Ap World History Unit 5 Review

AP World History Unit 5 Review: Revolutions Transform the World (1750-1900)

The period between 1750 and 1900 witnessed a seismic shift in global power dynamics, driven by revolutions of unprecedented scale and impact. From the Enlightenment ideals that fueled political upheavals to the technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution, this era fundamentally reshaped societies, economies, and the relationship between nations. This AP World History Unit 5 review will guide you through the key concepts, events, and themes you need to master for exam success.

I. The Enlightenment: Seeds of Revolution

The Enlightenment, an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 18th century, laid the groundwork for the revolutions that followed. Central to Enlightenment thought was the emphasis on reason, individualism, and human rights.

Key Enlightenment Ideas:

• Natural Rights: Philosophers like John Locke argued that individuals possess inherent rights, including the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are not granted by governments but are intrinsic to human existence.
• Social Contract Theory: Jean-Jacques Rousseau proposed the idea of a social contract, where individuals voluntarily surrender certain rights to a government in exchange for protection and the common good. The legitimacy of government, therefore, rests on the consent of the governed.
• Separation of Powers: Montesquieu advocated for the separation of governmental powers into distinct branches, such as the legislative, executive, and judicial, to prevent tyranny and ensure checks and balances.
• Popular Sovereignty: This principle asserts that political power ultimately resides in the people. Governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed, and citizens have the right to participate in the political process.
• Religious Toleration: Enlightenment thinkers challenged religious dogma and advocated for greater religious freedom and tolerance. Voltaire, for example, championed freedom of speech and religious expression.

Impact of the Enlightenment:

The Enlightenment's ideas spread throughout Europe and the Americas, influencing political discourse and inspiring revolutionary movements. These ideas provided a philosophical justification for challenging existing power structures and advocating for political and social reform. Thinkers promoted the concept of natural rights which directly challenged the divine right of kings. The emphasis on reason and individual liberty encouraged people to question traditional authority and demand greater participation in government.

II. The American Revolution: A Colonial Uprising

The American Revolution (1775-1783) was a watershed moment in world history. It was the first successful colonial rebellion against a European power and a powerful demonstration of Enlightenment ideals in action.

Causes of the American Revolution:

• British Mercantilism: The British government imposed mercantilist policies on its American colonies, restricting colonial trade and economic activities to benefit the mother country. This led to resentment among colonists who felt economically exploited.
• Taxation Without Representation: The British Parliament imposed taxes on the colonies without their consent or representation, leading to the cry of "No taxation without representation!" The Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, and Tea Act were particularly contentious.
• Enlightenment Ideas: Enlightenment ideals of natural rights, liberty, and self-government provided a philosophical justification for the colonists' rebellion. Thomas Paine's Common Sense articulated these ideas in a clear and compelling way, galvanizing support for independence.

Key Events of the American Revolution:

• Boston Tea Party (1773): A protest against the Tea Act in which colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor.
• Declaration of Independence (1776): A formal declaration of independence from British rule, asserting the colonists' right to self-government based on Enlightenment principles.
• Battle of Saratoga (1777): A decisive American victory that convinced France to ally with the colonists.
• Treaty of Paris (1783): Officially recognized American independence and established the boundaries of the new nation.

Impact of the American Revolution:

The American Revolution had a profound impact on the world:

• Inspiration for Other Revolutions: The success of the American Revolution inspired revolutionary movements in other parts of the world, particularly in France and Latin America.
• Establishment of a Republic: The United States established a republican form of government based on Enlightenment principles, with a written constitution guaranteeing individual rights and liberties.
• Spread of Democratic Ideas: The American Revolution helped to spread democratic ideas around the world, influencing political thought and movements for reform.

III. The French Revolution: Radical Transformation

The French Revolution (1789-1799) was a more radical and complex revolution than the American Revolution. It aimed to overthrow the absolute monarchy and establish a new political and social order based on Enlightenment principles.

Causes of the French Revolution:

• Social Inequality: French society was divided into three estates, with the First and Second Estates (clergy and nobility) enjoying significant privileges while the Third Estate (commoners) bore the burden of taxation and faced social discrimination.
• Economic Crisis: France faced a severe economic crisis in the late 18th century, caused by extravagant spending by the monarchy, costly wars, and poor harvests.
• Enlightenment Ideas: Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity inspired the Third Estate to demand political and social reform.

Key Events of the French Revolution:

• Storming of the Bastille (1789): A symbolic event that marked the beginning of the revolution.
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789): A document that proclaimed the rights of all citizens to liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• Reign of Terror (1793-1794): A period of extreme violence and political repression led by the Jacobins under Maximilien Robespierre.
• Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte (1799): A military leader who seized power in a coup d'état and established a dictatorship.

Impact of the French Revolution:

The French Revolution had a significant and lasting impact on Europe and the world:

• End of Feudalism: The revolution abolished feudalism and other vestiges of the old order in France.
• Spread of Revolutionary Ideas: The revolution spread revolutionary ideas throughout Europe, inspiring movements for reform and national unification.
• Rise of Nationalism: The revolution fostered a sense of national identity and unity among the French people.
• Napoleonic Wars: Napoleon's conquests spread French revolutionary ideas and institutions throughout Europe, but also led to widespread conflict.

