AP World 1750-1900 TikTok Review: Revolutions, Industrialization & Imperialism (Units 5-6)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of significant historical events and themes from 1750 to 1900, focusing on revolutions, industrialization, and imperialism. Understanding these concepts is crucial for students of AP World History as they lay the foundation for modern global dynamics.

Step 1: Explore the Enlightenment

• Understand the key ideas of the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Key thinkers to study

• John Locke: Advocated for natural rights and government by consent.
• Voltaire: Criticized religious intolerance and promoted freedom of speech.
• Rousseau: Proposed the social contract theory.
• Practical Tip: Create a mind map linking these thinkers to their ideas and how they influenced revolutions.

Step 2: Study the Atlantic Revolutions

Focus on the major revolutions during this period

• American Revolution (1775-1783): A fight for independence based on Enlightenment ideals.
• French Revolution (1789-1799): Overthrew the monarchy and established a republic, inspiring other movements.
• Haitian Revolution (1791-1804): The first successful slave revolt leading to Haiti's independence.
• Common Pitfall: Avoid oversimplifying causes; recognize the complex interplay of social, political, and economic factors.

Step 3: Understand Industrialization

Define industrialization and its impact on society

• Transition from agrarian economies to industrial production.
• Urbanization: Growth of cities as people moved for work.

Key inventions and innovations

• Steam engine: Revolutionized transportation and manufacturing.
• Spinning jenny and power loom: Transformed the textile industry.
• Practical Tip: Compare and contrast pre-industrial and industrial societies in terms of living conditions and labor.

Step 4: Analyze Capitalism and Westernization

Discuss the rise of capitalism as a dominant economic system

• Focus on free markets, private ownership, and competition.

Examine westernization and its effects in Asia

• Russia: The influence of Peter the Great's reforms.
• Ottoman Empire: Attempts at modernization and reform.
• Meiji Japan: Rapid industrialization and adoption of Western practices.
• Qing China: Responses to Western pressure and internal strife.
• Common Pitfall: Be cautious about generalizing the effects of capitalism; they varied significantly across regions.

Step 5: Investigate Imperialism and Resistance Movements

Understand the motivations behind imperialism

• Economic interests, national pride, and cultural superiority.

Explore key resistance movements

• Tupac Amaru II: Indigenous uprising in Peru against Spanish rule.
• Yaa Asantewaa: Led the Ashanti rebellion against British colonialism.
• Mahdist Revolt: Sudanese resistance against Egyptian and British control.
• Balkan Nationalism: Movements for independence from Ottoman rule.
• Ghost Dance and Xhosa Cattle Killing Movement: Responses to colonial oppression in North America and Africa, respectively.
• Practical Tip: Create timelines of these movements to visualize their context within imperialism.

Conclusion

This tutorial has outlined the essential themes and events from 1750 to 1900, highlighting the interconnectedness of revolutions, industrialization, and imperialism. To deepen your understanding, consider creating study guides or flashcards for key figures and events, and engage in discussions with peers to solidify your knowledge. These steps will prepare you for deeper analysis and success in AP World History.