Quiz 1 Flashcards
(106 cards)
How was Europe organized in the 1500s?
Europe had lots of city states and feudal empires, with political authority unclear and overlapping.
What were the dynasties of the 1500s?
The Ming dynasty in China, which had the largest economy and military, as well as the best technology, and the Ottoman Empire, who were big imperialists.
Why did the Ming dynasty not succeed?
They had a policy of strict isolationism, which meant they did not trade with others and explore the world.
Why did the Ottoman Empire not succeed?
The Ottomans did not embrace capitalism, though they were imperialistic. This meant their economy was stagnant, but they kept diverting more and more to the military, an unsustainable approach
Why did Europe flourish in this time period?
Europe was so politically fragmented, which meant there was a diversity of ideas about governing, religion, and society. The “states” could observe one another, and the best ideas were universally adopted.
What were some ideas that worked in Europe and became universally adopted across the continent, and let them conquer everyone else?
Encouraging free enterprise and fierce military competition (leading to stimulation of the economy)
Why was there no single hegemony in Europe?
It was not for a lack of trying. From 1500 to World War II, there were many wars of hegemony, including the Thirty Years War (ending the Hapsburg Dynasty), France v Europe in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, the Pax Brittanica, a notable period without wars, ruled by British dominance, and the rise of Germany (WWI and WWII)
What is a hegemony?
A state powerful enough to rule over all others, to totally dominate
What is hegemony?
The dominance of one state over others
What caused the thirty years war?
Originally, the thirty years war began when protestants on Austria overthrew their catholic ruler after Martin Luther challenged the Pope’s authority. This led to battling between the catholics and the protestants.
What changed the thirty year’s war?
France, a notably catholic state, decided to join the side of the protestants, wanting to become a dominant power in Europe. This transformed the thirty year’s war from a religious battle to one about power.
What was the significance of the end result of the thirty years war?
Number one, it ended the Hapsburg dominance over Europe. Number two, it showed the importance of a balance of power amongst the states of Europe. But most importantly, it resulted in the Treaty of Westphalia.
What was the importance of the Treaty of Westphalia?
It enshrined religious freedom in Europe, with signers saying they would respect one another’s religion. It created the modern state system, with legally defined borders, and everyone agreed to respect it. Finally, it created the concept of sovereignty. Of course, these principles would be disregarded again and again, but the treaty was the first time they were actually laid out.
What is a state?
The entity which has a monopoly over the legitimate use of force within a territory.
What is sovereignty?
Freedom from foreign control and control of one’s own borders.
Who was the President of Prussia that led a policy of expansion of German states?
Otto von Bismarck
Why did von Bismarck want to unite the German states?
Because they shared history and culture, meaning nationalists support unification, but more importantly, Bismarck thought it would give him power.
What was the result of the Austro-Prussian War?
Austria is crushed, and Prussia gains German city states.
What state objected to Bismarck’s defeat of Austria, and was subsequently crushed by the Prussians?
France
What happened to von Bismarck’s ambitions after defeating France?
He believed that if he went beyond uniting the German states, the rest of the European powers would try to take him out. He then moved to create a careful, elaborate, defensive alliance.
What is a revisionist state?
A state that wants to revise the power structure, like China, Iran, and North Korea.
What is a status quo state?
A state fine with their power and territory
Why did all of von Bismarck’s planning fall apart?
He was fired in 1890 by Kaiser Wilhelm, who wanted to keep increasing German power.
What led to the start of World War I?
Germany kept growing in power, leading to the tensions in Europe rising. A minor event (assassination of Archduke Frans Ferdinand) led to all these alliances failing, and war breaking out.
