Unit 2: To what extent is resistance to liberalism justified?
Unit 2 encourages you to consider the past while preparing for the future. You will investigate how others have responded to the economic and social conditions that arose based upon evolving ideologies. The complete transformation of the social, political, and economic structures through the political and economic revolutions of the last millennium offers insights into an ideology that continues to evolve and shape our daily lives, our identity, and our conception of the role of a citizen. Unit 2 will specific allow you to focus on these questions through an economic perspective.
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Liberalism 101
Liberalism has grown and changed over time to include new ideas. In this section, we will explore the ideas and values that have influenced the development of liberal ideas in North America. We will also continue exploring the economic ideas of Adam Smith and the political ideas of John Stuart Mill , which were key to the development of classical liberalism in Western societies.
Origins and Rise of Liberalism Notes |
Textbook Chapter 4 |
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Economics 101
Before beginning the unit, please review the economics materials from grade 9 (specifically chapter 6).
Remember, we build UP our understanding!
http://gillsocial9.weebly.com/
Remember, we build UP our understanding!
http://gillsocial9.weebly.com/
Economics Notes |
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The Pros and Cons of Capitalism
In this section, we will explore the rise of classical liberalism and its impact on society. The focus of classical liberalism on individualism was seen in the development of laissez-faire capitalism, in which government does not intervene in the economy. People were given the freedom to decide what they wanted to buy or sell and for how much. This economic freedom and the development of new technologies helped to fuel the Industrial Revolution, however, there were both advantages and disadvantages to this.
The Pros and Cons of Capitalism Notes |
Textbook Chapter 5 |
The Crisis of Credit: http://crisisofcredit.com/
Economics Visual: http://desesperoeeuforia.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/goodsheet_006_economy.jpg
Economics Visual: http://desesperoeeuforia.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/goodsheet_006_economy.jpg
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Oppositions to Liberalism
Protests against the effects of classical liberalism and capitalism were many and varied. Not all of these developed into complete ideologies, but they reflected the general discontent of the times among various groups of people.
Oppositions to Liberalism: Luddites and Chartists Notes |
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Socialism
Socialism developed in Europe in the early 19th century as a response to the declining social and economic conditions of the working class during the Industrial Revolution. Early socialists thought that these poor conditions were the result of the practice of classical liberal ideas, such as individualism and laissez-faire capitalism, which created a vast inequality between the working class and the business-owning class. They felt that the economic benefits of classical liberalism were not being shared with most people in society. Socialists suggested that social and economic inequalities could be addressed by encouraging more government intervention in the economy. In doing so, they felt that wealth could be more evenly distributed to all, from the wealthiest to the most disadvantaged.
Socialism Notes |
Textbook Chapter 6 |
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The Pros and Cons of Communism
The Pros and Cons of Communism |
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The Russian Revolution
One of the most successful and well-known communist movements developed in Russia in the early 1900s and lasted until the early 1990s. With this movement came the creation of the Soviet Union, a socialist state in which different republics were organized under a common communist government. In this section, you will explore the rise of Soviet communism and its rejection of liberal ideas.
*if you have Netflix, I highly suggest you watch The Russian Revolution (47 mins)
*if you have Netflix, I highly suggest you watch The Russian Revolution (47 mins)
The Russian Revolution(s) Notes |
Leninism Notes |
Stalinism |
Textbook Chapter 7 |
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The Roaring Twenties, Stock Market Crash, and The Great Depression
The Roaring Twenties refers to the decade of the 1920s in Western society and Western culture. It was a period of economic prosperity with a distinctive cultural edge in the United States and Europe, particularly in major cities. A surging economy created an era of mass consumerism and redefined arts and culture.
Following the extended period of prosperity of the 1920s, the world economy suffered the extreme recession now known as the Great Depression. Most economists see booms (periods of economic growth such as the growth in the 1920s) and recessions as normal parts of the free market business cycle. Because of various circumstances, however, the recession of the 1930s was extremely severe. This period would have a long-lasting influence on liberal democratic governments. It led to a growth in government involvement in economies that continues in many forms to this day.
Following the extended period of prosperity of the 1920s, the world economy suffered the extreme recession now known as the Great Depression. Most economists see booms (periods of economic growth such as the growth in the 1920s) and recessions as normal parts of the free market business cycle. Because of various circumstances, however, the recession of the 1930s was extremely severe. This period would have a long-lasting influence on liberal democratic governments. It led to a growth in government involvement in economies that continues in many forms to this day.
The Roaring 20's Notes |
The Great Depression Notes |
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The New Deal
The New Deal was a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the United States between 1933 and 1939. It responded to needs for relief, reform, and recovery from the Great Depression. In the short term, New Deal programs helped improve the lives of people suffering from the events of the depression. In the long run, New Deal programs set a precedent for the federal government to play a key role in the economic and social affairs of the nation.
FDR and The New Deal Notes |
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Demand-Side vs. Supply-Side Economics
Demand-side economics is a macroeconomic theory which maintains that economic growth and full employment are most effectively created by high demand for products and services. According to demand-side economics, output is determined by effective demand. Because Keynesian economists believe the primary factor driving economic activity and short-term fluctuations is the demand for goods and services, the theory is sometimes called demand-side economics. Supply-side economics is a macroeconomic theory arguing that economic growth can be most effectively created by lowering taxes and decreasing regulation, by which it is directly opposed to demand-side economics.
Demand-Side vs. Supply Side Economics Notes |
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Post WWII Economics
Following the end of WWII, for more than half a century, the battle of ideas will rage to determine the most favourable economic system . From the totalitarian socialist systems to the fascist states, from the independent nations of the developing world to the mixed economies of Europe, and the regulated capitalism of the United States, government planning will gradually take over the commanding heights.
Post WW2 Economics Notes |
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Neo-conservatism
Neo-Conversvatism is an ideology that emerged in the United States during the 1950’s and 1960’s as a reaction against modern liberal principles. Some aspects of neo-conservatism challenge modern liberal principles and favor a return to particular values of classical liberalism.
Neo-conservatism Notes |
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Unit 2 Review Materials
Unit 2A Workbook |
Unit 2B Workbook |