Western civilization. Industrial Revolution and Political Theories - Essay Example

? Western Civilization Western Civilization Lesson 7: Industrial Revolution The industrial revolution is term used to refer to the period in time that saw major changes in mining, manufacturing, agriculture, technology and transport which had major effects on the economic, cultural and social conditions to the people at that time. According to Montagna (2009), industrial revolution happened from 1750 to 1850 beginning in the United Kingdom spreading to Western Europe, Japan and North America. The industrial revolution was a major turning point in history. This marked the first time in history where living standards of ordinary people underwent sustainable growth. There are some innovations that are regarded to as the origins of the industrial revolution. These discoveries were in metal industry, textiles and the discovery of steam power (Montagna, 2009). Innovations in the textile industry included; the spinning jenny by James Hargreaves, the water frame by Richard Arkwright and the spinning mule by Samuel Crompton. These three sectors paved way for the industrial revolution. Before the revolution, wool was the major raw material in the textile industry. After these innovations the textile industry grew remarkably, since the exploitation of other raw materials like cotton was possible. Replacement of traditional fuels like wood with coal saw a major change in the metal industry (Montagna, 2009). The coal produced a lot of heat and carbon monoxide reducing oxidation. Coal was a good fuel since impurities which were contained in it, did not migrate to the metal. This resulted in the iron industry growing remarkably. The stationary steam engine also paved way for the industrial revolution. Before, many industries relied on water power, horse-power, wind power and man-power to operate small machines. The industrial revolution had a number of effects on the society like population increase, child labor and an increase in crime rates and other social evils (Montagna, 2009).The industrial revolution saw an increase in population because it resulted in the growth of living standards which resulted in big families. Discoveries in the medicine sector also meant a good health hence the increase in population. The industrial revolution resulted in child labor because education facilities were not enough to educate the big population. This caused many children to find jobs in factories where they were paid very little income. The industrial revolution also resulted in high crime rate and social evils. As a result of high population, many people ended up jobless. This prompted them to engage in crime and other social evils such prostitution in order to earn a living. The industrial revolution also had an impact on the social class structure (Montagna, 2009). It resulted in the rise of middle class businessmen who rose above the noble class who owned large tracks of land. It also saw an increase of low class citizens who worked for minimum wages in the factories. The industrial revolution saw the development of good housing for the owners of the factories and very poor housing for the workers and laborers. Industrial revolution also resulted in poor health in the society. This was as a result of air, water and land pollution from the industries. Factories dumped toxic materials in land and water bodies which were in turn absorbed by people through food and drinking water. Many workers also suffered from lung diseases from the fumes which were present in the factories. The industrial revolution saw the emergence of workers unions and trade unions to fight for the rights of the workers. Most employer laws that we have today were as result of these trade unions. Lesson 8: Political Theories In this part of the assignment I will use Delacroix Eugene’s painting “Liberty Leading the People (28th July 1830)”. Source: Olga’s Gallery (2012) This painting is used to depict the celebration in 28th July 1830, where the people decided rise and dethrone king, replacing him with Louis Philippe. The painting caught my eye because, it tells the story of a normal woman who abandons her duty as a wife and mother to take up a greater cause, by taking part in the revolution. She is painted wearing a red which was commonly worn by freed slaves at that time as an expression of freedom. The painting is used by Delacroix Eugene to show the struggle for freedom during the French revolution. The pile of dead bodies clearly shows how the people were successful in fighting the French army who are shown as dead men in military attire. The painting helps in understanding the social classes that we present. For example we can see a man in hat and a bow tie, and another man holding a sword of some sort and is shabbily dressed. This clearly shows that the two were fighting together they belonged to different social class. The man in a top hat and a bow tie is clearly of a higher social class than the man in a flat cap. In the background of the painting we can see buildings in smoke as if they were on fire. This helps in showing that there was a war taking place and the fact that there is no fire; it shows that the war had just ended. The Romantic Movement was a time where art was largely influenced by political and social revolutions that were happening at the time. This is a time when artist used their art such as paintings to express their social and political views. As we can see from the painting “Liberty Leading the People (28th July 1830)”, romantics believed in the interest of children and the common man. This is illustrated