National UNIFICATIONS and Diplomatic Tensions [AP Euro Review—Unit 7 Topic 3]

Crimean War

A major conflict from 1853 to 1856, primarily over religious tensions in the Ottoman Empire, marking the end of European peace established during the Concert of Europe.

Concert of Europe

A system of dispute resolution between the major conservative powers of Europe that existed from the end of the Napoleonic Wars until the outbreak of World War I.

Otto von Bismarck

The Chancellor of Prussia known for using realpolitik to unify Germany through strategic wars and alliances.

Realpolitik

A political system based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations.

Italian unification

The 19th-century movement that consolidated various states of the Italian Peninsula into a single state, completed in 1871.

Count Cavour

The Prime Minister of the Piedmont region of Italy who played a significant role in the unification of Italy.

Giuseppe Garibaldi

An Italian general and nationalist who led the unification of Southern Italy with his force known as the Red Shirts.

Franco-Prussian War

A conflict between France and Prussia from 1870 to 1871 that led to the unification of Germany.

Three Emperors' League

An alliance formed in 1873 between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia aimed at preventing conflict in Eastern Europe.

Reinsurance Treaty

A secret agreement between Germany and Russia that promised neutrality unless one became involved in a war with France or Austria.

Triple Alliance

A military alliance between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy established in 1882.

Balkans

A region in southeastern Europe characterized by ethnic diversity and nationalist movements, often leading to conflict.

Congress of Berlin

A meeting in 1878 where the great powers of Europe sought to resolve issues in the Balkans without considering nationalist desires.

First Balkan War

A conflict (1912-1913) that involved several Balkan states forming an alliance against the Ottoman Empire.

Second Balkan War

A conflict (1913) following the First Balkan War, primarily involving Bulgaria fighting against its former allies.

Kaiser Wilhelm I

The first German Emperor who was proclaimed king after the unification of Germany in 1871.

Austro-Prussian War

A conflict in 1866 instigated by Bismarck that resulted in the exclusion of Austria from German affairs.

Prussian-Danish War

A conflict that took place in 1864, leading to Prussia's acquisition of territories previously controlled by Denmark.

Napoleon III

The Emperor of France who was involved in the political maneuvers during the Crimean War and Italian unification.

Eastern Question

The diplomatic and political problems posed by the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of national movements in the Balkans.

Wars of Italian Independence

The series of military campaigns that ultimately led to the unification of Italy in the 19th century.

Napoleon III's role

Influential in both the Crimean War and Italian unification, he failed to fully deliver on his promises to Cavour.

Victor Emmanuel II

The first King of a unified Italy, he was the ruler of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia before the unification.

Red Shirts

The volunteer army led by Garibaldi during the unification of Italy, known for their distinctive attire.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to the desire for self-governance.

Bismarck's dismissal

The event in 1890 when Otto von Bismarck was removed from his position as Chancellor, leading to shifts in alliances in Europe.

Mutually antagonistic alliances

The network of conflicting alliances in Europe that rendered diplomatic negotiations increasingly difficult before World War I.

Religious tension

Conflicts arising from differing religious beliefs, particularly right before the Crimean War between Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

Geopolitical maneuvering

Strategic actions taken by countries to maintain or enhance their power in a given region.

Nationalist movements

Efforts by various ethnic groups to gain independence or unification, prominently seen in the Balkans and Italy.

Decline of the Ottoman Empire

The gradual weakening of the Empire in the 19th century, leading to conflicts over various territories.

Territorial disputes

Conflicts arising from the assertion of control or sovereignty over specific geographic areas.