History 1122

Essay Questions for the Second Exam


1. Contrast the themes of Romanticism with those of the Enlightenment.  (Worth 30 points)

2.  Contrast the principles of Nationalism with those of the Enlightenment. (worth 30 points)

3.  Discuss the theme "Revolt Against Europe." (Worth 30 points).
 

4. Discuss the different characteristics of totalitarianism and democracy (Worth 30 points).
 

5. What would be the attitude of two of the following toward the Idea of Progress:
  (1) writers of Pessimism and Realist Literature (2) Herbert Spencer (3) Friedrich Nietzsche (4) an Imperialist . (Worth 60 points).

6. Imagine that you were a young person during the French Revolution and that you were still alive in 1875. How might your basic beliefs and assumptions have changed as a result of three of the following: the Industrial Revolution; the writings of Karl Marx; the writings of a realist and naturalist writer (such as Flaubert); the writings of Herbert Spencer? (Worth 60 points.)

7. Tell what the following are and why they are important:
  (1) the "new" Imperialism (2) anti-rationalism in Fascism. (Worth 30 points).

8. What would the following say about Thomas Jefferson's statement "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness..."?
(1)  Karl Marx  (2) Adolph Hitler (3) Herbert Spencer (4) Friedrich Nietzsche (Worth 60 points).
 

9. How would the following issues be resolved in a democratic and a totalitarian society: (1) should people be allowed to demonstrate against the actions and policies of the government ? (2) should people be allowed to hear diverse opinions and ideas? (Worth 60 points).
 

Short answer. Worth 5 points each. (A list of 6-8 items follows).
 

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