in the painting where we see a young boy with guns showing that even children took part in the revolution to gain their freedom. Eugene also uses the painting to show the effects of war. In the painting he shows a lot of dead people, stressing the point that war leads to a lot of death. He also shows that war leads to property damage as we can see buildings which are damaged and are smoking as if they were on fire. Holding a gun on one hand and the flag on the other hand the woman who ahs her breast bare is used to show how women played an important role in the revolution. The fact the woman is leading and cheering on fighters; shows how women were motivational during the revolution. Eugene also shows how all people can come together regardless of their gender or social class for a common cause. He does this by painting well dressed men together with poorly dressed men and women triumphing over dead bodies. The Romantic Movement is arguably regarded as the cause of revolutions in the 18th and early 19th century in Europe. Nationalism WHERE is the German's fatherland? The Prussian land? The Swabian land? Where Rhine the vine-clad mountain laves? Where skims the gull the Baltic waves? Ah, no, no, no! His fatherland 's not bounded so! Where is the German's fatherland? Bavarian land? or Stygian land? Where sturdy peasants plough the plain? Where mountain-sons bright metal gain? Ah, no, no, no! His fatherland's not bounded so! Where is the German's fatherland? The Saxon hills? The Zuyder strand? Where sweep wild winds the sandy shores Where loud the rolling Danube roars? Ah, no, no, no! His fatherland 's not bounded so! Where is the German's fatherland? Then name, then name the mighty land! The Austrian land in fight renowned? The Kaiser's land with honors crowned? Ah, no, no, no! His fatherland 's not bounded so! Where is the German's fatherland? Then name, then name the mighty land! The land of Hofer? land of Tell? This land I know, and love it well; But, no, no, no! His fatherland 's not bounded so! Where is the German's fatherland? Is his the pieced and parceled land Where pirate-princes rule? A gem Torn from the empire's diadem? Ah, no, no, no! Such is no German's fatherland. Where is the German's fatherland? Then name, oh, name the mighty land! Wherever is heard the German tongue, And German hymns to God are sung! This is the land, thy Hermann's land; This, German, is thy fatherland. This is the German's fatherland, Where faith is in the plighted hand, Where truth lives in each eye of blue, And every heart is staunch and true. This is the land, the honest land, The honest German's fatherland. This is the land, the one true land, O God, to aid be thou at hand! And fire each heart, and nerve each arm, To shield our German homes from harm, To shield the land, the one true land, One Deutschland and one fatherland! Source: Fordham University (2012) In the topic of nationalism I have decided to use the song “The German Fatherland” by Ernst Moritz Arndt. The song played a crucial role in the Burschenschaft movement, by acting unofficially as the German national anthem. The song provided motivation for people during times when there were a lot of problems. The song gave motivation to people to withstand the struggle against the occupation of Germany by France. It also gave the Germans hope since the song said that god was always with the Germans. It prompted people to live an honest life resulting to people being able to handle the harsh living conditions. It also united people as it required them to be proud to be Germans. Since it praised Germans of their strong hearts it encouraged them to cope with problems such unauthorized detention. In the lyrics “This is the German's fatherland” the song promoted nationalism among Germans especially during the First World War. This was one of the times in German history where the world was so much against Germany it was a powerful troublemaker. During this time Germany was remotely the best country to be affiliated to. This would result in many Germans changing their nationality the first lyrics line of the song promoted nationalism in that it reminded the citizens that Germany was their place of birth and that they should uphold their loyalty to Germany. The lyrics “To shield our German homes from harm” also brought out nationalism. There lyrics emphasized on the Germans to be ready to defend their country the same way they would protect their homes from intruders. This resulted in many Germans enlisting in the army, as they felt they were protecting their homes. The song “Germany the Fatherland” had a number effects in Germany. Since it promoted nationalism it paved way for the unification of Germany leading to victory of Germany in the Austria-Prussian war. Although it unified Germany it brought war upon the country since Germans became over ambitious and wanted to control the whole of Europe since they felt as superior people. The song resulted in the Germans having a sense of belonging and patriotism. It promoted pride in being German hence development of the country. The song resulted in good effects but the negative effects outweighed them. For example, since then, Germans were viewed as racist people and were disliked around the world. References Olga’s Gallery. (2012). Eugene Delacroix. Liberty Leading the People (28 July 1830). 1830. Oil on canvas. Louvre, Paris, France. Retrieved on September 2, 2012 from: Fordham University. (2012). Modern History Sourcebook: Ernst Moritz Arndt: The German Fatherland. Retrieved on September 2, 2012 from: Montagna, J. A. (2009). The Industrial Revolution. New York: Prentice Hall. Read More