Untitled Flashcards Set

The ideals of European civilization

The core values of progress, democracy, industrialization, and nationalism.

Importance of the ideals of European civilization

These ideals shaped political and social reforms, fueling imperialism and modernization efforts.

Indices of advancement

Measures of societal progress, such as economic growth, political stability, and technological innovation.

Importance of indices of advancement

Used to justify European superiority and expansion, particularly in the outer zones.

The outer zone

The less industrialized parts of Europe, mainly Eastern and Southern regions.

Importance of the outer zone

Highlighted the economic and political gap between Western and Eastern Europe, influencing policies of modernization.

The Paris Commune

A short-lived socialist government in Paris (1871) that was violently suppressed.

Importance of the Paris Commune

Demonstrated class tensions and fears of socialism in Europe, leading to stricter conservative policies.

Parliamentary primacy

The idea that elected parliaments hold supreme power over monarchs and elites.

Importance of parliamentary primacy

Strengthened democratic governance in countries like Britain and France, reducing monarchic influence.

The Dreyfus Affair

A political scandal in France (1894) where a Jewish officer, Alfred Dreyfus, was falsely accused of treason.

Importance of the Dreyfus Affair

Exposed deep divisions over nationalism, anti-Semitism, and the role of the military in politics.

Domesticating republicanism

Making republican ideals (such as democracy and equality) more accepted and stable in society.

Importance of domesticating republicanism

Helped solidify democratic institutions in France and other republics.

The Radical Socialists

A leftist political party in France advocating for social reforms and secularism.

Importance of the Radical Socialists

Played a key role in anti-clerical policies and expanding workers’ rights.

The extension of suffrage

The expansion of voting rights to more people, including lower-class men and sometimes women.

Importance of the extension of suffrage

Increased democratic participation and shifted political power from elites to the general population.

Liberals and conservatives

Political factions; liberals favored reforms and democracy, conservatives upheld tradition and monarchy.

Importance of liberals and conservatives

Their conflicts shaped European politics, particularly in Britain and France.

A war against poverty

Government efforts to reduce poverty through social programs and economic policies.

Importance of a war against poverty

Reflected the rise of welfare states and state intervention in the economy.

State intervention

Government involvement in the economy and society, including welfare and regulations.

Importance of state intervention

Marked a shift from laissez-faire policies to social welfare models.

Home rule

The right of a region (especially Ireland) to govern itself rather than being controlled by a central government.

Importance of home rule

A major issue in British politics, fueling nationalist movements.

The Catholic Church

A powerful religious institution that influenced European politics and society.

Importance of the Catholic Church

Faced challenges from secular governments seeking to reduce its influence.

Repression of socialism

Efforts by conservative governments to limit socialist movements through censorship, laws, and force.

Importance of repression of socialism

Showed fear of revolution and the struggle between workers’ rights and traditional elites.

William II (Wilhelm II)

German Emperor (Kaiser) from 1888 to 1918.

Importance of William II

His aggressive foreign policies and dismissal of Bismarck destabilized Germany and Europe.

A 'new course'

William II’s shift away from Bismarck’s policies, focusing on German expansion and militarization.

Importance of a 'new course'

Increased tensions in Europe, contributing to World War I.

Political scene in Italy

Characterized by instability, corruption, and regional divisions.

Importance of political scene in Italy

Made it difficult for Italy to modernize and unify as effectively as other European nations.

Austria-Hungary

A multinational empire struggling with ethnic divisions and nationalism.

Importance of Austria-Hungary

Internal conflicts weakened the empire, making it vulnerable to external pressures and eventual collapse.

Democratic advances

Reforms that increased political participation and rights for citizens.

Importance of democratic advances

Strengthened democracy in Europe but also fueled class and ideological conflicts.

Expansion of the suffrage

Granting voting rights to more citizens, often the working class.

Importance of the expansion of suffrage

Shifted political power and led to new policies addressing workers' needs.