Simone

 

How did the Enlightment influence the Age of Revolutions?

 

The Enlightment influenced the Age of Revolutions because many of the ideas written down by important philosophers were spread from colonial powers to colonies. People read these proposals and thought them a better system than the one they were currently in, therefore choosing to rebel and achieve them. The French, the Rio de la Plata and the Brazilian revolutions all were inspired by ideas coming from the Enlightment. Books from Enlightment philosophers were circling around when the French Revolution began. Having access to these books caused people to form opinions about their government and realize how wrong they were. This was one of the many causes of the French revolution. Enlightment thinkers also influenced in some way the Rio de la Plata Revolution. Jose de San Martin, an Argentine soldier educated in Europe brought to the colonies ideas of rebelling because of the Enlightment.  Finally, another example of how the Enlightment influenced the Age of Revolutions is John Locke`s influence on the Brazilian Revolution. In one of his books, Locke stated that the people had the right to rebel against the government if it was not protecting people’s natural rights. In the colony, people’s natural rights were clearly not being protected, because Maria Leopoldina wrote to Dom Pedro that “Do not oppress the poor. Be charitable. Do not complain about what god has given you, but improve your habits. We must strive to be earnestly good.” If this had to be written about the colony, it means that government was oppressing the poor. In conclusion, the Enlightment influenced the Age of Revolution because different ideas spread about was the best form of government. People used these ideas to know what form of governing they thought more adequate. This is relevant to understand the ripple effect that occurred starting with the French Revolution. 

 

 

How did the French Revolution cause other revolutions?

 

The French Revolution (1789-1791) not only toppled the French monarchy, it caused a ripple effect around the world as well. Colonies such as Brazil, Haiti and Rio de la Plata were inspired by ideas of about human rights that were used in France. The monarchs of Portugal fled their country and went to Brazil in order to be safe from the wars occurring near them. Soon the king grew preoccupied with revolutions happening back in Portugal and left his son Dom Pedro in charge of Brazil. Tension grew between the people and the Cortes because they wanted to restore Brazil to a dependent colonial society once again. Dom Pedro was amongst the leaders to impede this from happening, therefore he was asked to return to Portugal, to which he refused. Several months later he declared Brazil independent. Another example in which the French revolution inspired people is in Haiti. The social classes (excluding the white plantation owners) wanted their own country and equal rights compared to the rich white people. Ideas from the French Revolution such as that “nor any superiority other than that of public functionaries in the performance of their duties any longer exists” (The constitution of 1791) and all men are equal were agreed upon them and used as inspiration. In the colony of Rio de la Plata they saw the fact that Napoleon took over Spain and put his brother in charge as a sign of weakness to rebel against Spain while Spaniards were focused on their country. The French Revolution involuntarily caused the beginning of other revolutions. It’s important to know keep in mind the effects this revolution had on the rest of the world because of their ideas and what they did.

 

What role did inequality play in the age of revolutions?

 

Inequality played a very important role in the age of revolutions. In fact, most of them happened because of this. One that inspired other revolutions to take place was the French revolution. Subsequent to this were the New Granada and Mexican revolutions. The main driving force of the French revolution was inequality; many people were leading a bad life while the monarchs used taxes to build palaces and other luxuries. In New Granada, the Creole social class did not agree with the bourbon reforms and were in extreme discomfort with not being able to hold positions of power or have their own government. Even though they came from European families. Simon Bolivar wrote that “… We have been placed in a state lower than slavery, having been robbed not only of our freedom but also of the right to exercise an active tyranny”. In this quote it can bee seen how displeased he was that Creoles were meant to send raw materials to the colonies and in exchange they weren’t even allowed to have their own government. Finally, another revolution in which inequality played a huge role was in the Mexican revolution. Spain had control over Mexico and abused its power. Even if there are only three examples in this paragraph, inequality was the main driving force of all revolutions that happened during that age. Up to this day, its still the cause of many revolutions and protests. 

 

Why did these revolutions take place and why so many during this period?

 

During 1680 through 1820, many different revolutions occurred, hence the name age of revolutions. All of them happened because the government was not protecting people’s rights and people found ideas from Enlightment thinkers a good proposal for a new form of government. Sometimes, the success of other revolutions inspires countries to try and change the situation in their own country. In France, the monarchs failed to protect people’s rights, there was a lot of poverty and hunger whilst people in the court were living a great life. When citizens of France revolted against the government and succeeded, many other places were inspired to follow their footsteps. This same revolution affected Brazil because the Portuguese king and his family fled Portugal because of the war, later; Dom Pedro became an important figure in leading Brazil to independence. In the Declaration of Rights of Man and of the Citizen (France, 1789) it is stated “ men are born free and remain free and equal in rights”. This inspired many other revolutions. In the New Granada Revolution, Simon Bolivar looked up to North America for having declared themselves independent. In conclusion this revolutions all took place because of injustice and they were like a ripple effect through the world. Thanks to them, countries progressed to become what they are now.