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 * An Ant Farm Writing Activity- Annie Na**


 * Enlightened despot Annie Block G 2011**


 * Absolutism Intro. Q&A (11/10/11)**

What is absolutism? It was a system of governing during the 15th to the end of the 18th century, practiced much in Europe. The system itself was ran by a monarch who ruled with absolute sovereignty and was thought to be a messenger of God. Today, this system would be described as dictatorship and monarch being a dictator.

Explain the justification for absolutism referred to as the ‘divine right of kings’. The term ‘divine right of kings’ means that the monarch have an authority directly given by God. This meaning that the monarch was representing God on Earth and whoever challenged him would be known for challenging God. Therefore, the monarch would have an absolute power over the citizens by his title of representing God on Earth.

List the causes of the rise of Absolutism in Europe. - to lessen the chaos by an order of the monarch - Protestant Reformation--> for better control of the people by help from a powerful ruler

In your opinion, is absolutism a good way to rule? Can you think of a situation where it might be a positive thing? I believe that absolutism is neither a good or a bad way to rule. First of all, this system of government makes sure that the citizens and the subjects of the ruler do not get out of control. Everyone would have to follow a certain act under the ruler’s control. In addition, this would save much more time when making a decision one over another, because it is the ruler’s voice that only matters in this case. However, the cons to this system is that there may be chances in which the fellow citizens and subjects would rebel or revolt against the ruler due to various types of bias decisions made by the ruler. There also are chances that these decisions weakening their empire due to the ruler’s misinterpretations. To sum up, there are both pros and cons to this system of governing. There may be some risk-taking decisions to be made by the monarch, however this may be an advantage of having to save time.

**Cornell Notes and Q&A (11/7/11)**



When and where did they rule and what were their accomplishments? Frederick the Great- He ruled from 1740-1786 for Prussia. Some of his accomplishments were that he granted religious freedoms, reduced censorship, and improved education. He also reformed the justice system and abolished the use of torture. His greatest accomplishment was that he tried to serve and strengthen his country. Joseph II- He ruled Austria from 1780-1790. Such accomplishments made by him were that he introduced legal reforms and freedom of the press and also supported freedom of worship for different kinds of religions (Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and Jews). He abolished serfdom and ordered peasants to be paid with cash for their labor. Catherine the Great- This empress ruled for the Russians from 1762-1796. She made great accomplishments by ruling with absolute authority for the Russian empire such as: winning control of the northern shore of the Black Sea from the Ottoman Turks and further increasing the Russian empire’s lands.

How did they reflect the new Enlightenment ideals? These rulers listed above all had reflected themselves to the new Enlightenment ideals. They used logic to make their countries stronger and their rule more effective. These monarchs thought outside the box and embraced new ideas and reforms for a better reign and more power. Another example given in the textbook of enlightenment thinkers were the colonial leaders in North America. They had decided to break away from their ruling country- Britain- and find an independent republic.

What are some of the ways that western culture changed in response to Enlightenment ideas? Be sure to mention the barque, neoclassical, and classical styles. The Enlightenment ideas carried various of changed to the western cultures such as: barque, neoclassical, and classical styles. Barque style was was characterized by ornate designs which could be most often seen in elaborate palaces and in painting at the time. Secondly, architects and artists most often used this style- neoclassical- for simplicity and elegancy which originated from classical Greece and Rome ideas and themes. Last but not least, such classical styles as music and literature also changed. Many composer and artists started to write/play dramatic organ and choral music, which brought a newer, lighter, and more elegant style of music. Also, numerous writers started writing novels written in everyday language by crafting plots, using suspense, and exploring characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Think about people today who you would considered to be ENLIGHTENED thinkers. Research what they have done- justify in a paragraph. The person I would consider to be an enlightened thinker would be Steve Jobs. Though he passed away not long ago, he has accomplished many in his life time. As being the founder of the Apple company, he made progress of countless number of his electronics being used today. He has made this possible by thinking distinctively abroad and with greater knowledge of a particular subject. Numerous changes were made after his inventions. Such changes were that new, lighter, and more elegant style of electronics were commonly used to the world. To sum up, I believe that Steve Jobs should be considered to be one of the many enlightened thinkers in the world.

**Cornell Notes (10/28/11)**

**Q&A Slideshow and Video (10/26/11)**

1. Why have people decided to Occupy Wall Street, and other financial areas in major cities the world over? I believe that the people have decided to occupy Wall Street and other financial areas in major cities the world over, because they wanted their voices to be heard. More notice would be made from the upper class people if the riot took place somewhere that's the center of attention. If the citizens in the US picked a small town or a village, then it may not have been possible for the riot to spread all the way to the foreign countries.

2. Who might oppose those who are occupying Wall Street or demonstrating? Why are they opposing them? Most people who may be opposing those occupying Wall Street of demonstrating may be upper class people and the politicians. First, it is a possibility for the upper class people to be opposing because they are not the ones who are affected in any way from their own countries. They all haves stable jobs and earn enough money which will satisfy them. Second, the politicians will be highly opposing them, because the middle class citizens are having a commotion about how they- the politicians- run their country and what to fix. In short, it may be viewed that the middle class citizens are publicly humiliating the politicians.