Chapter 2: Responses of Individuals, Groups, and the State to Economic and Social Inequality
Overview:The ever-changing social and economic establishments of Europe, from feudalism to communism, have always resulted in discontent from those at whose expense the more affluent dominate by repression. Though, as a result of the inequality inspired by centuries of this repression, Europe took fate into their own hands. Consequently, revolutions sprung up throughout European history, more famously in the 19th century. These revolutions, as Marx predicted, did, at times, result in the overthrow of a government and the subsequent establishment of, in several cases, a communist regime. Thus, one can observe the effect of repression and inequality on a people as typically resulting in an initial discontent that, over time, results in rebellion or protest.
Top 10 People:
1. Prince Klemens von Metternich
Conservative Austrian statesman and diplomat
1773-1859
Represented Austria at the Congress of Vienna, led the Conservative Reaction. Viciously attacked all threats to BOP and monarchy/ old way of stuff. Hated liberalism and nationalism.
2. Karl Marx
German political philosopher and economist
1818-1883
Wrote the Communist Manifest and Das Kapital. Defined bourgeoisie and proletariat. Created communism, criticized capitalism. Revolts reshape the world.
3. Jacques Necker
Financial minister to Louis XVI
1776-1788
Was a economic genius, attempted to get serious reforms through and therefore became a hero to the people. Cause an uproar when he was fired over saying all should pay taxes. The people's voice. Urged King to call Estates General
4. Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
Leader of the Russian Communists and head of the Russian Soviet Socialists
Student of Marxist socialism, he returned from exile to Russia in 1917 and lead the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917
Head of the Communist government until 1924
Known for statements like "All power to the Soviets", "All land to the peasants'. Promised "Bread, Land, and Peace"
5. David Lloyd George
British Prime Minister between 1916 and 1922.
Leader of the Liberal Party and regarded as the founder of the British welfare state.
Oversaw the partition of Ireland between an independent Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (UK)
6. Hitler
Leader of the Nazi WWII Government. Dynamic leader, led Germany out of a deep recession from 1933 to 1938 and also began anti-Semitic polices that led to the Holocaust and war policies that led to WWII.
7. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
United States President from 1933-1945
1882-1945
FDR led the US through the depression with his New Deal. Also through WWII. Very democratic.
8. Mary Wollstonecraft.
English author of "the vindication of the rights of women."
1759-1797
Declared equal rights between men and women. Argued for education of women.
9. Abbe Sieyes
Leading political writer of the French Revolution
1748-1836
Had a large influence in the creation of the various constitutions of the time and was key to Napoleon's Consulate and Empire and his Coup d'Etat. Wrote What is the Third Estate which became early revolution's manifesto.
10. Maximilian Robespierre
Tyrannical leader of the French Republic
1758-1794
Originally a lawyer. Rose to fame in French Revolution because of passion and speaking- The Incorruptible. Jacobin radical leader. Created the Committee of Public Safety and contributed largely to the Reign of Terror. Became dictatorial. Executed at end of Terror.
Top 10 Events/Ideas:
1. Proletariat
The lower class of workers
Marxist Theory- on
The new, urban working class. Employed by bourgeoisie, ie. factory workers. Exploited under this system. Eventually will revolt and create classless society (Marxism).
2. Glorious Revolution
The transfer of power from James II to William of Orange
1689
The Glorious Revolution was Glorious because no one died and it was a peaceful and easy transitions between the two. Parliament kicked James II out for being too Absolutist and Catholic and invited William of Orange to rule.
3. Reform Bill of 1832
Law that extended suffrage.
1832
British legislation that allowed many people of the middle class to vote. Increased representation of urban areas.
4. Chartist Movement
Movement among working class to demand suffrage.
1838
Raised the People's Charter (over 1 mil. people signed to decrease qualifications for voting) Parliament rejected it.
