Tournament Justifications 2014

Martin Luther

Social:

The Peasants Revolt began due to Luther standing up to the Church and living conditions. Family roles were changed because women were considered more important in Protestant

society. Children became more important as well because Luther stressed the idea of family life.

Mothers and fathers were in charge of enabling their children with the doctrine of faith. They took it extremely seriously and nurturing children was of primary importance.

Family units were essential to fostering religious belief as well as social stability. This meant that parents put more attention toward child-rearing.

Luther stressed the idea of the father and mother working as a unit to accomplish the goal of child-rearing and making sure their child is nurtured and understands the Bible and God’s teachings. Therefore, women were considered very important in Protestant homes, more so than Catholic women.

Luther’s teachings were brought around the world due to exploration soon after. Many people wanted to become missionaries and teach people the Gospel.

Political:

Luther inspired the Wars of Religion because without Luther, Protestantism would not have been around and therefore, no wars would have been fought concerning religion.

The Peace of Augsburg which stated that German Princes had the right to choose the primary religion of their state.

The Treaty of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years’ War and expanded the Peace of Augsburg because it incorporated Calvinist teachings as well.

The Holy Roman Empire declined as a high power in Europe after the war because German states were able to make treaties and alliances.

This was the beginning of France’s predominant power in Europe because they gained land in the Spanish Netherlands and Spain was left isolated due to their Hapsburg population.

Protests in England erupted, especially beginning with Henry VIII and his many wives scandal. Also Bloody Mary’s tyrant about Protestants in England reached a high when she killed many of them. This led to his daughter, Elizabeth I taking the throne.

The Act of Supremacy, passed in 1559, established a monarch as the head of the Anglican Church.

The Act of Uniformity adopted a modern version of the Book of Common Prayer. The Church of England looked Catholic but preached Protestant.

Religious:

Without meaning to, Luther created a new branch of religion: Protestantism.

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Protestantism began the religions of Lutheranism, Calvinism, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Puritan.

Salvation by faith alone was established- an idea that stemmed from Humanism. The idea of only two sacraments was initiated by Luther- Baptism and Holy Communion Luther started the idea that only God can grant you eternal life and it has nothing to do with

performing good works, while a Christian should want to perform them, it is not necessary. Luther argued that only faith will get one into heaven and be saved.

Luther posted the Ninety-Five Thesis on the door of the Catholic Church on October 31, 1517 which stated his beliefs.

Intellectual:

Luther stressed education especially learning to read and the vernacular. He translated the Bible from Latin to German- the primary language spoken in the area. The Catholic Church did not allow the ordinary citizen to read the Bible, in fact, many Catholics

did not read it because they could not read Latin. This made it difficult to understand the church service and also who God really is. Luther had a problem with this ideology and translated the Bible so all people could read and understand it.

Luther pushed for people to have their own personal relationship with Jesus. Consequently, education was pushed and more people could read in Europe.

Luther wrote catechism which summaries his beliefs in question-answer form. They were written in plain German or British so the ordinary family could read and comprehend its entirety.

Literacy rates grew faster in Protestant areas than Catholics ones due to this increased emphasis on reading.

Technological:

Luther’s ideas spread rapidly due to the printing press created by Johann Gutenberg. The printing press was established in the 1450s and it enabled the Bible, the catechisms, and the

Ninety-Five Thesis to be spread in Europe quickly and efficiently. The Pope did not respond to Luther as quickly as he should have in order to hush his ideas.

Instead, he ignored the printing press and realized too late how fast Luther changed the world and got his ideas across Europe.

Economic:

Luther inspired John Calvin and Calvinism to become a religion. Calvinism promoted capitalism in Europe because they taught how hard work was essential. Therefore, one will be successful due to the work one has put in. This is a sign that God has picked you for the elect people to go to heaven.

Capitalism became more used in Europe, especially during the Industrial Revolution. However, it really began just before the time of exploration because there was an increased amount of banking and economic activity.

I chose Luther to be in the top eight because he influenced generations to come. Not only did he challenge the church and the Great Chain, but challenged the world continually after his ideas were initially spread. Without Luther, the Wars of Religion would never have been fought. Consequently, there would be no other Christian religion other than Catholicism and the world would be very different than it is now. Luther also inspired education and language

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which is directly related to the educational system in place today. Capitalism was also emphasized by Calvin, Luther’s follower. Many countries evoke a capitalistic atmosphere to this day.

Treaty of Frankfurt 1871

Social:

The treaty embarrassed France because after their defeat by the Germans, King William I of Prussia was proclaimed German emperor before a huge assembly of people at the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles.

King Louis XIV was crowned at the Hall of Mirrors so this was an enormous slap in the face for the French people.

France holds this grudge to Germany which is a problem dealing with the end of the First World War.

The Treaty of Versailles is connected to this treaty because France wanted Germany to pay and suffer greatly after the war, just like they did after their defeat in the Franco-Prussian War.

Their grudge toward Germany is what leads to German’s hostility and eventually the outbreak of Hitler, Nazism, and World War II.

