4C/Marcuse, L7 overlay

PEOPLE AND IDEAS: ISMS 1

Music: Beethoven, 3rd symphony "Eroica" (1803/5)

How do events, people and ideas interact?

  1. French Revolution as "hothouse" of ideas
  2. Aftermath of French Revolution
    • Napoleon: "child" vs. "gravedigger" (vs. savior) of the revolution
    • Congress of Vienna
  3. What makes a good "ID"?
    • Simon de Bolivar (text p. 742)
      "C+/B-": SB was a member of the creole elite (a person of European descent born in Spanish America) in what is now Venezula around 1800. Born at the time of the French Revolution, he was well versed in Enlightenment ideas and admired George Washington as a leader who had realized and was practicing enlightened ideas about government. From 1811 to 1824 Bolivar was able to coordinate efforts with other Creole commanders and end Spanish rule throughout south America. His attempt to form a confederation of south American states (similar to the United States) did not succeed, however.
      "B+/A": Bolivar is significant because he illustrates (as does Napoleon) how a military leader can work to realize some enlightenment ideas (such as political independence from a parent country), while limiting others (such as enfranchising the poor and liberating slaves). Creole elites in independent Latin America retained their wealth and power, as did the Catholic church.
      OR: Bolivar is important because he was able to organize and lead a modern mass movement against an "old regime" colonial power.
      OR: Bolivar's story is important because it shows how crucial members of elite groups were in realizing Enlightenment ideals. (OR: how important leadership can be in shaping the course of history.)
    • First midterm handout (Good luck!)
      PS. Please DOUBLE SPACE your answers