5. October Revolution
Bolshevik overthrow of the Provisional Government
1917
gave power to the local soviets (local workers' councils) dominated by Bolsheviks
6. Weimar Republic
German government from post WWI 1919 to 1930 when President VonHindenburg assumed dictatorial powers. Named after it's city of origin it was marked by liberal attempts to improve the German economy. It's notable leaders included Gustav Streissmann and vonHindenburg. German government from post WWI 1919 to 1930 when President VonHindenburg assumed dictatorial powers. Named after it's city of origin it was marked by liberal attempts to improve the German economy. It's notable leaders included Gustav Stressmann and vonHindenburg.
7. The Communist Manifesto
Pamphlet written on political world, socialism and ideal communism
1848
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engles. Wrote on bourgeoisie enslaving and taking advantage of proletariat. Class struggle and eventual revolution.
8. Bourgeousie
The new middle upper class of the third estate.
1750-1800
A new class of people characterized by the newly rich and powerful from profits made in the agricultural and industrial revolution. Though they were grouped in the Third Estate, they wanted out and had grievances with the Estate system. They spurred on the revolution.
9. Leviathian
A book written by Thomas Hobbes
1660
Proposed that government should be a commonwealth formed by uniting people through a set of laws and rules.
10. General Will
The collective will of the people.
1726
Made popular by John Locke. General Will is identical to Rule of Law (Rousseau). Determines the legitimacy of governments. Majority rules. Utilized during the French Revolution.
Top Dog Analysis:
Top Person: Lenin
The totalitarian leader of Russia. His rise to power represents a victory for communism in Russia and a reaction to the oppression of Russians for centuries before. He rose to power on the promise of "Land and Bread," as is characteristic of dictators of the period, and it proved to be one of the more effective appeals to the collective desires of the Russian people. Given communism represents a swinging of the pendulum away from the absolute rule of the previous years, the new regime's significance lays in its foundations as a reactionary movement and a victory for the citizens who had previously found themselves repressed. That is, in theory it did. Instead, the country was plunged into another dictatorship, this time of the proletariat. It's this contradiction that gives the Lenin, and his communist policies a depth and speaks to the significant disappointment of the Russian people. Thus, his importance can be found in his rise to power and subsequent reaction to the implications of communism -- a lack of a true authority figure.
Top Event/Idea: Socialism
During the late nineteenth century, new ideas about the nature of government arose. People began to question their gain from their government. One of the ideologies to arise from this pondering of political position was socialism. Socialism is, as seen in Thomas Moore's "Utopia," a truly equal society. In a socialist state, no private property exists and there are no classes. Thus, the movements towards this ideal philosophy in nations such as Russia can be seen as a reaction to the inequality characteristic of their governments before the push for change. Overall, socialism seems to represent a pendulum swinging from the repression and inequality of the conservative czars and rulers of the past towards a new type of government that revolves around people and community. Socialism still maintains a following in Europe and, for this, it earns the "top dog" award. If it was able to withstand criticisms of the intervening decades, then its perpetuation, along with its impact on the general structure of European politics, earns it a "top dog" position.
Timeline:1440: Literacy rate is increased due to the invention of the movable type
1517: 95 Thesis is created by martin luther
1545: Council of trent occurs
1555: The peace of augsburg is passed and therefore it finally was able to recognize lutheranism as a religion
1642: English Civil War, Charles I dies
1688: William of orange is crowned after glorious revolution occurs.
1789: The french republic is established after the french revolution
1832: The electoral system in england is reformed
1833: Work hours are adjusted after the Factory act
1842: Mine Act is Passed
1848: Communist manifesto is put into place
1905: Bloody Sunday occurs
1917: The soviet union is established in russia
1986-1988: Perestroika and glasnost are being reformed by gorbachev
Images:
Top 10 People:
1. Prince Klemens von Metternich
Conservative Austrian statesman and diplomat
1773-1859
Represented Austria at the Congress of Vienna, led the Conservative Reaction. Viciously attacked all threats to BOP and monarchy/ old way of stuff. Hated liberalism and nationalism.
