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Effects of the french revolution on european society
Effects of the french revolution on european society
Effects of the french revolution on european society
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“Principles are like a skeleton map of a country-you know whether you’re going east or north.”(Ford, 154). Sometimes the idea of a perfect society neglects the austere reality of life. In order for a society to function properly, there should be minimal conflict between its majority members and its minority. A successful society is not static, but rather dynamic in its capability to accommodate the “outliers” and rising issues. The novel “Some Do Not” is set during the Edwardian age in which Ford Madox Ford juxtaposes the British ideal society with the problematic, contemporaneous one by using the protagonist Christopher Tietjens as the epitome of traditional Edwardian ideals versus all other characters as a representation of changing reality …show more content…
It was a time where social and political change, luxury, art, and power of the ruling elite were evolving. During this time Great Britain was one of the greatest imperial power in the world. In his book, Ford delineates the great differences between upper and lower class (wealthy and the poor) and emphasizes the new social and political changes in the British life. While the “poorer helots of great cities heartened their lives by dreaming of material beauties, elegance, and suave wealth” (Ford, 247) the upper class dealt with problems such as infidelity, women suffrage, and preservation of their image. Nevertheless, on the outside England was the land of hope and glory to which commoners aspired to, an idea that was maintained by the great hushing power of the ruling class in matters of public dishonor for persons of position, and censored information about the power of absorption of the remoter Colonies (Ford, 191). A fragile society built upon lies and corruption could not withstand the strong winds of social and political change that new times …show more content…
The secret alliances between the French and Russians bonded England to a war that was opposed by its citizens. The foreign policy of England was defined as “splendid isolation” which meant minimal involvement in European affairs. Its foreign policies were concerned mainly about maintaining balance of powers in Europe, as well as protecting overseas interests in colonies such as Africa and India (Wikipedia.com). Nevertheless, after the Boer war (1899-1902) between Anglo-Saxons and Afrikaans (Transvaal Republic and Orange Free State) which resulted into a difficult victory for England, the British decided that “splendid isolation” was not a successful foreign policy for the years to come (bbc.com/history). The new technological and military advancements of German threatened the balance of powers in Europe, urging Great Britain to enter the Triple Alliance with France and Russia in 1907. Thus, once the alliances were formed, they bounded countries together making the avoidance of a cataclysmic war impossible. Even in “Parade’s End” Ford delineates how war was inevitable. England was a bankrupt, overpopulated, northern country during the Edwardian period while the French were rich southerners with falling population whose greatest enemy was Great Britain. Being part of the Triple Alliance would give Britain a way to “make bread” by using France as “catspaw” (Ford,
This essentially left Britain as the only power that had not picked a side and therefore the deciding point for the balance of conflict. If they choose the Franco-Russian alliance, then the delicate balance of power that had so long existed would remain. Lafore explains the reasons in which Britain may have wanted to join either alliance and finally gives the reason for joining the Franco-Russian alliance by saying that the effects of the Boer war and other events had led Britain into an uncertain alliance with the two countries (140). Thus Britain, France, and Russia formed the Triple
The novel’s use of contrast between East Egg, West Egg, and the Valley of Ashes begins to explore the differences between social classes. East Egg houses the most wealthy and aristocratic members of the nearby area. It contains many “white palaces” (Fitzgerald 10) that are quite “fashionable” (Fitzgerald 10). This description paints an image of purity and untouched standards of wealth that are translated into the book’s time period. Due to the pristineness of the village, the homes “[glitter] along the water,” (10) further supporting the idyllic qualities East Egg appears to have. West Egg, on the contrary, is home to people of near equal affluence, but of less social establishment. It is described by the narrator as “less fashionable,” (Fitzgerald
Five years following the Second World War, the setting of 1950s England is skillfully illustrated, as the nation is no longer much of a powerhouse. The way of life that has fulfilled the de Luce family is waning, as economic realism and modern life approach the under-funded country pile. Bradley captures the distinct era in history, a mixture of post-war adversity and the Empire coming to its end. Flavia is bemused; uninformed of the physiological effects the war had placed...
Mortimer describes their laws, their medicine, their eating and dressing habits, and their entertainment. The purpose of The Time Traveler’s Guide to Elizabethan England is to give readers a vivid look into the past, into one of the most celebrated eras in history, with hopes that the modern era learns that “the past is not just something to be studied; it is also something to be lived” (Front Flap). Throughout the book, Mortimer makes several major interpretations of the society of
The setting is London in 1854, which is very different to anything we know today. Johnson’s description of this time and place makes it seem like a whole other world from the here and now....
