1. Introduction to the Revolutions
17th & 18th Centuries Overview

2. Expansion of European Power
As a result of the Age of Exploration, European powers became extremely wealthy and powerful:
Colonies
Mercantilism
France and Great Britain were the leaders

3. Great Britain & The 13 Colonies
Britain had several colonies in North America in the 1700s
The Atlantic Coast of what is now the United States became known as the 13 Colonies
In 1763, after the Seven Years War, Great Britain also took control over New France (present day Quebec)

4. The 13 Colonies
Why do you think these were the first places to be colonized by Great Britain?

5. The Seven Years’ War
From 1756 to 1763 Britain and France fought in the Seven Years’ War.
The fighting started in Europe but quickly spread to the colonies.
During the war, The British who had a stronger military and navy, took control of several settlements in New France, including Montreal in 1760.
The Treaty of Paris ended this war in 1763 and forced the French to give up the colony of New France to the British.

6. New France Before and After the British Conquest
Using the documents below, explain the differences can you see.

7. British Control of the Colonies
The British controlled everything in the colonies:
Politics
Government
Military

8. Revolutions
People in the colonies were unhappy with the rules imposed by the British
They wanted autonomy (to be able to make their own decisions and govern themselves)
The American Revolution thus begins in 1776

9. What was Happening in Europe?
At the same time, a revolution was also starting in France
The French lived under a monarchy
People were unhappy with the authority of the King and the fact that he favored higher social classes
In 1789, the people of France demanded to be heard and they began their own revolution.

10. Where did Revolutionary Ideas Come From?
During the Renaissance, the Humanists valued the importance of the individual and the role each person had in society.
In the 18th century, philosophers explored this idea even more and wanted respect and equality for all men.
They were very critical of governments and monarchs who wanted to keep all the power to themselves.
This period became known as the Enlightenment.

11. The Enlightenment
This way of thinking was also influenced by the technological advancements that occurred during the Renaissance and Age of Exploration
Inspired by this, they argued that every person should have fundamental rights that protect them from injustices

12. The British Parliament
The British were the first to adopt a more open system of government
A Parliament consists of an assembly of representatives who are responsible for adopting laws
Though not everyone got to participate, it was more democratic than an absolute monarchy (like that of the French under Louis XIV)

13. The Early British Parliament

14. Current Canadian Parliament

15. Enlightenment & Democracy
Enlightenment philosophers believed in democracy
They thought it was important for a society to account for the needs and beliefs of all the people
They used the British system as an example of how a society should be run
Though not perfect, the Parliamentary system was a step in the right direction

16. Enlightenment & Revolutions: How are they related?

17. How does this image relate to the concept of a revolution?