echoes of atlantic revolutions

Three main key events from the chapter are the abolition of slavery, unity, and independence from foreign rule, and the feminists challenging male dominance. Britain was the first country to abolish slavery which followed to other countries to abolish slavery as well. Although slavery was being abolished, it did not necessarily mean that African societies were treated with equality. There were harsh segregation laws, unable to vote, and a lot of lynching. Nationalism was inspired by the French Revolution all over Europe. Many rivalries were fueled for example World War I. Lastly, the feminist movement created a big impact in the west with the Women's Suffrage Movement. Of course, many medical and academic "experts" were against it as they said that it could cause reproductive damages. I really enjoyed reading this part of the chapter due to the fact that it has evolved into equality in today's world. Yes, we could work on equal pay and sexual violence more, but it has changed so much from how society was before. I personally think it's a huge improvement and women should continue to protest for rights until there is universal equality.

eurocentrism and atlantic revolutions

Eurocentrism is a biased view of western civilization that is favored over non-western civilization. We definitely have this sort of centrism in our world today due to the famous narcissistic president, Donald Trump. Although things can get controversial in politics, America is seen as "the best country on Earth." Yes, America is big and advanced in technology and firearms, military, and war crimes but that does not mean that it is essentially great. One may ask, what/who is a terrorist? Is it the Muslims? is it the Americans? is it the undocumented immigrants? The answers are endless but as Americans, they don't see themselves as terrorists. Moving forward, the Atlantic revolution is the rebellion of lower-classified people on the higher hierarchy. In the French Revolution, the Church and the Aristocats lied to civilians about the equality and freedom that only benefited themselves. A revolution began insisting that civilians were their own government instead of the Church and the Aristocats. This definitely can compare to today where people assemble protests for things they believe in. A huge one that happened a few years ago is the famous Ferguson Unrest where people protested and rioted over the murder of Michael Brown by the police officer Darren Wilson. A protest literally just happened yesterday at the Ohio University of Kaitlyn Bennet where she was unwelcome from students due to her protest of carrying arms. Although I have lots to say about these concepts, I would rather talk about the important concept in this history lesson: eurocentrism. It is this ideology that something is better than the other, in this case, "Americas is better than any other country in the world," stated by Americans.

study questions

1) In your own words, what was this reading about?

The reading was about two sisters of Notre Dame in France that came from different backgrounds. Billiart grew up in the lower class where she witnessed the struggles and hardships many of the villagers on their daily basis. It seemed like she was tired of seeing the inequality between the lower and higher class receiving better and more education. Biliart received more of a religious education  On the other hand, Bourdon grew up in an aristocratic family where she gained a lot more opportunities. Both of these women saw the hardships the lower class was going through and believed that there should be something done about it, regardless of the class they were in. Both these women came together and were able to make a change. 

2) Which woman did you find most interesting and why?

I thought Bourdon was the most interesting due to the fact that she came from an aristocratic family and was still unimpressed that a lot was given to her. She came down from a higher class and didn’t believe in the social standards.

3) Which could you relate to most closely and why?

I could probably relate to Biliart because I grew up in a lower class where I always had a job, classmates had better opportunities than me due to their higher class, and I witness the hardships of people in my community. 

4) Compare the educational backgrounds of the two women.

Biliart didn’t have much education as it deemed unnecessary but did have religious education. So she went back to finish her education. Bourdon came from a much higher class where she basically had everything and had explored major facets of her life. 

5) How would you describe Francoises’s attitude toward her own money and privilege?

Although she was wealthy and privileged, she didn’t really care about all that stuff. What she cared about was the equality among the social classes which is why she became a nun.

6) How would you describe Julie’s attitude toward her disability?

She was so annoyed and dreadful that she didn’t want any help because she was so used to being independent.

7) What opportunities existed for women at this time?

Religious vocations or being married to a wealthy man.

8) What lessons do the experiences of these women hold for us today?
The lessons are that no matter the social class and what others think of you, one can change to help their community find equality among others. 

Ch. 15: religion in early modern societies

Christianity in Hispanic culture are to be seen very important and part of everyone’s life. Churches were built all over regions and precolonial towns. Saints are still seen as parents of the local community and are celebrated in households and feasts. I chose this topic to talk about because how relevant it still is today. My family still takes prayer and religion seriously when celebrating saints and historical religious days, like Jesus Christ being born. One of my favorite days to celebrate is the Virgin of Guadalupe where we all gather in our local church and celebrate her by singing, giving her roses and candles, and sharing her most important stories. Even going to Mexico for vacation, going to church is taken seriously. The churches are a way for the community to come together and continue their rituals.