The roles of diversity and uniqueness are a crucial part of society today. Without these qualities being enforced into the American character, people won't produce thoughtful ideas that could help shape America. Both authors illustrate the evil effect of conformity in society and support how one should be self reliant, not phony, and confident in their own beliefs and ideas.
Alliances between European nations can also be considered an underlying cause of World War I. As a result of the Triple Alliance consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy, the Triple Entente (understanding) was formed between France, Britain, and Russia. Although France and Britain were natural enemies, their fear of Germany united them together with Russia. These alliances set the final stage for the beginning of World War I. Each country in each alliance would help each other during warfare. For example, if Germany attacked France, Britain and Russia would help France, and Italy and Austria would help Germany, dragging Europe into a state of chaos and violence.
In effect, nationalism was also a contributing factor to the alliance system. No country feels comfortable being in a war alone, and with the growing militaries in almost every country, allies provide much comfort. The supreme present of militarism, "a policy of aggressive military preparedness", in this period of time gave all countries great reason to feel the heavy weight of an oncoming war. Great Britain's naval policy (to always be twice as big as the next two largest navies put together), along with the predominate feeling of war, provided countries with a strong reason to try and create an incredibly strong military force. This led to an arms race, which made the impending war seem inevitable.
France couldn't ally with Britain because Britain kept itself in "splendid isolation", so Russia was really the only real choice as they were the only other great power who was suspicious and disliked Germany.
The Alliances not only contributed to war breaking out; it made the war last longer and become on a much larger scale; major political disputes would inevitably cause a large conflict. The alliances caused suspicion, fear, and tension among nations. The two camps were the Triple Entente (Britain, France and Russia) and the Triple Alliance (Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary). When countries formed alliances with each other it gave them protection, if a country was threatened or under attack then the alliance would come to that country’s aid. Countries made an alliance when they both needed protection from a stronger country. When Austria-Hungary had heard about the assassination of Franz Ferdinand they went to war with Serbia which resulted in a chain reaction of countries going to war with one another, and when countries teamed up to support their attacked friends when war came, it meant that a number of nations would fight, not only the two involved in a dispute. The division of...
In the novel, the character Hortense’s embodiment of the positive, nostalgically cherished traditions of the British Empire represents the things British citizens can always take pride in. In contrast, Levy’s ‘antagonist’ Bernard brings to light the less desirable characteristics of the classic Empire. Consequently, Queenie represents the clash between the aspects of the ‘olden’ days—along with Gilbert and Michael—and the move towards progress and social equality which forms British society as we know it
Alliances played a hefty role in the inevitability of World War One. Countries were constantly at each other’s necks and needed power in order to protect themselves from each other. This is where alliances came in; countries could seek shelter from others by developing truces with close friends. Having a truce was beneficial in most ways because it provided the illusion of being a bigger power, and offered one extra support in case of a crippling event. Then again they did also create tensions between the countries that could only escalate further. For example, in the year 1879 there was a dual alliance created between Germany and Austria-Hungry. This alliance was created to protect them from Russia, who ...
Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion emanates the social and political upheaval caused by the war and depicts the transition into nineteenth century realism where class and wealth was considered extremely important in the social hierarchy. She explores the reactions to the newly diverse interactions between different social classes and although she was “no snob, she knew all about snobbery.” Therefore, she is able to realistically portray the views of upper class characters such as Sir Walter Elliot and contrast them to men who have earned their wealth, such as Captain Wentworth. Whilst Britain was involved with the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars in the early nineteenth century, the navy had a profound involvement therefore this is not only reflected in Austen’s real life, but also in her novels. This alters the narrative in the novel as a whole as Austen depicts how wealth and being upper class is no longer limited to hereditory but can also be earned through professions such as being in the navy. As a result, the contrasts between the opinions and actions of the men who work for their wealth and the men who merely receive it from their family are profound.
The setting for this novel was a constantly shifting one. Taking place during what seems to be the Late Industrial Revolution and the high of the British Empire, the era is portrayed amongst influential Englishmen, the value of the pound, the presence of steamers, railroads, ferries, and a European globe.
The Victorian Era in English history was a period of rapid change. One would be hard-pressed to find an aspect of English life in the 19th century that wasn’t subject to some turmoil. Industrialization was transforming the citizens into a working class population and as a result, it was creating new urban societies centered on the factories. Great Britain enjoyed a time of peace and prosperity at home and thus was extending its global reach in an era of New Imperialism. Even in the home, the long held beliefs were coming into conflict.