Importance of History and Political Science - Essay Example

History and Political science Inserts His/ Her Inserts Grade Inserts (01, 12, Outline Introduction 2. How western history of the Glorious, American and French revolutions shaped the modern age 3. Discussing if America is the Rome of the modern age 4. Conclusion History and Political Science 1. Introduction The past events in history have shaped the modern age. There is change in the system of government and ideologies have emerged. Furthermore, history provides details of what happened and what is likely to happen when history repeats itself. This essay provides a comparison of the Glorious, American and French revolutions and their outcomes. It also discusses why America is not the modern age Rome. 2. How western history of the Glorious, American and French revolutions shaped the modern age. The Glorious, American and French revolutions had great expectations of replacing the rulers with a different system of governance. The revolutions had goals of gaining power for governance and obtain individual liberties. The revolutions changed the systems of governance in different parts of the world. For instance, the political systems were changed to include representation of the majority’s opinion. The revolutions planned to establish democracy in governance. The outcomes of the revolutions saw the power of the government or rulers limited. Therefore, those who were ruled were granted more rights and civil liberties that did not exist. Although the revolutions emerged at different time and places, the results revealed that the government has the duty to protect its people. Moreover, the people have fundamental rights that should have been honored. Additionally, it became clear that the power of a government is granted by its citizens (Thomas, 240). Opposition to the rulers and the powerful was common to the Glorious, American and French revolutions. They were labeled as oppressive, poor in governance and unwilling to allow development. The objective of the revolutions was to establish morality and efficiency in the administration. Their desire was to achieve a better society. The revolutions occurred during the Age of Enlightenment, which was a proponent of respect for individual rights and liberties. The Glorious, American and French revolutions have been associated with the Europeans. The other motive of the revolution was that good should prevail over evil. What was done by the monarch or colony was viewed as repressive and unjust. According to Thomas (241), the French government was established on feudalism causing class differences. The revolution occurred when the economic depression caused the Kingdom to be weak. This was worsened by mismanaged finances, huge debts that could be linked to the wars and directives of the king. It was realized that the government had been overspending, and extended exemptions on tax to the aristocrats. In America the political events and emerging beliefs encouraged drastic change in the system of governance. Understanding caused people to pursue a republic state and freedom. The British had failed to include American representatives on their parliament which stirred the move to a revolution. The French Revolution began after its ruler was unable to restore economic crisis, while American Revolution was led by political alienation of the natives and religious tension. The Glorious, American and French revolutions show that the modern age has been greatly influenced by the events that happened. The Glorious revolution was against the rule of the royal family. The king’s life was taken by the commoners during the revolution. The following eleven years was characterized by the rule of Comwell. The Glorious revolution avoided bloodshed. The Glorious revolution was also motivated by religious differences. This is because the king had married a catholic, which was against the protestant believers of the time. Both Comwell and William were Protestants. The French revolution on the hand was instigated by differences in social classes. The lower social class wanted the privileges enjoyed by the upper class eliminated. American Revolution was about overcoming the rule of the British colony. On the other hand, the French desired to empower the citizens and restrict the powers of the monarchy (Thomas 452). The American Revolution involved a conflict between the colony and the monarchy. The French revolution occurred within the boarder. Additionally, the Glorious revolution had a new monarch from the Holland. He was not welcome because it was perceived as a Dutch invasion. The Glorious revolution was considered as peaceful because it did not involve a lot of bloodshed. Conversely, the American and French revolution involved bloodshed. There was civil and social unrest characterized by frequent violence. American and French revolution engaged in war that went on for a long time. American Revolution outcomes were favorable where the government adapted representative ways in governance. On the other hand, French revolution ended up with a less representative government. They continued being ruled by autocratic leaders. Religion was at the center of glorious revolution. There were Protestants who came up with rules that deprived the king of the power he enjoyed. The king was made answerable to the parliament which was dominated by Protestants. The restrictions to the royal family freedoms developed a constitutional monarch. On the contrary, the French revolution was dominated by the Catholics. The revolution overthrew the government entirely and replaced it with a republic (Thomas, 534). 3. Discussing if America is the Rome of the modern age. America is believed to be the Rome of the modern because America is the most powerful state in the world, just like Rome was powerful in the ancient time. Another reason is that people were allowed to move to Rome and become Roman citizens. In the modern age, the America immigrants are able to become American citizens. Proponents of the statement that America is the Rome of modern age imply that America will follow the outcomes of Rome as it is in history. A careful examination of the Roman history reveals that America and Rome are different to make a conclusion that America is the Rome of the modern Age as Hibbert (80) mentions. America is a politically stable society. The American citizens believe in the political structure and do not show any significant division in the political arena that could lead to destruction. America is nation- state that exercises democracy. Rome was an empire. The Roman Empire largely dwelt on soldiers who were mercenaries to make up its army. America does not have any mercenaries who are non-citizens. The American army upholds the rule of law and demonstrates discipline. Unlike the Roman Empire soldiers, American Army does not show any hostility or forcefully take other people’s belonging. The Roman Empire was a powerful government during its time. They conquered territories to exercise their rule and capture slaves. They had the most powerful army in their time and used it to exercise governance. America has the most powerful army with powerful technology in the modern age. However, the army serves the interest of all American citizens. They assist the government exercise its ideologies such as liberty, democracy and equality. Similar to the Roman Empire, America has global influence in different territories. The difference is that Rome’s economy collapsed yet it had global influence. America economy has experienced challenges yet it has not collapsed. The economy in the world is increasing growing and being reflected globally. The economic challenges in America seem to affect other economies in the world. This is similar to what happened in the Roman Empire with shortage of textiles or spices. Romans had isolated themselves from most activities of the world and did not have a great impact like what happens in the modern age. The Roman Empire leader was the emperor who had powers to compel others to do what he wished. Unlike the precedence in Rome, the American President has limited powers. His power lies mainly in decision making as the commander in chief. The Congress exercises power in the making of public policy. America has a different approach where the system of government allows the elected leaders carry on their duties at different levels. The American government associates with other governments and makes an effort to influence them adapt some of its ideologies like liberty. Roman Empire was interested in governing others. Rome advocated for slavery and made slaves where they conquered. America does not advocate for slavery or any acts that deprive human beings on their fundamental rights. America just like Rome has embraced republic government as opposed to monarch. She has also engaged in wars where she was not the aggressor and emerged victorious. America has sent some of its armies in different territories for protection similar to Rome. Furthermore, America has accumulated a lot of wealth and shows weakness. Production and labor was largely allocated to the slaves in Rome. In the modern Age slavery is outlawed, and people work to earn their living. Invention of computer technology has come in handy in providing labor and production. In America, security is offered to all citizens, contrary to Rome where it was given to selected people. America has a large production and is able to export. In commerce, the American currency is strong when compared to other currencies in different parts of the world. America has trends that could lead to decline in morality like what happened in Rome. Roman Empire offered the best technology and cultural development in its time. American culture is very different from the culture in Rome. 4. Conclusion Events that occurred during the Glorious, American and French revolutions shaped the modern age political systems. The revolutions were motivated by the need to usher in representative government and overcome monarchies. America just like Rome is a strong state in the modern age. However America is different from Rome in that America has political stability and does not demonstrate collapse in its governance. Works Cited Hibbert, Christopher. Rome: The Biography of a City. United States: Penguin Books, 1988. Print. Thomas, Noble, Strauss Barry, and Osheim Duane. Western Civilization beyond Boundaries. Boston: Wadsworth, 2010. Print. 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