IV. The Haitian Revolution: A Slave Revolt

The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) was a unique and groundbreaking revolution. It was the only successful slave revolt in history and led to the establishment of the first independent black republic.

Causes of the Haitian Revolution:

• Brutal Slavery: Saint-Domingue (Haiti) was a French colony and one of the most profitable slave colonies in the world. Slaves were subjected to brutal treatment and exploitation.
• French Revolution: The French Revolution inspired slaves in Saint-Domingue to demand their freedom and equality.
• Leadership of Toussaint Louverture: Toussaint Louverture, a former slave, emerged as a brilliant military and political leader, uniting the slaves and leading them to victory.

Key Events of the Haitian Revolution:

• Slave Revolt (1791): A massive slave revolt broke out in Saint-Domingue, led by Toussaint Louverture.
• Abolition of Slavery (1793): The French government abolished slavery in Saint-Domingue in an attempt to maintain control of the colony.
• Independence of Haiti (1804): After years of fighting against French forces, Haiti declared its independence, becoming the first independent black republic.

Impact of the Haitian Revolution:

The Haitian Revolution had a profound impact on the world:

• Abolition of Slavery: The revolution demonstrated that slaves could successfully revolt and achieve their freedom, inspiring abolitionist movements around the world.
• Fear of Slave Revolts: The revolution instilled fear in slaveholders in other parts of the Americas, leading to increased repression and control of slaves.
• Establishment of an Independent Black Republic: Haiti's independence challenged racial hierarchies and demonstrated the potential for black self-governance.

V. Latin American Revolutions: Independence Movements

Inspired by the American and French Revolutions, Latin American colonies revolted against Spanish and Portuguese rule in the early 19th century.

Causes of the Latin American Revolutions:

• Colonial Grievances: Latin American colonies faced economic exploitation, political exclusion, and social discrimination under Spanish and Portuguese rule.
• Enlightenment Ideas: Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and self-government inspired Creole elites to demand independence.
• Napoleonic Wars: Napoleon's invasion of Spain weakened Spanish authority and created an opportunity for Latin American colonies to revolt.

Key Leaders of the Latin American Revolutions:

• Simon Bolivar: A Venezuelan military and political leader who played a key role in the independence of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
• Jose de San Martin: An Argentine general who led the independence movements in Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
• Miguel Hidalgo: A Mexican priest who led the first major revolt against Spanish rule in Mexico.

Impact of the Latin American Revolutions:

The Latin American Revolutions led to the independence of most of the Spanish and Portuguese colonies in the Americas:

• Political Fragmentation: The revolutions resulted in the creation of numerous independent nations in Latin America, but these nations were often plagued by political instability and conflict.
• Continued Social Inequality: The revolutions did not fundamentally alter social hierarchies in Latin America. Creole elites replaced Spanish officials as the dominant class, while indigenous populations and people of African descent continued to face discrimination and marginalization.
• Economic Dependence: Latin American nations remained economically dependent on European powers, exporting raw materials and importing manufactured goods.

VI. The Industrial Revolution: Technological Transformation

The Industrial Revolution, which began in Great Britain in the late 18th century and spread to other parts of the world in the 19th century, was a period of unprecedented technological innovation and economic growth.

Causes of the Industrial Revolution:

• Agricultural Revolution: Improvements in agricultural techniques led to increased food production, which supported a growing population and provided labor for factories.
• Abundant Natural Resources: Great Britain had abundant supplies of coal, iron ore, and other natural resources that were essential for industrial production.
• Technological Innovation: Key inventions such as the steam engine, the cotton gin, and the power loom revolutionized production processes.
• Capital and Entrepreneurship: Great Britain had a well-developed financial system and a class of entrepreneurs willing to invest in new technologies and businesses.
• Stable Government: Great Britain had a relatively stable government that protected property rights and encouraged economic growth.

Key Innovations of the Industrial Revolution:

• Steam Engine: Invented by James Watt, the steam engine provided a new source of power for factories, transportation, and mining.
• Cotton Gin: Invented by Eli Whitney, the cotton gin greatly increased the efficiency of cotton production, fueling the growth of the textile industry.
• Power Loom: The power loom automated the process of weaving cloth, leading to increased production and lower prices.
• Railroads: The development of railroads revolutionized transportation, allowing for the efficient movement of goods and people over long distances.

Social and Economic Impacts of the Industrial Revolution:

• Urbanization: The Industrial Revolution led to rapid urbanization as people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of work.
• Rise of the Factory System: The factory system replaced traditional artisan production, leading to the concentration of workers in large factories.
• New Social Classes: The Industrial Revolution led to the emergence of new social classes, including a wealthy industrial class and a growing working class.
• Child Labor: Child labor was common in factories and mines, as children were seen as a cheap and easily controlled source of labor.
• Environmental Pollution: Industrial production led to significant environmental pollution, including air and water pollution.
• Increased Global Trade: The Industrial Revolution spurred increased global trade as industrialized nations sought raw materials and markets for their manufactured goods.

