Rachael+Z,+Tasha+R

= __Algiers, France __ =  Tasha Reaves



Algiers is the capital of Algeria. Algeria is located in the northern part of Africa, and is the second-largest country in the continent. The weather mostly consists of hot summers and dry winters. The population currently is made up mostly of Berber and Sunni Muslims with Europeans and Jews as small minorities. The countries past dealing with France consists of a French invader conquering the Algerian leader in 1847. Over a million French-European settlers traveled to Algeria and took Muslim land. “Muslims had virtually no political rights and did not benefit from colonial riches” (ABC-Clio). Many nationalist movement began after WWI, but they were unable to follow through because of Algeria was a base for the Allied North Africa campaign. Algiers at the time served as the capital of free France, until Paris was liberated.

"Algeria: History." World Geography: Understanding a Changing World. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 22 Aug. 2010. 

= __Discrimination against Arabs in France__ =  Rachael Zamora



When the French invaded Algeria, their control heavily influenced the culture. The French favored Berbers over the Arabs. They defined the Berbers as more European. During the French colonial rule the term pied-nior began to refer to Europeans who immigrated to Alegeria. Pied-nior is French for black foot. “These settlers formed their own European communities, differentiating themselves from Arabs and Berbers” (Woodhouse). The French had control of Algeria for 132 years. As they came they forced other cultures to use French as the main language. They had a sense of superiority amongst the other cultures.

Woodhouse, Kathleen. "Algeria: People." World Geography: Understanding a Changing World. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 22 Aug. 2010. 

= __Absurdism __ =  Tasha Reaves

Absurdism is a type of philosophical perspective. It was developed by a 19th century Danish philosopher named Søren Kierkegaard. It was created out of the Existentialist movement. Absurdism in a way, is the idea that the ability for a human to find meaning or explanation in the universe is not possible. “The word absurd in this context does not mean "logically impossible," but rather "humanly impossible" (New World Encyclopedia). It is described as a “tragic tone,” and that it expresses the frustration that comes from the journey for the meaning of life. Basically that the meaning of life for humans is inaccessible.

"Absurdism - New World Encyclopedia." Info:Main Page - New World Encyclopedia. Web. 21 Aug. 2010. .

= __Nihilism __ =  Rachael Zamora

Nihilism is a political and philosophical movement that took place in Russia during the mid-19th century. The name comes from the word nihil, which is the Italian word for nothing. “Nihilism was based on the idea that there were no absolute values in the world, since there was no supreme being” (ABC-Clio). Those who followed under nihilism relied on scientific rationalism. They believed that only a full acceptance of science could cure the world of it’s problems. The church and the state opposed the idea. Eventually their beliefs died down in 1881, because of their association with terrorist activities that happened in Russia.

"nihilism." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 22 Aug. 2010. 

= __Industrial Revolution __ =  Tasha Reaves



The industrial revolution took place in the late 18th to early 19th centuries. England, which played the leading role in the Revolution, was already growing economically before the other countries. They manufactured woolen cloth, tin, coal, leather, and metal goods. Inventions like the steam engine really kicked up the pace of the Revolution. The revolution wasn’t just about technological advances though. “Economic growth, the subsequent development of new markets, changes in the transportation of goods, improved communications, and changes in the social structure were also important factors” (ABC-Clio). England also began to trade with Europe, the American colonies, India, and Africa.

"Industrial Revolution." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 22 Aug. 2010. 