Barzun Study Questions (Week 8)

Barzun Study Questions:

Please answer these questions in complete sentences and provide page references for your answers.

1. Barzun argues that ‘there are moments in history when political evolution is for one reason or another impossible, the dam bursts and the land is submerged in the flood until a new legitimacy builds up’. (p. 521) Does political change happen gradually or can it occur in sudden events like Barzun argues? Please provide evidence. 
2. Barzun argues that efforts at mimicking the success of the British parliament have largely met with failure, why? (pp. 528-29, 35-36) 
3. In what ways did the railroad system change European culture? 
4. Barzun writes: ‘wanting tranquility after long unrest…Europeans obtained it in good measure by what might be called home remedies’. (p. 554) What historical trends is he describing in this sentence? 
5. What makes Macaulay’s historical writings problematic to modern scholars? (pp. 568-69)