Political:

France and Germany have long lasting rivalries from the Treaty of Frankfurt. It fuels problems when drafting the Treaty of Versailles. The treaty took Alsace and Lorraine from France and gave them to Germany. (This land was

given back to France during the signing of the Treaty of Versailles). Germany was now ruled by the new German Emperor and the lower house of the legislature

was elected by universal male suffrage. The King of Prussia had ultimate power in the government.

Religious:

Germany now elected a “sun king” who resembled King Louis XIV of France and his absolutist reign.

Louis XIV was an absolute monarch who did not involve God in his government and the same could happen to King William I of Prussia.

Intellectual:

Darwinism was influenced by this treaty because Germany was pitiless with what they did to France.

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Social Darwinism emerged by saying that the strongest overcome the weak. In this example, Germany defeated France and therefore was the stronger link and more likely to survive.

Germans considered themselves the most fit of all the European countries because of this win. They left France with an extreme amount of pride and bliss.

Technological:

The weakest states in Europe became the most powerful. Germany crushed France in the France-Prussian War.

The second Industrial Revolution directly after this affected Germany greatly and allowed them to be prepared for war to surprise the world at how fast they generated machines and artillery.

Economic:

France had to pay five billion gold francs to Germany for war reparations. In response to this, in the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was forced to pay an even greater sum

of money after their defeat in World War I. In fact, Germany just finished paying off their war debt a few years ago.

I chose the treaty of Frankfurt to move on to the top eight because it yielded the long debate over Germany and France. Because of this treaty, France was forever the hated enemy of Germany and only sought their downfall. Also, this treaty made Germany go from a small power, to one of the strongest countries in Europe. This led to a power-hunger for them and the beginning of World War II. France was bitter against Germany after the First World War and left many war reparations for them to pay off. This led to a more intense World War II.

Louis XIV

Social:

The Fronde led Louis XIV to hate nobles because they stormed his palace. When he became ruler, he created Versailles, an intricate palace in which he had a dressing

system so the nobles would fight each other and not him. He appointed middle class men as opposed to nobles. Louis XIV practiced selling titles to nobility to regular citizens. Louis XIV severely distrusts nobles due to his child experience of the raiding of the Fronde

which greatly impacts his absolute monarchy.

Political:

Louis XIV practiced an absolute monarch in which he and only he had power in the government. He sought to increase French power and expand land to the Spanish Netherlands and the Holy Roman Empire.

In order to accomplish this, a number of wars presented themselves like: The war of Devolution, the Dutch War, the League of Augsburg War, and the War of Spanish Succession.

The Peace of Utrecht signed in 1713 limited Louis XIV’s power and his aim for conquering different places in Europe.

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Religious:

Louis XIV followed the concept of divine right which was a justification for an absolute monarch.

He was considered the “sun-king” which is thought of to be godlike. He practiced gallicanism which is that the king had control over church while he recognized the

pope’s authority over faith and morals. He opposed orthodox Catholic Doctrine. Louis XIV was against the Jansenists and their teachings. He revoked the Edit of Nantes in 1685 which allowed for religious toleration. He initiated a campaign against all Huguenots in France in which he persecuted them. The Huguenots fled the country. This became a problem because many of them were educated

and skilled so it left France deprived economically.

Intellectual:

Louis XIV practiced diving right. Jacques Bossuet, an intellect, wrote Politics from Holy Scripture in 1670. The king ruled by the will of God and was responsible only to God and not earthly power. People thought of Louis XIV as a god so therefore, obedience to him was an obligation.

Technological:

Louis XIV encouraged industry. He built roads, canals, and merchant fleet.

Economic:

Jean-Baptiste Colbert encouraged mercantilist teachings which included maximizing exports, limiting imports and encouraging industry.

The corvee was enacted which was a tax only on the peasants. Only the peasants had to pay taxes which led to French revolution.

I chose Louis XIV to move on because he was an extremely important absolute ruler. Louis was very smart when it came to handling nobles because he devised Versailles. Also, he wanted to expand France, but he did not accomplish this goal. However, he left the idea to Napoleon who was successful at first in expanding the French empire. Louis believed that he was the only person in power, and barely recognized God as superior to him. This led to an increase amount of secularism in Europe.

Elizabeth I

Social:

Elizabeth was a women ruler in a time where men ruled. She was looked down upon by other rulers, colleagues, and the people. She was Henry VII’s and Anne Boleyn’s daughter.

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Her father married six times because he believed that only a man should be on the throne. Elizabeth was showy because many of her portraits included her wearing long, glamorous

gowns. These portraits display her boldness as a leader for being a woman in a man’s world.

Political:

Elizabeth dealt with the Spanish Armada where England defeated them in 1588. Phillip II wanted to conquer England and to restore the Catholic Church. The Protestant wind defeated the Spanish Armada- England lost no ships while Spain lost forty. This marked the beginning of Spain’s decline as a great power. The Act of Supremacy repealed pro-Catholic laws of Mary’s reign. Elizabeth I was made head of the Anglican Church. The Act of Uniformity in 1559 made the Book of Common Prayer a main book in England. Eventually, her reign led to James II and Charles which brought on disorder to England and the

revolution led to Cromwell.

