March 24, 2015

Overview
Rose Cherubin of George Mason University states: At first glance, there may not seem to
be much of a connection between the "Scientific Revolution" that took place in Western
Europe starting in the 17th century and the political revolutions that took place in
Western Europe and its colonies beginning in the late 18th century. What could the
development of calculus and the discovery of laws of physics (such as gravitation) possibly
have to do with the overthrow of monarchical and colonial governments and the
establishment of new democracies?
Cherubin goes on to say, In fact, they have a lot to do with one another. In order to
understand the connection, and also to understand both the scientific and the political
developments better, we must look to the philosophical ideas they share.

There are 2 ideas that are fundamental to both the "Scientific Revolution"
and the political revolutions. They are:

the idea that the universe and everything in it work according to "laws of
nature The divine being makes things work in an orderly and regular fashion.
This idea is accompanied by-

the idea that the laws of nature are discoverable by means of reason.
Reason of course needs observation (we need something to reason about, some

9 Class
| Ms Rothweiler
THE AGE
OFmeetings
REVOLUTION

HLAP
ONOR
8 Spring Semester
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data to work with). But the point is that if we want to understand the way the
universe works, we can do so by means of observation and reasoning. All
ORLD
human beings are supposed to have the ability to reason, although many do not use
or cultivate this ability much.
ISTOR

W
H
Y

In other words, both the scientific revolution and the political revolutions were founded on
the notion that natural law governed all elements of the universe. Overall this meant that
there was observable and irrefutable law relating to natural phenomena, which was unchanging

including moral principles regarded as a basis for all human conduct.

The ideas of the Enlightenment (Scientific Revolution) infiltrated the thinking and attitudes
of people in Western Europe and the Americas. While European monarchs clung to the
concept of divine right of kings as justification for their rule, , the citizenry was
influenced by the writers of the Enlightenment, thus questioning who had the right to
rule, what forms of government were best and what were the natural rights of man. King
George III of England understood his constitutional limits but still was determined to
maintain the power and influence of the crown. The Spanish monarch continued to
exercise absolute political and economic control over its empire, especially with the
restoration of Ferdinand VII. In France, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette entered the scene of

absolutism. The young and pompous couple pushed the French people into an era of
turmoil, revolution and reaction. At the same time, Great Britain and other nations were
steaming forward through the Industrial Revolution, challenging old standards of thinking
regarding the working class and the wealthy.

Rationale

The French Revolution was a major turning point in European history. The concept
of revolution was not new. The Glorious Revolution had occurred in England but it
did not change the political system just the players. The French Revolution was the
first time that any European monarchy was deposed by its citizens in favor of a
"republic". In addition, the French Revolution (via Napoleon) also changed the map
of Europe. Eventually the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved allowing for Prussia
and the influence of Germany to emerge, and Austria began to dominate Eastern
Europe a disturbing development in the eyes of the Russians In general the French
Revolution helped shape the fate of European history as we know it.

TEACHER NAME/TEACHER EMAIL ADDRESS: Ms. Deb Rothweiler,

drothweiler@iwacademy.org
9 CLASS MEETINGS
Materials needed for LAP:
Notebook
Textbook

Use of Internet
Materials for selected readings

OBJECTIVES: Upon Completion of this LAP students will be able to:

1. Discuss the effects of the Scientific Revolution
2. Discuss the effects of the Industrial Revolution
3. Discuss the causes of the American Revolution
4. Analyze the causes of the French Revolution
5. Describe how the Revolution reshaped political and social institutions.
6. Compare the roles of the National Assembly, Legislative Assembly, National
Convention, and Directory.

7. Analyze the conditions which promoted the rise of Napoleon to power.

8. Discuss the effect Napoleon had on Europe.
9. Define/Identify including significance: terms for the testing center test :
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Absolute monarchy
Estates General
fraternity
Radical
guillotine
Reign of Terror
Conservative
moderate
Louis XVI
Marie Antoinette
Declaration of the Rights of Man
migrs
National Assembly
Constitution of
1791
f. San jupons/culottes
Girondins
Jacobins
g. Committee of Public Safety
Robespierre
National
Convention
h. Napoleon

CALENDAR
Independent and/Open Lab Assignments/Enrichment:
Read and complete by April 30

Tale of Two Cities-

1. Enrichment Assignments, on rothiwa.com

Due Date: TBA
LAP TEST/ASSESSMENT:
1.

Test

TBA

CLASS MEETINGS:
DATE/DAY DUE
First Class Meeting:
Assign presentation topics- work day

H Day March
24

Second Class Meeting

Industrial Revolution
Activity
Third Class Meeting
1. Scientific Revolution

K Day March
26

Fourth Class Meeting

1. Enlightenment

C Day March
31

A Day March
27

Fifth Class Meeting

1. Tale of Two Cities

E Day April 2

Sixth Class Meeting

1. Workday on Presentations

F Day April 7

Seventh Class Meeting

Work Day on Presentations

H Day April 9

Eighth Class Meeting

Due at the beginning of Class
1. 7 years war Presentation

2. American Revolution Presentation

K Day April 13

Ninth Class Meeting

Due at the beginning of class
1. French Revolution Presentation
2. Napoleon Presentation

K Day April 30

Explanation of Assignments
1. Presentation Directions on website, www. rothiwa.com
2. Reading guide questions for Tale of Two Cities on website classroom google