“Discipline in the New Factories” (page 568)

As seen in this document (and illustrated above), what impact did factories have on the lives of workers? To what extent have such “rules” determined much of modern industrial life? How is your life marked by the historical development of such rules? Are today’s workers still only “hands” in the opinion of many employers?

The Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen

The Women's March on Versailles, October 1789

What rights for French women does this document assert? Given the nature and scope of argument in favor of women's rights here, what key effects on European society can you now attribute to the French Revolution? Are there any of Olympe de Gouges’ “Rights of Women and of Female Citizens” which have yet to be achieved in western society? If so, which ones, and why? (page 541)

"The Rights of Women"

What arguments does Mary Wollstonecraft make on behalf of the rights of women? What contemporary trends in other aspects of 18th century life would have brought the condition of women into sharper focus as an essential topic of enlightened investigation and improvement? What might explain Wollstonecraft's relative failure to achieve her objectives in her own era? (p. 485)

Benedict de Spinoza

"The 'Natural Inferiority' of Women." What arguments does Spinoza use to support the idea of female inferiority? What was the basis of his claims and assumptions? How would you refute these arguments? What was the effect of his line of reasoning upon the roles women could play? (p. 463)

William Shakespeare: In Praise of England

Besides Patriotism, what other motives may Shakespeare have had in writing this tribute to England? What are the elements in this excerpt from Richard II that makes it one of the most famous evocations of England ever written? (p. 439)

Louis XIV, The Sun King

Quotes attributed to Louis XIV

• "L'etat, c'est moi."
• "Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer."
• "I order you not to sign anything, not even a passport...without my command." (Declaration on acceding to full power at age 23)
• "I loved war too much. Do not follow me in that or in overspending." (Deathbead advice to his successor)

In this post, I want you to respond to these quotes by our friend Louis. How did each reflect his personality, his experiences, his aspirations as monarch? How does each reflect the different stages of his life and rule?

“The Atlantic Slave Trade” (Required Post)

Given the horrific realities of the slave trade, why were European governments and public opinion so slow to respond to its inhuman practices? What role did religion, economics, race and sheer ignorance play in ignoring the plight of the African slaves? How could any human being justify or rationalize taking part in the slave trade?

(Above: Diagram of a Slave Ship -- Click to enlarge)