Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Garibaldi and Romantic Nationalism

Why did Garibaldi become such a hero to the Italian people in 1860? Does it appear from the newspaper account that Garibaldi was a charismatic leader? If so, how? How important is charisma in a revolutionary leader? How does Garibaldi's comportment (look it up!) as a political and military leader prefigure the conduct of later revolutionary military leaders and activists (think of Vladimir Lenin, Emiliano Zapata, Pancho Villa, Ho Chi Minh, Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Malcom X)? (p. 627)

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Voice of Liberalism: John Stuart Mill on Liberty

How do Mill's ideas fit into the concept of democracy, safety and national security? Is Mill a democrat? Why and/or why not? What is more important in his thought: the individual or society? What do you believe to be the historic sources or inspirations of Mill's ideas? According to the tenets of the early twenty-first century, would Mill be described as a liberal or a conservative or neither? Why? (page 600)

Sunday, February 3, 2008

“The Voice of Conservatism: Metternich of Austria”

Based on Metternich's discussion, how would you define conservatism? What experience obviously conditioned Metternich's ideas? Was Metternich and early nineteenth century conservatism merely a reaction to the events of the French Revolution? Why and/or why not? Based on this selection, discuss the actual policies Metternich would have wanted his government to pursue. (page 592)