Chapters 17, 18, 20

Chapter 17 was telling with regard to the various revolutions and the effect they had. I didn't realize the connection between the American Revolution and French Revolution had. I also didn't appreciate the significance and the lasting effects the Haitian Revolution would have on its people. The chapter also told of the abolition of slavery and beginnings of feminism. I have to admit the Feminist movement saw some pretty radical women in its early beginnings.

Chapter 18 explained the Industrial Revolution and its many debates on it first occurring in Europe. Britain in particular was progressive in its farming, breeding of animals and technology. Since the United States was still a new country, industrialization followed that of Britain. However, the United States did pioneer techniques of mass production, but two other developments were equally important. First was the expansion of transportation. Second was the effective harnessing of electricity.

Chapter 19 tells of how the Industrial Revolution fueled much of Europe’s expansion and an arrogance among Europeans. This feeling of superiority led Europeans to despise other cultures and expressed scientific proof of some peoples’ inferiority. The time period also show British selling Indian opium in China. This could have led to modern China's strict laws on drugs.