Metternich and his conservative mind set when dealing with Napoleon as well as France. He feels as though Europe should go back the the original boarders before the French Revolution, therefore less conflict irrupts.

     A reaction of European powers when they defeated the threat of Napoleon was balance of powers. This reversed the changes of Napoleon's conquest and maintained a balance of power between Russia, Prussia, Austria, Britain, and France. Since The other countries didn't want to be taken over by French rule again, they gave France back their initial land. Instead of viewing France the country as the enemy, solely Napoleon was. The balance of power was initiated by Czar Alexander of Russia and supported monarch rule. If anyone was to go against this, it was not only against the law but against god, since they believed the monarchs in power were divine.

     Yes, I do believe that the powerful people at the Congress of Vienna made the right choice. Since there is a balance, or split of power, the countries are able to equally rule, and comotion over Napoleon will settle. The representatives were able to focus on the problems caused by the French revolution and attempt to resolve them without holding a grudge. This is shown because the other countries didn't punish France itself, but only forced them to give stolen artwork back to their allies.

(picture taken from class notes)

Social and Political Action

An ideology is a system of ideas and ideals that influence political theory and policy. The major political ideologies of the 19^th century were conservative, liberal, and nationalism. In class we discovered what these were by researching them and creating presentations to show to the class. We learned that a conservative is interested in protecting the people they care about, and support the ability to have free speech and choice. They also value tradition and believe it is the only trust worthy guide to social and political action. A liberal is very open-minded. They are willing to work for the greater good, they also question tradition and campaigned for reform. Lastly nationalism was an ideology that sees the nation as a whole. People were thought to be bound together by language, customs, and history.

Here is our groups project on conservatism:

(will get link from classmate tomorrow)

Our presentation helps define our ideology by giving a clear understanding of what a conservatives thoughts and beliefs were. It’s very clear that a conservative supports the church, monarchy, and tradition and think that those things will lead society on a successful path. Conservatism influenced social and political action by sticking to tradition. Since there is no major change there is less conflict and less fighting between people in general.

Liberalism influenced social and political action by making people speak their own opinion. Since liberals were against tradition and supported reform, they were always eager for change and new ideas. This allowed people to speak their mind therefore new thoughts were born. Nationalism influenced social and political action by creating a sense of unity within a nation. Since people felt they were apart of a whole there was less fighting that broke out, but instead more peace and working together between people.

More Than Just Inventions

     In class we experienced an activity that was similar to Karl Marx's Theory of Communism. Mrs. Gallagher gave most people three chocolates, but two people in the class got ten. The people that had three represented the proletariat and the people with ten represented the bourgeoise. The class then played rock, paper, scissors in order to win more candy. This caused conflict in the class and some of the proletariat were talking about stealing chocolate from the bourgeoise. She then collected the chocolates and reditributed them to everyone again, but this time everyone in the class got three. This represented socialism, and Marx's goal for a classless society. I had a lot of fun doing this activity, and thought it was a helpful way of explaining Marx's theory.
     Marx and Smith both wanted to help the poor, but had very different approaches. Marx's theory, The Theory of Communism  includes capitalism, which allows private ownership of an industry, and  freedom of trade and competition. Also socialism, which aims for an economic equality and a classless society. And lastly communism, once the classless society is achieved there is no need for government. This would benefit the poor because everyone would be equal so there would be no more struggle to survive. Smith's theory, The Invisible Hand  businesses to control themselves in order for the economy to naturally flourish as if a hand was guiding it. Smith believes that his system of free trade would eventually allow the poor to have more chooses on how to spend and make their money.
     In my opinion I think that Smith's is better compared to Marx's. The invisible hand still allows government which I think is an important part of society, it gives people a sense of safety and stability. Personally, I don't think either theories are a good solution, and both will eventually deteriorate. A good alternative may be similar to the Invisible Hand, but could have some restrictions and regulations on industrial trade and production so that it doesn't get out of hand.

"Multiculturalism." O Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2014. <http://o0135s.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/multiculturalism/>.

Mill girls

     During the Industrial Revolution, girls thought working in the mills would be a dream job. Little did they know that this great opportunity also came with many complications. Lowell mill owners made the mills seem much more enjoyable than they actually were. They told the girls and their familes all about the wonderful living conditions of the boarding houses, and how the girls would be brought up as mature, proper young woman. This is all true but the conditions of the mills were far from safe and pay was not always fair. The rules were also very strict and girls could get kicked out very easily which means they could no longer stay in the boarding houses. This was very scary to some girls since some of them had no where else to go.  Additudes towards woman in the 1800s seemed to be very negative. Since working in the mills was the only opportunity for young woman during this time, they weren't treated with much respect.

 

"BACKGROUND." Background of the Mill Girls. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2014. <http://berwickacademy.org/millgirls/backgrnd.htm>.