VII. Reactions to Industrialization: Social and Political Change

The Industrial Revolution led to significant social and political changes as people and governments responded to the challenges and opportunities of industrial society.

New Economic Theories:

• Capitalism: Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations advocated for laissez-faire capitalism, arguing that free markets and competition would lead to economic prosperity.
• Socialism: Socialists like Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels criticized capitalism for its inherent inequalities and advocated for a more egalitarian economic system.
• Communism: Marx and Engels argued that capitalism would eventually be overthrown by a proletarian revolution, leading to a communist society in which the means of production would be owned collectively.

Labor Movements:

• Trade Unions: Workers formed trade unions to collectively bargain for better wages, working conditions, and benefits.
• Strikes: Workers used strikes as a tool to pressure employers to meet their demands.
• Labor Laws: Governments gradually passed labor laws to protect workers' rights, such as minimum wage laws, maximum hours laws, and child labor laws.

Social Reform Movements:

• Abolitionism: The abolitionist movement sought to abolish slavery and the slave trade.
• Women's Suffrage: The women's suffrage movement fought for women's right to vote.
• Education Reform: Reformers advocated for universal education to improve literacy and provide opportunities for social mobility.

Political Reforms:

• Expansion of Suffrage: Many countries gradually expanded suffrage to include more citizens, including working-class men and eventually women.
• Rise of Political Parties: The rise of mass politics led to the development of political parties that represented the interests of different social groups.
• Social Welfare Programs: Governments began to implement social welfare programs, such as unemployment insurance and old-age pensions, to provide a safety net for vulnerable citizens.

VIII. Imperialism: Global Domination

The Industrial Revolution fueled a new wave of imperialism as European powers sought to expand their empires and control resources and markets around the world.

Motives for Imperialism:

• Economic Motives: European powers sought raw materials, markets for their manufactured goods, and investment opportunities in other parts of the world.
• Political Motives: European powers competed for global power and prestige, seeking to acquire colonies for strategic and military advantages.
• Cultural Motives: Europeans believed in their own cultural superiority and sought to civilize and Christianize the peoples of other lands.
• Technological Advantages: European powers possessed superior military technology, such as rifles, machine guns, and warships, which enabled them to conquer and control vast territories.

Forms of Imperialism:

• Colonialism: Direct rule of a territory by a foreign power.
• Protectorate: A territory that maintains its own government but is under the protection of a foreign power.
• Sphere of Influence: A region in which a foreign power has exclusive economic or political privileges.
• Economic Imperialism: Control of a country's economy by a foreign power through trade, investment, or debt.

Impact of Imperialism:

• Exploitation of Resources: Imperialist powers exploited the resources of their colonies, extracting raw materials and exporting them to Europe.
• Economic Dependence: Colonies were forced to become economically dependent on imperialist powers, importing manufactured goods and exporting raw materials.
• Political Domination: Imperialist powers imposed their political systems and institutions on their colonies, often suppressing local cultures and traditions.
• Cultural Assimilation: Imperialist powers sought to assimilate colonial populations into their own cultures, promoting their languages, religions, and values.
• Resistance Movements: Imperialism sparked resistance movements in colonies around the world, as people fought to regain their independence and self-determination.

Case Studies of Imperialism:

• The Scramble for Africa: European powers partitioned Africa among themselves in the late 19th century, establishing colonies and protectorates throughout the continent.
• British Rule in India: Great Britain established a colonial empire in India, exploiting its resources and controlling its economy and political system.
• The Opium Wars in China: Great Britain used military force to compel China to open its ports to trade, leading to the Opium Wars and the imposition of unequal treaties.

IX. Nationalism: A Force for Unity and Division

Nationalism, a feeling of pride and loyalty to one's nation, emerged as a powerful force in the 19th century, contributing to both unification and division.

Types of Nationalism:

• Unification Nationalism: The desire to unite people who share a common culture, language, and history into a single nation-state. Examples include the unification of Italy and Germany.
• Separation Nationalism: The desire of a group within a nation-state to separate and form their own independent nation-state. Examples include the independence movements in the Balkans and Ireland.

Impact of Nationalism:

• Unification of Italy and Germany: Nationalism played a key role in the unification of Italy and Germany in the 19th century, creating two new powerful nation-states.
• Rise of Nation-States: Nationalism contributed to the rise of nation-states as the dominant form of political organization in the world.
• Imperialism: Nationalism fueled imperialist competition as European powers sought to expand their empires and demonstrate their national power.
• World War I: Nationalism was a major cause of World War I, as European powers competed for territory and influence.

X. Conclusion: A World Transformed

The period from 1750 to 1900 was a time of profound transformation, marked by revolutions, industrialization, imperialism, and nationalism. These forces reshaped societies, economies, and the relationship between nations, laying the groundwork for the 20th century and beyond. Understanding these key themes and events is crucial for success in AP World History. By mastering the information in this review, you will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the exam and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of world history. Good luck!