2. Karl Marx
German political philosopher and economist
1818-1883
Wrote the Communist Manifest and Das Kapital. Defined bourgeoisie and proletariat. Created communism, criticized capitalism. Revolts reshape the world.
3. Jacques Necker
Financial minister to Louis XVI
1776-1788
Was a economic genius, attempted to get serious reforms through and therefore became a hero to the people. Cause an uproar when he was fired over saying all should pay taxes. The people's voice. Urged King to call Estates General
4. Vladimir Ilyich Lenin
Leader of the Russian Communists and head of the Russian Soviet Socialists
Student of Marxist socialism, he returned from exile to Russia in 1917 and lead the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917
Head of the Communist government until 1924
Known for statements like "All power to the Soviets", "All land to the peasants'. Promised "Bread, Land, and Peace"
5. David Lloyd George
British Prime Minister between 1916 and 1922.
Leader of the Liberal Party and regarded as the founder of the British welfare state.
Oversaw the partition of Ireland between an independent Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (UK)
6. Hitler
Leader of the Nazi WWII Government. Dynamic leader, led Germany out of a deep recession from 1933 to 1938 and also began anti-Semitic polices that led to the Holocaust and war policies that led to WWII.
7. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
United States President from 1933-1945
1882-1945
FDR led the US through the depression with his New Deal. Also through WWII. Very democratic.
8. Mary Wollstonecraft.
English author of "the vindication of the rights of women."
1759-1797
Declared equal rights between men and women. Argued for education of women.
9. Abbe Sieyes
Leading political writer of the French Revolution
1748-1836
Had a large influence in the creation of the various constitutions of the time and was key to Napoleon's Consulate and Empire and his Coup d'Etat. Wrote What is the Third Estate which became early revolution's manifesto.
10. Maximilian Robespierre
Tyrannical leader of the French Republic
1758-1794
Originally a lawyer. Rose to fame in French Revolution because of passion and speaking- The Incorruptible. Jacobin radical leader. Created the Committee of Public Safety and contributed largely to the Reign of Terror. Became dictatorial. Executed at end of Terror.
Top 10 Events/Ideas:
1. Proletariat
The lower class of workers
Marxist Theory- on
The new, urban working class. Employed by bourgeoisie, ie. factory workers. Exploited under this system. Eventually will revolt and create classless society (Marxism).
2. Glorious Revolution
The transfer of power from James II to William of Orange
1689
The Glorious Revolution was Glorious because no one died and it was a peaceful and easy transitions between the two. Parliament kicked James II out for being too Absolutist and Catholic and invited William of Orange to rule.
3. Reform Bill of 1832
Law that extended suffrage.
1832
British legislation that allowed many people of the middle class to vote. Increased representation of urban areas.
4. Chartist Movement
Movement among working class to demand suffrage.
1838
Raised the People's Charter (over 1 mil. people signed to decrease qualifications for voting) Parliament rejected it.
5. October Revolution
Bolshevik overthrow of the Provisional Government
1917
gave power to the local soviets (local workers' councils) dominated by Bolsheviks
6. Weimar Republic
German government from post WWI 1919 to 1930 when President VonHindenburg assumed dictatorial powers. Named after it's city of origin it was marked by liberal attempts to improve the German economy. It's notable leaders included Gustav Streissmann and vonHindenburg. German government from post WWI 1919 to 1930 when President VonHindenburg assumed dictatorial powers. Named after it's city of origin it was marked by liberal attempts to improve the German economy. It's notable leaders included Gustav Stressmann and vonHindenburg.
7. The Communist Manifesto
Pamphlet written on political world, socialism and ideal communism
1848
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engles. Wrote on bourgeoisie enslaving and taking advantage of proletariat. Class struggle and eventual revolution.
8. Bourgeousie
The new middle upper class of the third estate.
1750-1800
A new class of people characterized by the newly rich and powerful from profits made in the agricultural and industrial revolution. Though they were grouped in the Third Estate, they wanted out and had grievances with the Estate system. They spurred on the revolution.
