Unit Chapters

This chapter covers the first two major revolutions of this era and how they were connected to the developments of the enlightenment. A brief overview of important enlightenment thinkers and their beliefs is followed by an introduction to the American  and French Revolutions. The focus in both is on how impactful they were to the development of World History.

This chapter covers the process known as imperialism, which would change the world in ways that are still being felt today. We cover the most well-known examples of imperialism and the immediate effects of that process. Due to the fact that it is hard to view this concept in positive terms, this chapter gets a little bit depressing. I do, however, take a break by giving the students a chance to have a debate over current school curriculum. 

This chapter covers the basics of economic history. We start with the rise of the industrial revolution and the advancements that are associated with this movement. After that we cover the economic philosophies of mercantilism, capitalism, communism, and socialism. All four ideas are covered by showing both the positive and negative outcomes of these concepts.

This chapter covers the reactions to imperialism in Asia from the side of the people in that continent instead of covering it solely from the side of the West. It covers some of the issues that arise in the countries themselves as they are attempting to keep their own countries from the Europeans. A great deal of time is spent in explaining the issues in China and Korea in this time period as well as the far different reactions in Japan during this time.