Religious:

The Church looked Catholic but taught Protestant. Elizabeth was the head of the Church which was a scandal. She had to consider herself the governor of the Church because she was a woman. She tried to compromise on both religions. In prior reigns like Bloody Mary who persecuted Protestants, and Henry VII who married six

times in an effort to have a male heir, Elizabeth tried to balance them out through her reign. Puritans wanted her to go farther so many left and colonized America.

Intellectual:

Many people did not want Elizabeth I on the throne because of prior knowledge of women. Luther helped shape the role of women in his teachings but it did not help people accept

Elizabeth as their ruler. Instead of being the “head of the Church of England” she could only reach the status of

“governor.” Intellects thought it was a monstrosity that England could be ruled by a woman because at the

time, women were thought to be inferior to men.

Technological:

When fighting the Spanish Armada, England had small, fast, efficient ships. These ships completely defeated Spain quickly because Spain had huge, hard to maneuver

vessels. England’s technology in this was greater and thus led to their victory.

Economic:

The English population rose dramatically which led to a food problem in the country.

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The Statue of Artificers in 1563 tried to make men stay locally where they could continue the family business.

Elizabeth failed to help England economically, but she did continue stability until James I came to power.

I chose Elizabeth I to move on to the next round because she was one of the first strong women rulers of her day. She came to power and helped England balance the two religions in its grasp. Her ideas appeased many Englanders and created peace for a while in the country. Also, she defeated the Spanish Armada which was a major cornerstone for a women ruler. She epitomized strong, independent woman who was fully devoted to her country.

Congress of Vienna

Social:

The Congress of Vienna was in response to Napoleon and his conquests. It initiated a balance of power throughout Europe. Certain areas now were in different countries. This led to a mix of cultures in one country and problems with unity. (Unification of Italy and

Germany had to deal with the problems made by this Congress.) Austria lost Belgium so they get northeaster Italy (leads to problems in Italian unification). Piedmont and sardine get Niece. Prussia gets territory up to Rhine to buffer France. Russia czar is king of Poland and rules Finland directly. Sweden took Norway from Denmark. The Holy Roman Empire becomes the thirty-eight German States Belgium is ruled by the Dutch. Austria rules many different nations. Kept France weak.

Political:

The Congress of Vienna reduced French power across Europe. It divided power throughout Europe so not one single country was greater than another. Governments were set up to balance the power in Europe. For instance, Russia ruled Poland

and the Dutch ruled Belgium. Austria ruled parts of Italy which led to problems in their unification period because in order to

be unified, they needed to defeat Austria. Because all different nations were put together in one area, nationalism was at an all-time low. They wished to turn back the clocks to before Napoleon and have Europe begin from there

again. Metternich, the ruler of Austria, wanted conservatism and regarded nationalism and liberalism

as a threat to peace in Europe.

Religious:

Different countries with different beliefs, customs, and religions were forced to live together.

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This led to problems in unification. The people could not agree on many things so governments and the church were all different

and unorganized.

Intellectual:

The writers of the congress ignored feelings of nationalism and for a greater democracy which led to problems in the nineteenth century.

The Industrial Revolution was about to happen right after this Congress so new ideas were about to spread about capitalism and how to improve your status.

Romanticism was the main art movement during this time period. The idea stressed the individual and what the individual can accomplish on its own.

Romanticism was reflected in Napoleon and his ideas and morals of conquering lands.

Technological:

The Industrial Revolution is about to occur in Britain which helps spur on new technologies. France is limited to not expand its empire anymore and not imperialize. The concept of new

ideas in England is quite the opposite of the settlement they put on the French after Napoleon.

Economic:

France did not have to pay any war reparations after the Congress of Vienna.

I chose the Congress of Vienna for my top eight because it led Europe to a world war and unification for Germany and Italy. It was to have a balance of power in the continent after Napoleon. However, it created many cultural problems for people because different religions and cultures were mixed together. People of different ethnicities were put into one country under one leader which led to a decrease in nationalism. This problem led to a feeling of wanting to be unified which eventually led to the First World War

Isaac Newton

Social:

Newton allowed for the spread of is ideas in the Industrial Revolution. People moved and worked in factories because Newton wanted productivity and he increased

the understanding of the world and machines. He gave everyone a glance at hos the world operates (it’s not as simple as one believed). Because of his increased studies, many other people were inspired by him to continue to learn

about the world.

Political:

Newton challenged the Great Chain of Being and questioned authority.

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Secular societies are influenced by his, and other scientist reasoning’s like the Directory in France.

Religious:

The Scientific Revolution in many aspects went against the Church. People like Newton challenged the universe and how they originally believed it operated. Prior to Newton, everyone accepted the Ptomeloy view on the universe. This included an earth-

centered one where God is in the center. Earth, therefore, is the closest to God and one strives to be the highest and closest to God.

Newton pieced together ideas from other scientists like Galileo, Copernicus, and Kepler and came up with a solution to the madness.

Church leaders revoked Newton and other thinkers of the day because they went against the teachings of the church.

Intellectual:

Newton was extremely intelligent. He was a philosopher and a mathematician. He discovered differential and integral calculus. He showed that natural laws governed the universe. He taught the world about gravity in his three laws.

