Lesson Purpose
The Age of Exploration and the Columbian Exchange didn't just change world markets and systems of exchange and trade; they also changed the ways people viewed their human rights. The Atlantic revolutions were the result of people's efforts to protect those rights. One of the outcomes of these revolutions, which were often uprisings against unjust or tyrannical rulers, was increased nationalism. A central feature in shaping the modern era was the change in states and identities generated by these nationalist and democratic movements. As a result of these changes, economically strong countries began to colonize the world. The effects of this colonisation can still be seen today.
The outcomes of this lesson are: 1.) To define the concept of nationalism; 2.) To explain the Atlantic revolutions and why they occurred; 3.) To explain the main causes of imperialism.
The outcomes of this lesson are: 1.) To define the concept of nationalism; 2.) To explain the Atlantic revolutions and why they occurred; 3.) To explain the main causes of imperialism.
Activity 1 - Who are You? Braided Identities Quick Poll
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Activity Objectives
In this activity, you will begin to explore some of the characteristics that define you and make you unique, specifically in terms of your identity. Understanding that people no longer have singular identities, but rather multiple identities that are interconnected, helps you get a sense of the cultural climates you’ll encounter as time passes. Activity Tasks
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Activity 2 - Forming the Concept of Nationalism
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Activity Objectives
In this activity, you will explore the idea of nationalism, which emerged from the Atlantic revolutions. Understanding the concept of nationalism is important because it can explain people’s love for their country. Countries that are nationalistic are often more prosperous, and nationalism can hold communities of people together. Therefore, understanding nationalism can help you understand why countries stay together and survive, and why some political structures last. Activity Tasks Nationalism emerged out of the eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century Atlantic revolutions, and then quickly spread to many parts of the world. Before the nineteenth century, people were loyal to their local, regional, or religious communities. Throughout the nineteenth century, people began to become more nationalistic, forming attachments to their own nations that may not have existed before.
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Activity 3 - "You Say You Want a Revolution"
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Activity Objectives
The Age of Exploration and the Columbian Exchange didn’t just change world markets and systems of exchange and trade; they also changed the ways in which people viewed their human rights. The Atlantic revolutions were the result of people’s efforts to protect those rights. Understanding the consequences of new systems in the world will help you gain a sense of how increasing complexity can influence changes in thinking, not just changes in the way the world operates. Activity Tasks
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Activity 4 - Imperialism: Crash Course World History
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During the nineteenth century, politics and economics came together through imperialism. European countries wanted more money, and one of the best ways to do this was through colonization. Colonizing often meant taking over the governments in other countries. Although most countries are now independent from their colonizers, the impacts of this colonization are still felt today.
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Activity Objectives
Understanding imperialism provides a lot of perspective on where we are in the world today. Imperialism, which grew out of the Industrial Revolution, demonstrates how economics and politics can be completely intertwined. In today’s world, it is nearly impossible to separate the two, and studying imperialism helps you understand how that can happen. Activity Tasks
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Activity 5 - "Imperialism and Resistance Shape a Modern World"
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Activity Objectives
The age of imperialism was caused by a variety of factors, including the Industrial Revolution. More important, the impact of imperialism on today’s society is still tangible. Imperialism and colonialism help explain why former colonies, now independent nations, are behind both economically and politically in relation to their former rulers. This helps us understand some of the economic and political disparities that exist around the world today. Activity Tasks
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Activity 6 - Rights and Resistance Timeline
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Activity Objectives
In this activity, you will take major events related to human rights and resistance from this lesson and place them on a timeline. It’s useful to do this to see a chronology of events, and it also helps you see how social and political movements progress and how unrest can arise. The fight for human rights has been long standing and continues today—it’s helpful to see how rights have evolved over time and how progress occurs. Activity Tasks
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