Euro 1850-pre WWI Study Guide

Realpolitik

A political system that focuses on practical rather than idealistic considerations.

Historical Context of Realpolitik

Emergence of Realpolitik occurred after the failed revolutions of 1848, demonstrating the inadequacy of strong idealism.

Philosophical Shift Post-1850

The age of realism replaced romanticism as the dominant philosophy.

Practical Politics

Realpolitik emphasizes the accomplishment of political goals through practical means rather than idealistic approaches.

Mechanism for Nationalism

Realpolitik facilitated a step-by-step approach to achieve nationalism, as seen in German unification and Italian autonomy.

Napoleon III's Governance

In France, he catered to liberals to maintain control while implementing realpolitik strategies.

Causes of the Crimean War

Dispute between Christian groups over privileges in the Holy Land was a major cause.

Britain and France in Crimean War

Britain and France declared war on Russia in 1854 despite the Ottomans being non-Christian.

Four Points of Peace

Key provisions after the Crimean War, including Russia renouncing claims and internationalizing the Danube.

Florence Nightingale

British nurse who became a pioneer of modern nursing during the Crimean War.

Outcome of the Crimean War

Russia emerged as a major loser, losing territorial claims and influence.

The Second French Republic

Established in 1848, featured universal male suffrage and a strong executive power.

Louis Napoleon's Government

Supported conservative classes and minimized legislative power; took control in a coup d'état.

Falloux Laws

Legislation that returned control of education to the Catholic Church under Louis Napoleon.

Political Prisoners Under Louis Napoleon

Disenfranchisement and jailing of democratic socialist leaders to maintain conservative rule.

The Second Empire

Napoleon III's authoritarian rule marked by universal suffrage and substantial reforms.

Economic Reform Under Napoleon III

Flourished with infrastructure improvements like railroads and liberal trade policies.

Impact of Credit Mobilier

Established in 1852; funded industrial and infrastructure growth throughout Europe.

Napoleon III's Liberal Reforms (1859-1870)

Extended powers of the legislative assembly and lessened censorship.

Franco-Prussian War Effects

Resulted in the collapse of the Second French Empire and unification under Bismarck.

Italian Unification Key Figures

Leaders included King Victor Emmanuel II, Count Cavour, and Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Cavour's Diplomacy

Secured French support for Sardinia-Piedmont against Austria, leading to Northern Italy's unification.

Role of Garibaldi

He led the nationalist campaign in southern Italy, facilitating the unification process.

Venetia's Incorporation

Came into the Italian kingdom in 1866 after the Austro-Prussian War.

German Unification Dynamics

Prussia under Bismarck drove unification efforts after Austria blocked previous attempts.

Zollverein

The German Customs Union, which facilitated trade and excluded Austria.

Bismarck's Strategy

Utilized the gap in the Prussian constitution to advance military reforms and confront liberal opposition.

Austro-Prussian War Outcome

Unified Germany under Prussian leadership and the kleindeutsch plan prevailed.

Franco-Prussian War Significance

Brought the remaining southern German states into the North German Confederation.

Treaty of Frankfurt

Officially ceded Alsace and Lorraine to Germany and marked Germany's emergence as a powerful nation.

Austro-Hungarian Empire Formation

Result of the 1867 compromise, granting Hungary autonomy while remaining part of Austria.

Anti-Semitism in Austria

Prevalent despite Jewish populations achieving legal equality by 1867.

Victorian Compromise in Britain

Aimed to satisfy demands for political reform while maintaining stability in society.

Reform Bill of 1867

Extended voting rights and ended inequities in parliamentary representation.

Benjamin Disraeli’s Reforms

Increased voters and eliminated rotten boroughs, indicating realpolitik at work.

William Gladstone's Impact

Known for Legislation aimed at reducing public spending and improving liberties.

Gladstone’s Education Act

Enforced elementary education access for children aged 5-13.

The People’s Budget of 1911

Proposed higher taxes for the wealthy, rejected by the House of Lords.

Anti-Imperialist Critiques

Voices included Marx and Lenin, challenging the moral justification of imperialism.

Berlin Conference (1884-1885)

Set rules for European colonization of Africa and aimed to prevent conflict between powers.

Opium Wars

Conflict resulting from British trade of opium in China leading to unequal treaties.

Sepoy Mutiny (1857-58)

A significant uprising against British rule in India, resulting from cultural insensitivity.

British Economic Reforms in India

Implemented railroads and irrigation projects to develop Indian infrastructure.

Germany and Imperialism

Began late compared to Britain and France, establishing colonies in Africa after 1884.

The Scramble for Africa

Refers to the race among European powers to colonize Africa from the late 19th century.

Algeria under French Control

Became a focal point of French imperial ambition starting in 1830.

Civilization vs. Indigenous Cultures

European powers justified imperialism as a Civilizing Mission.

Nationalism and Imperialism Interplay

National aspirations often fueled imperialistic expansion, creating divides in empires.

French Colonial Empire Growth

Expanded significantly under the Third Republic, becoming the largest in Africa.

Cecil Rhodes’ Ambitions

Sought to expand British control from Cape to Cairo in Africa.

Economic Interests in Africa

Europeans sought resources like rubber, ivory, and minerals during the imperial period.

Legacy of Imperialism

Defined by exploitation and cultural imposition while creating lasting global tensions.

Impact of Industrialization on Imperialism

Increased demand for raw materials and new markets drove Western powers to expand.

Cultural Justifications for Imperialism

Racial ideology like Social Darwinism provided moral justifications for empire.

Military Technology in Imperialism

Western powers employed superior weaponry to subdue local populations in colonized regions.

British Economic Decline Post-World War I

Faced competition from the US and Germany, leading to a decline in global standing.