Technological:

Newton spurred on thought for future generations. He led to an increase understanding of the world. His ideas led to the Industrial Revolution because he furthered math and science and

productivity. His thoughts influenced the modern world because schools still teach and have accepted

Newton’s discoveries.

Economic:

Because of Newton and his influence on the Industrial and Scientific Revolutions, the led to an increase number of jobs available.

Also, an increase number of productivity and wages for the people was affected by Newton.

I chose Isaac Newton to make it to the next round because his findings continue to influence people to this day. His work is still used in physics and mathematics and is widely accepted. His ideas led to the Industrial Revolution and the need for productivity and demand in industrial life. He led us into the modern day world we live and prosper in today.

Cold War

Social:

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Western Europe and the United States lived in a constant fear that the Soviets would take over the whole continent.

Berlin was divided into four sections- three of them controlled by Britain, the U.S. and France. These three joined together which eventually formed West Berlin. The East side of Berlin was controlled by the Soviets.

Korea was split at the 38th parallel with a communist north and a conservative south. The Berlin wall was created in order to prevent the people from escaping to go to the west side. The United States lived in a fear of Cuba attacking them after Fidel Castro seized power and

made an alliance with the Soviets. Tension finally completely eased in 1985. Since then, the United States and the Soviets have

tried to reduce their suspicion and distrust of one another.Political:

The United Nations was founded in order to promote international cooperation. Stalin established communist dictatorships in Poland, Rumania, Bulgaria, and Hungary. Winston Churchill spoke about the Iron curtain in the continent. George F. Kennan drafted an analysis about containment. The Truman Doctrine was passed which gave assistance for Greece and Turkey as they feared to

become invaded by the Soviets. The Soviets created an East German state called the German Democratic Republic in response to

the Western Powers creating the Federal Republic of Germany. Great Britain, France, and the Benelux state signed the Brussels Pact. Twelve nations signed NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization which was created to

coordinate the activities of the alliance. China was torn in a Civil War between a nationalist government and the communist

government. The communist leader in China, Mao Tse-tung formed an alliance with the Soviets and initiated a

campaign against American influence in East Asia. Japan and the United States became allies in 1951. North Korea, a communist state, attacked South Korea, a democratic state. This led to intense

fighting as the U.S. intervened. Eventually it led to a signing of an armistice which made the 38 th parallel the official dividing line in Korea.

President Eisenhower took over after Truman and wanted to rearm West Germany and bring them into the defense system.

SEATO, the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, was created. (U.S., Great Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, and Pakistan.)

CENTO, the Central Treaty Organization, and the Bagdad Pact, was created and it marked the completion of the American alliance system. However, Iraq backed out of the system

Stalin dies and a more conservative government ruled by Nikitia Khrushchev came into power. Khrushchev originally wanted to make things better with the U.S., but then the U-2 incident

happened. This was when the Soviets captured an American spy in an airplane, spying on the Soviets. After this, the Soviets became angrier.

The Cuban Missile Crisis was the most intense part of the Cold War because Cuba and the Soviet Union created an alliance. Thus, the Soviets were importing their weapons of mass destruction at the U.S.

On October 28, 1962 Khrushchev agreed to dismantle his launching pads as long as the U.S. did not invade Cuba.

The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963 banned all testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere.

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Détente was introduced which was a reduction in tension among the countries. The Outer Space Treaty banned weapons of mass destruction to be used in space. The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty of 1968 was designed to prevent the spread of nuclear

engineering to nonnuclear countries. SALT I was between the Soviets and the U.S. It stated that they would freeze their numbers of

missiles for the next five years. SALT II placed limits on long-range missiles and bombers.

Religious:

Eisenhower endorsed the foundation for Religious Action in the social and Civil Order. This sought a spiritual renewal to combat the War. It also proposed covert initiatives abroad.

Many people believed that Christ was the only way to stop the spread of communism. Protestantism became very popular in the United States, especially because of spiritual

propaganda poster by Eisenhower and Billy Gram became a public figure.Technological:

When the Soviets launched Sputnik, this brought valuable information to science and mathematics.

The Berlin Blockade led to the Berlin airlift which brought food, fuel, and supplies to the people of West Berlin.

The U-2 spy planes were extremely fast and could fly very high up in the air. They were excellent for spying on threatening countries.

Nuclear missiles were created and tested during this time period. The engineering became improved and everyone was fully aware at how deadly they were, especially because of what happened in Japan.

Economic:

The Truman Doctrine gave $400 million for military and economic help to Greece and Turkey in an effort to help they not become invaded by the Soviets.

The Marshall Plan proposed by George C. Marshall was to help Europe recover. The Americans gave Europe #13 billion to help them economically revival.

I chose the Cold War because its outcomes prevented a great nuclear war. Because of the treaties and alliances made after the war, a great nuclear war will not happen (Hopefully!) Also, the U.S. helped rebuild Europe during this time after the great problems they experienced in World War II. These efforts helped Europe recover and advance like they were doing prior to the war.

Humanism

Social:

People can now be responsible for themselves and make their own decisions. They want aristocrats to think and serve the king. They want peasants to fight and die for their country.