9. Leviathian
A book written by Thomas Hobbes
1660
Proposed that government should be a commonwealth formed by uniting people through a set of laws and rules.
10. General Will
The collective will of the people.
1726
Made popular by John Locke. General Will is identical to Rule of Law (Rousseau). Determines the legitimacy of governments. Majority rules. Utilized during the French Revolution.
Top Dog Analysis:
Top Person: Lenin
The totalitarian leader of Russia. His rise to power represents a victory for communism in Russia and a reaction to the oppression of Russians for centuries before. He rose to power on the promise of "Land and Bread," as is characteristic of dictators of the period, and it proved to be one of the more effective appeals to the collective desires of the Russian people. Given communism represents a swinging of the pendulum away from the absolute rule of the previous years, the new regime's significance lays in its foundations as a reactionary movement and a victory for the citizens who had previously found themselves repressed. That is, in theory it did. Instead, the country was plunged into another dictatorship, this time of the proletariat. It's this contradiction that gives the Lenin, and his communist policies a depth and speaks to the significant disappointment of the Russian people. Thus, his importance can be found in his rise to power and subsequent reaction to the implications of communism -- a lack of a true authority figure.
Top Event/Idea: Socialism
During the late nineteenth century, new ideas about the nature of government arose. People began to question their gain from their government. One of the ideologies to arise from this pondering of political position was socialism. Socialism is, as seen in Thomas Moore's "Utopia," a truly equal society. In a socialist state, no private property exists and there are no classes. Thus, the movements towards this ideal philosophy in nations such as Russia can be seen as a reaction to the inequality characteristic of their governments before the push for change. Overall, socialism seems to represent a pendulum swinging from the repression and inequality of the conservative czars and rulers of the past towards a new type of government that revolves around people and community. Socialism still maintains a following in Europe and, for this, it earns the "top dog" award. If it was able to withstand criticisms of the intervening decades, then its perpetuation, along with its impact on the general structure of European politics, earns it a "top dog" position.
Timeline:1440: Literacy rate is increased due to the invention of the movable type
1517: 95 Thesis is created by martin luther
1545: Council of trent occurs
1555: The peace of augsburg is passed and therefore it finally was able to recognize lutheranism as a religion
1642: English Civil War, Charles I dies
1688: William of orange is crowned after glorious revolution occurs.
1789: The french republic is established after the french revolution
1832: The electoral system in england is reformed
1833: Work hours are adjusted after the Factory act
1842: Mine Act is Passed
1848: Communist manifesto is put into place
1905: Bloody Sunday occurs
1917: The soviet union is established in russia
1986-1988: Perestroika and glasnost are being reformed by gorbachev
Images:
"Liberty Leading the People" is a symbol of the French Revolution. A revolution resulting from the failures of the Estates System and the discontent on behalf of the third estate in regard to a lack of representation.
Lenin gained the backing of everyday russians on the promise of "Land and bread." He was able to succeed as a result of the discontent stemming from inequality.
Jacques Necker was the individual responsible for calling the Estates General prior to the French Revolution. This represents a desire to let the people partake in the political process and improve their standing in the various spheres of life.
Mary Wollstonecraft, author of "A Vindication of the Rights of Women." Her book represents a reaction of gender-based inequality.
The book written by Mary Wollstonecraft that laid out the grievances of women and represented an advancement of women.
Propaganda depicting Marxism as a "party" for Marx and other Socialist leaders. Celebrating the transformation of the Russian government.
Abbe Seiyes, author of "What is the Third Estate?" in which he concluded the Third Estate was the most underused components of French Society.
A flyer calling for an organization of men calling for universal male suffrage. This movement, known as chartism, worked to help pass various reform bills.
Jean Jacques Rousseau's concept of the "General Will" helped to inspire many to push for reform within their government.
An image representing the "October Revolution" in Russia. This resulted in the bolshevik's rise to power and the establishment of communism in Russia.