Evolution in Context

While debate over the theory of evolution had been occurring throughout the nineteenth century, Charles Darwin’s interpretation of evolution was received with such success because it came at the time in which it played directly to what industrializing Britain wanted to hear. Darwin’s theory both shaped and was shaped by the individualist climate of Industrial Revolution Britain.

Jane Austen-Communism Thesis

Through the works of jane AUsten we are able to see subtle yet substantial similarities between the communist-dominated East and the socialist-fearing West and leanr that despite their insisted Differences, the two polar political spheres are not quite so different.

Social Darwinism thesis

Some historians argue that Darwin’s two books The Origin of Species and The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex directly caused the emergence of Social Darwinism and that Darwin was in fact a Social Darwinist who’s theories were not solely intended for the animal kingdom. However, even though Social Darwinism and Darwin himself appeared to be interrelated, the new social theory was a result of the industrial revolution, the subsequent ideals of competition and individuality that followed, and the theories of Thomas Malthus and Herbert Spencer.

Ironies of Nationalism under King Leopold II

King Leopold II, of the newly formed country, Belgium, portrayed to the public his need to colonize the Congo in order to strengthen their unity and their reputation on the Europe stage however, the horrors that occurred in his "Free State" traveled worldwide causing mass human rights movements which led the state of Belgium to regain a nationalistic government and unite against their own leader. 

Victor Hugo Thesis

Victor Hugo had a vision and plan for France that differed from Napoleon III, which would have changed history, but unfortunately he spoke out against Napoleon and wound up in exile unable to influence France at all. His romantic view of the world led him to over harshly slander Napoleon, who admittedly should have followed Hugo’s advice to wage peace not war.

Karl Marx Influence on Unification of Germany

Bismark was suspect of Karl Marx's ideas on socialism as set out in the Communist Manifesto, and Marx's ideas had little impact on Bismark's policies during the 19th century unification of Germany.

Dickens' World (attempt at a thesis - incomplete)

A Dickens novel is almost always filled with numerous characters from all walks of life, but though often portrayed with extremity, sarcasm and ridicule, they all retain their humanity. Ironically, it is the faultless, incorruptible protagonists that the readers and historians have found boring and that it is only their circumstances or situations are relatable. Still, Dickens uses this mixture of fantasy and realism to mock his characters but not to blame them. Influenced by his own experiences, he painfully and truthfully portrays his world as the source of the plights of his characters and while the endings are often happy, the sense bittersweet throughout the novels reminds the reader that they are still grounded in the real world, and not a fantasy world of Dickens’ creation.