4# Peace and War Flashcards
1
Q
- What were the main patterns of suffrage extension (right to vote) in 19th C Europe?
A
a) The “revolutionary threat” hypothesis
b) The “political competition” hypothesis
2
Q
Revolutionary threat
A
- elite: better to give the right to people to vote then the revolution
- relationship between income inequality and suffrage is an upside-down U-curve -> Suffrage was more likely to happen when inequality was moderate.
- the hypothesis is explained only for male workers
3
Q
Why countries with high income didnt give the right to vote earlier?
A
- more unequal a society is, the more resistant the elites are to granting voting rights because they would stand to lose more income.
4
Q
Political competition hypothesis
A
- right to vote and the process of democratization are influenced by the ** competition ** between different social classes.
- The aristocracy wants weak parliament, the middle class wants strong parliament, the working class desires suffrage and a strong parliament.
- Elites weaken middle-class position in parliament by extending suffrage and worker representatives through social reforms and restrictions on political freedoms.
5
Q
Pittaluga survival analysis
A
- survey which examine the right to vote and parliamentary power.
- right to vote was not solely driven by industrialization or income inequality but reflected strategic decisions made by elites in specific contexts
- When the parliament was weak, elites introduced universal vote right to discourage the middle class from seeking more power.
- This made the middle class a minority in parliament and reduced their incentive to push for greater parliamentary powers.
6
Q
Germany extension
A
-1870s: Otto von Bismarck introduced a progressive franchise.
- Bismarck created the Reichstag, a symbol of national unity but with a weak parliament.
- 1871: Bismarck implemented universal male suffrage. Goal -> counter bourgeoisie demands for more parliamentary power.
- Bismarck aimed to strengthen the conservative voice, particularly in rural areas
7
Q
Relationship between suffrage extension and respect for civil
rights and political freedoms and the development of welfare programs.
A
- right to vote leads to new electorate and increased representation of workers in parliament -> growing pressures for social reform in parliament.
- Elitist reaction involves weakening the electoral base of worker representatives.
- Heavy restrictions are imposed on political rights and freedoms.
- State-led social reform and welfare schemes
8
Q
example of the relationship
A
- Napoleon III: large public works (first employment schemes)
- Bismarck: right to retirement and sickness insurance (first real welfare state)
9
Q
- Pittaluga study: how elites can use the multiple dimensions of democracy (right to vote..) to remain in power
A
- Early extension of suffrage is oftentimes evidence of parliamentary weaknesses
- When suffrage was extended, often attempts to restrain political liberties or weaken the electoral base of socialist parties (by state-led welfare reform)
10
Q
What does it explain?
A
- Why suffrage extension and strengthening of parliamentary autonomy rarely occurred at the same time
- Why suffrage extension sometimes did not translate into genuine social reform
11
Q
The Century of peace (La Belle Epoque)
A
- Named in retrospect; contrasting the horrors of WWI; emphasizing joy of living
- Period characterized by optimism, regional peace, economic prosperity, scientific, technological, industrial innovations, and social changes, flourishing of the arts
- Warfare had been a way of life in Europe for centuries
->Napoleonic warfare and doctrines of “total war” (Von Clausewitz)
12
Q
In contrast, period 1815-1914:
A
- Only a small number of wars; limited impact & duration; involving only a handful of European wars
- Mainly bilateral conflicts (e.g., wars of German and Italian unification)
- Mainly outside the European continent/colonies
- Estimate: 1815-1914 number of war deaths was 7 times less than in 18th C.
13
Q
Congress of Vienna
A
- 1815 Peace treaty
- France + the great victors (Prussia, Russia, Austria and Britain)
- Delegations from Sweden, Spain and Portugal
14
Q
What congress of View aimed?
A
- Restore international peace -> Create a new equilibrium among great European powers to prevent war
- Restore domestic stability -> Instrumentalisation of monarchic dynasties: divine right to rule + family ties across Europe (mutual support)
15
Q
- Describe the factors conducive to the “Concert of Europe” politics.
A
