Chap. 16,17,18,19

Globally speaking, the Atlantic Revolution was quite significant.  Occurring in "North America, France, Haiti, and Latin America.  Not surprisingly, additional taxes and the French monarchy seeking "new revenue from it landowners" contributed to the American and French Revolution.  Some distinctions of the Atlantic Revolution are that, "they were closely connected to each other."  Influence of the European Enlightenment emphasized the "notion that human political and social arrangements could be engineered, and improved by human action." Refreshing ideas of liberty, equality, free trade, religious tolerance," were just some of the many notions that were arising.  Interestingly, the impact of the Atlantic Revolution was inspiring to other countries to make an effort to "abolish slavery, extend the right to vote, develop constitutions, and secure greater equality to women." All of these aspects including many more have made the Atlantic Revolution more significant.

In discussing Revolutions the Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on society socially, and economically.  The Industrial Revolution, while propelling society into a more modern, faster paced time, also shoved old behaviors and ideals such as agriculture out of the way.  Most surprising is the huge jump in numbers when comparing old and new technologies.  For example, "52 million pounds of cotton in 1800 compared to 588 million consumed in 1850." The dominance of the Industrial Revolution dramatically affected society socially also.  In destruction came creation. "It destroyed old ways of living, but left them free to discover new ones."  This balance did not develop or occur without definite fear and struggle for new ways of establishment.

Another interesting topic discussed in the reading is that of women's roles in Colonial economy.  Women played a large part in planting, harvesting and weeding.  They were also in charge of food production and were usually allocated their own fields.  Despite these high demands and massive labor, women were subordinate to men.  Women coped by seeking closer relationships with their families instead of their husbands and took advantage of their abilities by creating "labor-saving crops and self-help associations.  Despite being controlled they were able to rise above.

In chapter 19 and interesting turn of events takes place especially concerning the China and Ottoman Empire. Once dominant, rapidly shifting global power made them "informal powers" and despite being able to sustain independence with their government, were unable to "create industrial economies or strong states required to fend off European intrusion and restore their former status in the world.  Although change is constantly occurring and is unstoppable, it is still amazing to see how even the most dominant of powers can be overrun.