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Political:

Humanism challenged the Great Chain of Being. Everything was run by the success of the government, especially in Florence. The king is subordinate to God.

Religious:

God is still in the Renaissance, Northern humanism was considered Christian Humanism, Luther was inspired by humanism to challenge the Catholic Church and create a new branch of

Christianity. Some scholars became secular and didn’t thank God for their talents. The rich were taught the basics of the Bible. Humanists stressed a personal relationship with God. Geometry was considered a perfect subject and it was highly favored because they believed that

by studying geometry, you were closer to God.

Intellectual:

Education was stressed. Boys were taught at home. They were given a background of Latin and Greek, making language extremely important. They emphasized root memorization, still in place today at school. Humanists considered a person to be highly educated if they could translate from Latin to Greek

and vice versa. Math and geometry were taught. Humanists also began to study astrology, leading to Copernicus’ findings. Private education was for the elite, and some peasants who had extreme potential. Women were slightly educated, mostly in household affairs. The Prince and The Courtier were novels written in this period that taught how to be a

gentlemen and how to rule.

Technological:

Humanists influenced the future inventions because they gave stride to thought. This thought process led Europe to the Scientific Revolution and then the Industrial Revolution. Copernicus influenced Galileo and his telescope findings.

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Economic:

Civic humanist made cities better. Banks became a monopoly in Italy. Merchants competed with the old elite, Grandi. New merchants paid taxes to become more powerful and higher in the class system. Petrarch believed that the Romans were good men and they should learn from them in the

economic system. Taxes were meant to make the city look nicer. It was one’s civic duty to make the city the best it

could be.

I chose Humanism because it led to our educational system today. Humanism sparked learning and advancement. It was a time where people questioned the world and expanded on previous knowledge. It emphasized the individual, something that we fully embrace today. The individual can make a difference and that they can think for themself. Also, humanism inspired Luther to expand on the individuals relationship with God and how they can rely on only themselves for salvation.

Louis XIV vs. Elizabeth I

Social:

While Elizabeth had problems as being a woman in a man’s world, Louis XIV was very cunning when he created the system of Versailles. He was crafty and made the nobles compete one another instead of interfering with him. This made him extremely power in French history and contributes to his long reign and stability within his empire.

Elizabeth and Louis XIV were very flamboyant and showy of themselves. Elizabeth did it for political reasons so she could compete with the men. Louis XIV, however did it because it presented himself as an absolute monarch where no one could be above him.

Political:

Elizabeth I was very successful during her political reign as she defeated Phillip II of Spain and his armada. However, Louis XIV’s political reign is characterized as absolutist. He wanted to increase French power, while Elizabeth only wanted to prevent Spain’s threat. She did not think outside the box, while Louis XIV did.

Louis XIV fought an intense number of wars, while Elizabeth only played a role in one major war.

Religious:

Religion was Elizabeth I’s strength. She united the Church of England after the horrible reign of Bloody Mary and the controversial reign of Henry VIII. However, Louis XIV believed in divine right. He was big and bold because he depicted himself as a godlike figure.

Louis XIV believed that he had control over the church, but he respected the pope by having him in control over morals and faith. Elizabeth changed the church completely, while Louis XIV changed who ruled it.

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Louis XIV revoked the Edit of Nantes which was very controversial and led to a decline in Huguenots in France and a decrease in productivity and a lack of skillfulness. This led to the French Revolution and the decline of France. Elizabeth I only enacted laws that should benefit the country, while Louis made long lasting repercussions on his people.

Intellectual:

Louis XIV believed in divine right and that it was his duty to reign. Therefore, if his citizens are not loyal to him, they are not loyal to God. This was a radical concept for the people. Elizabeth was a woman in a man’s world, which led her into conflicts with intellects. However, no one kicked her out of office just because she was a woman. Louis changed some people’s beliefs and changed customs of how the people viewed their ruler.

Technological: Elizabeth I had a greater armada than that of Spain. She easily defeated Spain in the Spanish

Armada. However, Louis XIV encouraged industry, built railroads, and canals in France. Therefore, France was more industrialized during this time period and had a head start because they knew the technology faster.

Economic:

Louis XIV had Jean-Baptiste Colbert working for him which gives him a distinct advantage. Colbert believed in mercantilism and he wanted to maximize exports, limit imports, and encourage industry. Elizabeth had to deal with an increase number of people in England. She tried to enact laws, but they did not help the problem of demand.

Louis XIV also had lasting repercussions of peasants at the time because only they had to pay taxes. This led to the French Revolution and the revolts of the peasants. Elizabeth, however, did not leave problems for the economy. She kept it balanced. Louis XIV was definitely more influential due to these reasons.

I chose Louis XIV over Elizabeth I because he was an absolute ruler- he fought more wars and made a bigger impact on the world. He encouraged industry, while Elizabeth mainly focused her attention to religion. Louis saw the big picture, while Elizabeth I focused on smaller issues, still important however. Louis controlled his nobles, fought wars, balanced his country’s economic troubles, while Elizabeth fought the Armada and balanced religion.

