Sociology emerged in the 19th century driven by industrialization and social change. It is influenced by enlightenment, french revolution and industrial revolution, sociology solidified through movements like positivism, socialism and functionalism.Key figures include Auguste comte, Karl marx, EmileRead more
Sociology emerged in the 19th century driven by industrialization and social change. It is influenced by enlightenment, french revolution and industrial revolution, sociology solidified through movements like positivism, socialism and functionalism.Key figures include Auguste comte, Karl marx, Emile durkheim, Herbert spencer and Max weber.
Intellectual influences –
- Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire and Kant promoted reason, science and critical inquiry in sociology.
- Philosophers like Hegel, Comte and Spencer influenced sociology with ideas on morality, society and human nature.
- Classical liberals like Adam Smith and John Stuart Mill shaped sociology with ideas on individualism.
Socio and Economic changes –
- Industrial Revolution brought urbanization, industrialization and capitalism transforming social structures and economic relationships drastically.
- French Revolution (1789) sparked social upheaval challenging traditional authority and promoting equality, liberty and democratic ideals.
- Rise of capitalism created new social classes, economic inequalities and consumer culture reshaping social relationships and institutions.
Scientific and Methodological advances –
- Positivism led by Auguste comte emphasized empirical observation, scientific method and quantitative data in sociology research.
- Statistics and demography enabled sociologists to analyze population trends, patterns and correlations quantifying social phenomena objectively.
- Evolutionary theory inspired by Charles Darwin influenced sociologists to study social change, progress and adaptation.
These historical antecedents converged to establish sociology as a distinct discipline focused on understanding social relationships, institutions and change. The first sociology departments emerged in the late 19th century with the University of Chicago (1892) and the London School of Economics (1895) among the pioneers.
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African Americans, both free and enslaved, played vital roles during the American Revolution. Enslaved individuals were promised freedom by both the British and American forces in exchange for their service. The British offer, through Lord Dunmore's Proclamation, led many enslaved Africans to join tRead more
African Americans, both free and enslaved, played vital roles during the American Revolution. Enslaved individuals were promised freedom by both the British and American forces in exchange for their service. The British offer, through Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation, led many enslaved Africans to join the Loyalists, seeking liberation. Simultaneously, the Continental Army included African American soldiers, such as Peter Salem and James Armistead Lafayette, who made significant contributions in key battles.
Free African Americans also participated by enlisting in the army, working as laborers, and serving as spies. They faced discrimination but remained committed to the cause, hoping it would lead to broader emancipation.
The Revolution’s aftermath saw mixed results for African Americans. While some gained freedom and moved to places like Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone, systemic racism and slavery persisted in the new nation. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 prohibited slavery in new territories, yet the institution remained deeply entrenched in the South.
The Revolution ignited the abolitionist movement and inspired future generations to fight for equality. The contradiction between the ideals of freedom and the reality of slavery laid the groundwork for the Civil War and the eventual abolition of slavery through the 13th Amendment.
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