Samantha

Tell how the following things contribute to the beginning of the French Revolution, refer to specific people, ideas, and events:

• The ideas of the Enlightenment (Locke, Rousseau, and other philosophes)

• Privilege (define and explain it) and the social pyramid in France

• The American Revolution

• The economic condition of France at the time

• The French Monarchy, its attitudes and actions

What is the Enlightenment? What basic tenets (principles) of the Enlightenment are found in the writings of Adam Smith? What does he mean by the term invisible hand? What is “Mercantilism” and how can Smith be seen as an anti-mercantilist, laissez-faire economist?

Enlightenment philosophy, with its adherence to human equality, and the existence of the American institution of slavery present an irreconcilable paradox. First, explain why slavery and Enlightenment are paradoxical. Next explain how is Douglass’ speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” a response to this paradox? Douglass bases one of his arguments on the existence of Southern laws regarding “the teaching of the slave to read or write.” Summarize Douglass’ argument. Finally, consider the relationship between Douglass’ speech and “The Williams, Hypothesis.

Briefly contrast and compare (similarities and differences) the ideologies of Locke and Rousseau concerning:

• the purpose of government

• property

• right(s) people surrender when they form a government

• tyranny

• the theoretical limits of government

• the dissolution of government