Treaty of Frankfurt vs. Congress of Vienna

Social:

The Treaty of Frankfurt greatly impacted relations with Germany and France throughout history. It yielded a grudge against Germany which led to increased conflicts with the two battling countries. The Congress of Vienna, however, was in response to the growing France after Napoleon. Its primary goal was to balance power in Europe and turn back the clocks until before Napoleon took power.

The Congress of Vienna was more important because it mixed cultures together which led to problems in unification and leads to the First World War. Unification was led in Germany by

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Bismarck, who started many treaties and alliances throughout Europe which led to the outbreak of war.

Political:

The Treaty of Frankfurt gave Alsace and Lorraine to Germany. Later on in history, these areas were given back to France due to France’s hated of Germany. The Congress of Vienna reduced French power and divided powers throughout Europe.

This diving up of powers is more important than the Alsace and Lorraine settlements because due to them, unification and World War I resulted. People were upset that they belonged to a different country with different morals, values, and customs as they share. Nationalism was not involved in the Congress of Vienna.

Religious:

In the Treaty of Frankfurt, the emperor of Germany was crowned at the same place where Louis XIV was. This was just a slap in the face at France and further fueled their hated. However, in the Congress of Vienna, because of the land settlements, people had to cope with their neighbors being a completely different religion as you. This led to disputes and an unorganized empire that especially Italy and Germany had to deal with.

Intellectual: Germany, due to the Treaty of Frankfurt, gained a feeling that they are the superior nation. This

gives them the strength to build up their military and prepare for the next war. However, in the congress of Vienna, the idea that Romanticism held where the individual was superior and they can make a difference, was used greatly.

Also, around the time of the Congress, the Industrial Revolution was coming into power. This led to individualized thought that Humanists preached about.

Technological:

After the Treaty of Frankfurt, the weaker states (like Germany) prevailed. This shows a sense of nationalism. However, in the congress of Vienna, nationalism was not prevalent. This led to extremely concerns in countries like Italy and Germany when they being to search for their identity.

The Congress of Vienna also limits French power and their imperialistic motives. This in turn is quite the opposite of what the French people learned from Louis XIV and Napoleon. It was hard for them to cope with the new idea of no expansion. Also, the Industrial Revolution happened during this time period which also spoke about the opposite of what the countries were telling France to do.

Economic:

In the Treaty of Frankfurt France had to pay five billion gold francs to Germany. In the Congress of Vienna, France did not have to pay any debt. This makes France more loyal to countries like Britain and helps spur on the alliance system Bismarck helps create.

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I chose the Congress of Vienna over the Treaty of Frankfurt because it had a longer impact on the world. While the Treaty of Frankfurt was the spark that began France and German hatred, the Congress of Vienna was more influential because it impacted the entire continent of Europe and it influenced unification, which led to a greater Germany which eventually led to a great War.

Martin Luther vs. Isaac Newton

Social:

Newton greatly impacted people because he inspired the Industrial Revolution to happen. People were used to get jobs and to further math and science. However, Luther challenged the Catholic Church and nothing happened to him. This allowed peasants to feel like they had a place and that they can revolt too.

Luther also furthered the place of women in history. Families were placed in great importance as well as child-rearing. Children were implemented in Christian ideology and education.

Family units were extremely important to Luther so that both the mother and father could teach their children values and morals. Newton simply explored the world, but he did not make as big of contribution as Luther did. Luther was a complete original in his thoughts and ideas. Newton had some help in starting things off by Galileo and Kepler’s work.

Political:

Newton challenged the Great Chain of Being and his authority figures. Secular societies were formed because of science. However, without the teaching of Protestantism, the Thirty Years’ War would not have been fought, the Treaty of Augsburg, and the Peace of Westphalia would not have happened.

Without Luther, problems in England with Elizabeth I would not have occurred because there would be no such thing as Protestantism.

Religious:

Newton made things more secular and he went against the church. He challenged the original thinking of how the world operates and created his own. However, Luther changed a religion and without meaning to, created his own. He taught that one can only get to heaven by salvation by faith alone. He enacted the idea of only two sacraments, also.

Without Luther, all kinds of denominations would not be in existence. He transformed religion into what it is today and gave opportunity for a choice in what one wants to believe in.

Intellectual:

Newton was an extremely intelligent person that developed significant things when speaking about physics and mathematics. He helped us understand the world better. However, Luther is one reason why education is so pushed in the world today. He thought that you are the only person in charge of you faith. Therefore, he stressed a personal relationship with God- one that can only be achieved if you are able to read the Bible. In order to do this, he translated the Bible

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from Latin to German so the ordinary citizen could read and understand it. Literacy rates dramatically increased in Protestant areas as opposed to Catholic ones.

Technological:

Newton spurred on thought which led to the Industrial Revolution. However, the Industrial Revolution would have happened even if Newton was not around because of the increase demand of food and the population increase. However, the printing press helped Luther in spreading his ideas around the world. The pope could not stop the revolution from happening because of his quickly the Bible, the Ninety-Five Thesis, and his catechisms were spreading.

