Prophetic crusades of the nineteenth century, such as Wovoka’s Ghost Dancers, rose to challenge the spread of new forms of modernity featuring French and American revolutionary ideals, capitalism, nation-states, technology, and industry.
Reactions to Social and Political Change
By the nineteenth century, changes across the globe had deeply disrupted older orders. As societies changed and secularized, many questioned the value of moving into a new Western-dominated world. The spectrum of alternatives ranged widely. Some struggled to fend off Western influence even though they avoided direct colonization. Others, especially Europeans, found themselves caught in the middle of change. Still others wrestled with colonization. All opposed authority and drew inspiration from cultural traditions to protect their local communities. At the same time, all proposed change as they struggled to redefine their new role on the edges of the developing world.
>> Continue to the next part of the Summary: Prophecy and Revitalization in the Islamic World and Africa
|