Blog #6 European Moment

The European Movement from 1750-1914 was one of the most impressive transformational eras within history. It was a progressive time in Europe and as we have studied the different eras, for every gain in innovation, there seems to be some type of loss.  As Strayer pointed out in the beginning of our readings, “humans had felt vulnerable to the environment, with the European movement the environment feels vulnerable to humans” (Strayer 2013). Europe had become the center of the world; as referred to in history as Euro-centrism.

What sparked this revolutionary time that seem to spread from country to country, was it the Enlightenment Period or maybe the Scientific Revolution that provoked a different type of thought. I have to wonder if people who follow a political or religious system that is rigid or legalistic, have a more aggressive reaction to the suggestion of a new perspective. Does change or the need for change, inevitably spur radical movements which brings out the opposition, and ultimately leads to violent outbursts. Within this period alone there was the Seven Years’ War, American Revolution 1775-87, French Revolution 1789-1815, Haitian Revolution 1791-1804, War of Independence in Latin America, Brazil, and Civil War We see the Abolition of Slavery and the Women’s Suffrage movement; it must have been overwhelming. It was a time of destabilization; sounding all too familiar with what we today hear in our daily news. The spread of opposition today is much more contagious today due to social media and news broadcasts 24/7. But what we are witnessing on a global front are the beginnings of established ways of thinking being challenged.  This is quite evident here in our own country, but also in England, Venezuela, numerous Latin American countries; and throughout the Middle Eastern countries are in constant turmoil. 

 I come back to my original question; did the Enlightenment Period and Scientific Revolution contribute to this questioning of old ideals?  Divine right of kings and authority of church had come under attack, an antislavery movement began, and women were beginning to see new opportunities that had not yet experienced. Science began to weaken the power religion had on individuals. Nationalism became the new movement of the late 28^th century - early 19^th century; as we see with drastic change, with it comes suffering, the greatest toll being WWI.  New ideas were on the horizon which disrupted the conventional way of thinking.  People began moving to cities, ending the small clans and villages. Also, with the use of the printing press, the number of linguistics decreased and people began to see themselves as a common linguistic nation. This changed the platform for governing, for now they were speaking to a nation of people. Atlantic Revolutions generated controversy and brought the demand for humanism into governing.

The most significant change was the abolition of slavery in the mid 1850’s. Feminism came onto the scene during the 20^th century, which changed culture, style, religion, the work world, and politics.

The French Revolution changed European society, bringing dominance and the Industrial Revolution. The population was growing, and it brought on the need for not only mass production of food but energy as well.  This had a tremendous impact on the environment. Fossil fuels replaced wind, water, wood, and the manual labor of people. The Industrial Revolution changed the planet, scientist referred to this as the “Anthropocene”, the age of man.

Some historians believe this took place in Europe because of their innovative spirit and intelligence; especially in Britain where the British had a keen eye for business and encouraged economic innovation.  Europeans began to invest their money in foreign investments. We see the emergence of the global financial market. Acquisitions of colonies in Asia and Africa became a symbol of power. Europe became an arrogant nation that obtained wealth and power that was unmatched. This superiority began to diminish other countries presence and racism was on the rise.  Because of loss of land, migrant workers were forced to leave Asia and Africa in search for work in the thriving economy in Europe. Slave trade may have been abolished but the colonial rule was just as harsh. Workers lived in substandard, impoverished conditions, making family life impossible.

Strayer makes some remarkable comments throughout his chapters, some go unnoticed and some catch my attention. This quote is such an insightful take on an era that produced so much change; “history is often made through the struggle of unequal groups and that the outcome corresponds to no one’s intentions”.  As with most revolutionary change there is inevitable suffering because there is a strong contingency that does not want change. But the casualties of conflict tend to lead to change in oppression and inequalities.