Economic:

Newton helped industry because of his original ideas. He helped encourage productivity which increased wages. However, Luther inspired Calvin. Calvin wanted hard work and then the elite would go to heaven. Hard work is driven by capitalism; therefore, Luther inspired capitalism. Without Luther, exploration to new worlds to tell other people the Gospel and present day business would not be the same.

I chose Martin Luther as more important because he expanded on all issues, while Newton focused on mainly one: intellectual. Newton, while being very influential today, Luther impacts people on a close level. His ideas are educational, like Newton’s, but also social by dealing with family life, political by dealing with the wars of religion, religions, by created a new religion and economic by influencing capitalism. Because of this, Luther has impacted more people on a high level of thinking than Newton did.

Cold War vs. Humanism

Social:

During the Cold War, many countries were divided for political problems like Berlin and Korea. This created major problems for Europe and the U.S. However, in humanism, this began the thought of people thinking for themselves. Without this thought, many wars would not have even occurred. Hitler might have never rose to power because no one would ever believe that only one person could do that.

Humanism started the idea that peasants were to fight and die for their country. This has been used in Europe for many wars now, including the World Wars.

Political:

In the Cold War, many treaties and alliances were made throughout Europe and the United States. This treaties helped prevent another World War- one that had the capability of destroying the world. However, in humanism, this began the way of thinking like this. Prior to humanism, no one challenged authority.

Humanism is extremely important because without it, many events would not have occurred like wars and alliances. Humanism gave a birth to not only art, but also the individual and why one can do for society.

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Religious:

Protestants became at large during the Cold War. Many people believed that without religion, the world really would end. In humanism, people argued for their own relationship with God. This idea sparked many teachings, like that of Luther. Without this original thought that humanist brings to the table, this thought in the Cold War would never have been thought of.

Intellectual:

Math and science and process became important after the Cold War with the launch of Sputnik. However, without Humanism, education would not be nearly as important as it is now. It started the first major educational system, with its focus on language.

Later on, humanists began furthering their studies in math and science which began revolutions like the Industrial Revolution. Without this idea, factories and industry would not be a part of our everyday lives.

Techological:

Technology was at a high point during the Cold war, with the invention of the U-2 spy plane. However, humanists started the thought process which led to people questioning things that have never been questioned before. This led to the scientific and the industrial revolutions in Europe. Without this happening, technology would not be where it is today.

Economic:

Truman and Marshall came up with plans to help Europe prosper from after WWII. These ideas helped, but it was not as important as civic humanism. Civic humanism was the idea that one could better their city through taxes. Taxes were introduced during this time period, and that is huge. Taxes are a huge part of life today because they impact everyone personally.

Civic humanism allowed people to be prideful of their city, an idea that certain areas definitely still have.

I chose humanism over the Cold War because it influenced people from the 1400s all the way through now. Its ideas are still reliable and in place in today’s culture. Likewise, humanism impacted our present-day educational system and technological system. Humanist’s thinkers urged people to think by themselves which pushed industry and demand. Demand is the basis of capitalism, which is the economics in place today. The Cold War, while it still the nuclear arms race, did not have as profound effect as humanism does in the world today.

Louis XIV vs. Congress of Vienna

Social:

While Louis XIV was extremely smart for making Versailles and setting up the dressing ceremony for nobles, the Congress of Vienna had a greater impact on Europe. Louis XIV’s dressing

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ceremony only affected people in France. However, in the Congress, this affected people everywhere.

The congress was supposed to balance power in Europe, which it did. It also led to problems in where different areas were now governed because of social status, religion, and the like.

Political:

Louis XIV was power hungry and wanted to conquer the world. He fought many wars but never really accomplished much land territory. However, the Congress of Vienna was after the Napoleonic wars. Napoleon conquered so much land, only Louis XIV could dream about it. Napoleon was greatly a better conqueror than Louis.

Louis XIV was an absolute monarch, and it was very powerful. However, the Congress of Vienna limited France’s power and showed that other countries could step in and take away that power of one person if it got out of hand.

Religious: Louis XIV governed by the ideology of divine right: He was destined by God to be a ruler.

However, the Congress had more repercussions on Europe because countries were not unified because of all the different religions in each country. This problem with unity led to more problems in Europe like the unification process of Italy and Germany and the First World War.

Intellectual:

Louis XIV ruled by different ideas of intellect (He was a godlike figure and one should treat him as such) but the Congress of Vienna was impacted by the Industrial Revolution and the Romantic Movement. Napoleon was an ideal Romantic, as was he depicted by Romantic artists. Romantics believed in what the individual can accomplish by themselves. Napoleon was an ideology of that, while Louis XIV could dream of what Napoleon did.

Technological:

Louis XIV encouraged industry and canals in his government so he could expand. However, Napoleon also used these tactics and he had more success with them. Consequently, the Congress of Vienna came into picture and changed the world.

The congress of Vienna came around the time of the Industrial Revolution which showed that individual thought was important. This led to a controversy because France was now limited while other countries were prospering.

Economic:

Louis XIV did not enact many economic policies, but Colbert did. The peasants were greatly impacted by these problems because it led to the French Revolution which led to Napoleon which led to the Congress of Vienna. The congress was an outgrowth that ended many of the problems in France. Because of this, they did not force France to pay for anything afterwards.

