Question 1

Talk about:
-natural rights

Accepted Answer

Natural rights are a set of moral principles that are considered to be inherent to all human beings by virtue of their humanity, regardless of their nationality, status, or membership in any particular group. These rights are thought to be universal and inalienable, meaning they cannot be rightfully taken away or given up. The concept of natural rights has its roots in ancient and medieval philosophy but was most prominently articulated during the Enlightenment by philosophers such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Thomas Hobbes.

John Locke, in particular, had a profound influence on the development of the concept of natural rights. In his work "Two Treatises of Government," Locke argued that individuals possess natural rights to life, liberty, and property. He believed that the primary role of government is to protect these rights and that if a government fails to do so, citizens have the right to overthrow it.

The historical significance of natural rights is immense, as they have shaped the political and legal landscapes of modern societies. The notion of natural rights laid the groundwork for the development of modern democracy and legal systems that prioritize individual freedoms and human rights. Here are some key historical impacts:

1. The Enlightenment: The concept of natural rights was a cornerstone of Enlightenment thinking, which emphasized reason, individualism, and the importance of questioning traditional authority. It helped to inspire a shift away from absolute monarchies and towards more democratic forms of government.

2. The American Revolution: The Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, was heavily influenced by Locke's ideas and explicitly mentions natural rights. It states that "all men are created equal" and are endowed with "certain unalienable Rights," including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

3. The French Revolution: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, adopted during the French Revolution in 1789, also reflects the influence of natural rights philosophy. It proclaimed that "men are born and remain free and equal in rights" and outlined basic rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to property.

4. Abolition and Civil Rights Movements: The concept of natural rights has been invoked in various social justice movements, including the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movement. Activists have argued that discriminatory practices violate the natural rights of individuals.

5. International Human Rights Law: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948, is a modern embodiment of natural rights philosophy. It sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected and has influenced numerous international treaties and national constitutions.

In summary, the concept of natural rights has been historically significant as it has provided a philosophical foundation for the development of democratic governance, the protection of individual liberties, and the advancement of human rights across the globe. It continues to serve as a critical reference point for discussions about justice, equality, and the role of government in society.

Question 2

Talk about:
-Yorktown

Accepted Answer

Answers may vary.

Question 3

Compare and contrast Napoleon with the enlightened absolutists in eastern Europe. Was he more enlightened or more absolutist?

Accepted Answer

Napoleon and the enlightened absolutists in eastern Europe shared some similarities in their approach to governance, but also had significant differences.

Both Napoleon and the enlightened absolutists believed in the centralization of power and the use of state authority to implement reforms and modernize their respective countries. They both sought to improve the administration of their territories and promote economic development. However, the enlightened absolutists in eastern Europe, such as Catherine the Great of Russia and Frederick the Great of Prussia, were influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment and sought to implement reforms based on reason and rationality. They were also more open to religious tolerance and the promotion of education and culture.

On the other hand, Napoleon, while implementing some Enlightenment-inspired reforms, was ultimately more absolutist in his approach to governance. He centralized power in himself as Emperor of the French and sought to expand his empire through military conquest. He also imposed his rule on other countries through the use of client states and puppet governments, which was a more absolutist approach to foreign policy.

In terms of being more enlightened or more absolutist, Napoleon can be seen as more absolutist due to his aggressive expansionist policies and the imposition of his rule on other countries. While he did implement some reforms based on Enlightenment principles, his ultimate goal was to consolidate power and expand his empire, which aligns more with absolutist tendencies. The enlightened absolutists in eastern Europe, on the other hand, were more focused on implementing reforms and modernizing their countries while still adhering to the principles of the Enlightenment.

Question 4

Talk about:
-the marquis de Lafayette

Accepted Answer

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-the marquis de Lafayette...

Question 5

Talk about:
-Bill of Rights

Accepted Answer

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-Bill of Rights...

Question 6

How did the French Revolution affect the roles of women in society? Did the Revolution and its consequences ultimately benefit or hurt female citizens? Did men win more out of this event than women? Why?

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Question 7

Was the French Revolution caused by long-term problems, short-term crises, or both?

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Question 8

How did the leaders of the Reign of Terror justify its violence, and what does the Reign of Terror indicate about the changing goals and practices of the French Revolution?

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Question 9

Talk about:
-Declaration of Independence

Accepted Answer

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-Declaration of Independence...

Question 10

Talk about:
-the taille

Accepted Answer

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-the taille...

Question 11

How was France changed by the revolutionary events of 1789-1792? Who benefited the most from these changes?

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Question 12

Talk about:
-the Constitution of 1789

Accepted Answer

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-the Constitution of 1789...

Question 13

What grievances caused the American Revolution, and how did they reflect Enlightenment attitudes? What impact did the conflict and its consequences have on Europe?

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Question 14

Does Napoleon's military record, as described in the text, support or challenge assertions that he was the greatest general of all time? What were his biggest military successes, and what were his biggest military failures? Do the successes outweigh the failures in assessing his reputation? Why or why not?

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Question 15

Talk about:
-revolution

Accepted Answer

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-revolution...

Question 16

Talk about:
-First and Second Estates

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-First and Second Estates...

Question 17

Napoleon said that perhaps the world would have been better off if neither he nor Rousseau had ever lived. What did he mean?

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Question 18

In what ways did Napoleon's policies repudiate the accomplishments of the French Revolution? In what ways did his policies strengthen the accomplishments of the French Revolution?

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Question 19

Compare and contrast the French Revolution with previous revolutions in England and America. How did they differ in their causes, ideals, and impact?

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Question 20

Talk about:
-the Bastille

Accepted Answer

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-the Bastille...

Quiz 19: A Revolution in Politics: the Era of the French Revolution and Napoleon

Talk about: -natural rights

Talk about: -Yorktown

Compare and contrast Napoleon with the enlightened absolutists in eastern Europe. Was he more enlightened or more absolutist?

Talk about: -the marquis de Lafayette

Talk about: -Bill of Rights

How did the French Revolution affect the roles of women in society? Did the Revolution and its consequences ultimately benefit or hurt female citizens? Did men win more out of this event than women? Why?

Was the French Revolution caused by long-term problems, short-term crises, or both?

How did the leaders of the Reign of Terror justify its violence, and what does the Reign of Terror indicate about the changing goals and practices of the French Revolution?

Talk about: -Declaration of Independence

Talk about: -the taille

How was France changed by the revolutionary events of 1789-1792? Who benefited the most from these changes?

Talk about: -the Constitution of 1789

What grievances caused the American Revolution, and how did they reflect Enlightenment attitudes? What impact did the conflict and its consequences have on Europe?

Talk about: -revolution

Talk about: -First and Second Estates

Napoleon said that perhaps the world would have been better off if neither he nor Rousseau had ever lived. What did he mean?

In what ways did Napoleon's policies repudiate the accomplishments of the French Revolution? In what ways did his policies strengthen the accomplishments of the French Revolution?

Compare and contrast the French Revolution with previous revolutions in England and America. How did they differ in their causes, ideals, and impact?

Talk about: -the Bastille