Chapter 17, 18 & 20

Blog #5 – WW - Ch 17, Ch 18, Ch 20

         It is interesting to see how the Atlantic Revolutions happened in a chain reaction, and how the people that initiated these revolutions were some how connected through the same ideal and different events that influenced one another. The ideas of the Europeans enlightened many, and the news of the beginning of the Atlantic was quickly spread across the ocean in newspaper, books, and pamphlets. The ideals of equality, free trade, religious tolerance, republicanism, and human rationality were in the air. Today, we experience the same ideals from the Atlantic revolution with the same passion, and in given cases, with the same violence. Such as before, we are experiencing a revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests. We hear about civil uprisings, international protest movements against social and economic inequality and political changes. I don’t agree with the whole idea of a revolution, but at the same time I think it is necessary if the outcomes may be good ones, such as the abolition of slavery.

         I always thought that the industrial revolution was initiated in the United States, but I later found that it actually started in Great Britain. But why Great Britain? It seems that everywhere around the world people were experiencing technological and scientific flourishing (pg 529), but I guess there were several factors that contributed to these ideas. I was not too far from reality because the United States were next on the list for this Industrial revolution. I was surprised to read that “Ford” was one of the pioneers of the industrial revolution. Another interesting fact was how Russia approached the industrial revolution in a different way. For others, theor approach was based more on the economic and social aspects, while Russia approached it through modern military forces, and a new education system. Even though the industrial revolution had a positive outcome, the means that were used were not the best. Child abuse, child labor, and finding workers for a cheap salary were some of the abusive treatments in the industrial revolution.

How is it possible that in the 19^th century, Europe is experiencing a second wave of conquests? I don’t know if it was a good thing, but at least it was not as violent as the other times, but still force was used and the destruction of plantations and huts were made. Also they used their military forces as a threat, for that reason people surrender and become part of their ruling. I think people wanted to avoid violence and surrender, but also saw, privileges and good social status. Some how it was at win, win situation at least with the nobles. One thing I didn’t enjoy reading is about the forced labor. I don’t understand how these people used such cruel punishments. They never thought that by taking care of their employers, they would be able to produce more? The cutting of their hands – was that necessary? How are they going to keep doing their jobs and producing the way their bosses wanted?