THIS WEEK WE TURN to the French Revolution, one of the defining events of Western history. The conventional date for the French Revolution is 1789, but it is really better understood as a long process of political upheaval that took place over several decades beginning in the mid-18th century and stretching into the mid-19th century. Ultimately the "French" Revolution was a process that touched all of Europe and eventually the world. Indeed, in many ways the French Revolution and its sometimes violent consideration of questions of "principality" vs. "republic" defined the terms of Western politics that remain with us even today.

To understand the importance of these events, first read Hunt, et al. Chapters 16 and 17 and watch video number seven, "The Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment and the French Revolution." Please also read Rousseau's "Discourse on Inequality". Then, for your online exerise, please search the document archive in the Center for History and New Media's Liberty, Equality, Fraternity website for an image that depicts inequality as described by Rousseau. Print out your image, bring it to class, and be ready to give reasons for your choice.