I chose the Congress of Vienna over Louis XIV because the Congress affected Europe in a stronger sense. It impacted more countries than Louis did, and it was the aftermath of Napoleon- an empire that Louis could only dream of attaining. The congress showed that one

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cannot fully attain the presence of being an absolute ruler, because they prevailed against Napoleon. Also, the Congress put limit on France to prosper and expand its empire. Louis wanted to expand France, and Napoleon fulfilled that goal. However, the congress proved that it was unstoppable.

Luther vs. Humanism

Social:

Humanism changed many issues because it focused on the individual and not a group. It showed that the individual could make decisions and think for themself. Luther, however, expanded this notion and connected it to concepts of God. He stressed Humanist values but applied them into a religion.

Luther changed the way Protestant families were arranged. There was an emphasis on child-rearing as well as being a mother. Humanism, although its ideas are connected to this event, Luther pushed it and applied it to real life situations.

Political:

Humanism challenged the Great Chain of Being, and thus, everything that was believed prior to that time. However, Luther also challenged the Great Chain of Being but on a larger scale. He incorporated the Pope directly into his policies and the German Princes.

Without Luther, the Wars of Religion would never have been fought at all. Humanism, although it gave Luther ideas to base his religion off of, did not start a war. It just made people think about the world and question it.

Religious:

In humanism, God was still in the picture, although things did get secular as time went on. However, humanism did not change or alter a religion. Martin Luther did. He went against the Catholic Church and created Protestantism, a new branch of religion.

Humanism began the notion of having a relationship with God, but Luther stressed it and made it a key concept in Lutheranism. He applied it to something which made it a more powerful idea.

Intellectual:

Humanism started a great period of learning in Europe. However, only the elite were allowed to participate in this learning. In Protestant homes, Lutherans were pushed to read in order to fully understand the world of God in its entirety by yourself. Therefore, everyone in Protestant areas could read or comprehend much of what the Bible was saying.

Technological:

Humanism began the thinking process of new ideas which led to the Scientific and Industrial Revolutions. However, Luther’s ideas were spread through the printing press. Without that, it wouldn’t matter what ideas anyone had because no one would find out about them.

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Economic:

Civic humanism and the aspiration to take pride in one’s city originated from Humanism. However, Luther promoted modern d ay capitalism. Calvin wanted a hard working person, which is the main concept behind capitalism. Capitalism is widely used today and it more connected to present day.

Luther also inspired missionaries to go and preach the word of God to other places in the world- a practice used today.

I chose Luther over Humanism because Luther took humanistic ideas and expanded them. He made them so that the ordinary human could take them and learn from them. Humanism was mainly embraced by the elite, while Lutheranism was for everyone. He expanded the idea of reading and knowing languages. Likewise, Luther stretched the idea of the individual and applied it to reading the Bible and having a direct, personal relationship with God.

Luther vs. Congress of Vienna

Social:

The Congress of Vienna split countries apart and made them unhappy with their new governments. Different cultures were put together and forced to get along, while this was impossible. Luther, on the other hand, changed the way women in the Protestant faith were treated as well as child-rearing. He came up with the idea that women and children were important and led to family life today.

Luther also began the thinking that the individual and their own relationship with God is the most important. This impacts the world greatly today because people still follow his teachings. The Congress of Vienna, while it was extremely important, it does not affect people as long as what Luther preached.

Political:

The Congress of Vienna made governments very strange in Europe because different areas now were in charge of others. This created diplomatic problems. Luther, however, indirectly started a war over religion. The Thirty Years War left lasting repercussions throughout Europe and eventually led to a secular feel to the continent.

Religious: The congress of Vienna made people with different religions coexists in one area under one

government. However, Luther began the start of different religions in Europe. He started the movement of Protestantism in Europe and throughout the rest of the world. His ideas, unlike the Congress, spread all around the world.

Luther created a religion that is used all over the world. The congress just made things very difficult for the people living in Europe, especially in Germany and Italy.

Intellectually:

The writers of the Congress of Vienna ignored nationalistic feelings so they pushed people that didn’t belong together together. However, Luther inspired the educational system we have

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today. He pushed reading and being able to understand things for oneself. Without the origins of these ideas, education would not be the same today.

Technological:

The Congress did not permit France to imperialize which led them to their downfall as a great empire after Napoleon. However, Luther is connected with the printing press. Without that invention, no ideas would have even been spread or heard about.

Economic:

France did not have to pay any war debt after Napoleon. However, Luther inspired Calvin who wrote about hard work. Hard word is the basis of capitalism, the form of economy used in many countries today.

I chose Luther over the Congress of Vienna because people still follow Luther’s teachings. He put emphasis on child-rearing and the importance of the women in family life. Also, he emphasized the importance of the individual, which is influential in the scientific and Industrial Revolutions. It is still used to this day because of capitalism and democracies. The Congress of Vienna made chaos in Europe and erupted wars and troublesome times, but Luther’s ideas are still in place and practiced today on a regular basis. Therefore, his impacts to the world are more staggering that the Congress of Vienna.

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