From the Concert of Europe to the Versailles System (1900–1919)

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes discussing the transition from the Concert of Europe to the Versailles system and the transformation in international relations between 1900 and 1919.

What was the Concert of Europe?

An informal arrangement among the great European powers aimed at maintaining a balance of power and preventing dominance by any single state.

What major event marked the culmination of the Concert of Europe?

World War I (1914–1918) marked the culmination of the Concert of Europe and led to its collapse.

Which system replaced the Concert of Europe after World War I?

The Versailles system, founded on the need for a new order including the establishment of the League of Nations.

What key forces contributed to the decline of the Concert of Europe?

The rise of nationalism, imperial rivalry, and the unification of Germany in 1871 destabilized the old order.

What major alliances emerged in Europe leading up to World War I?

The Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, Britain).

What was the significant military buildup that occurred before WWI?

An arms race among European powers, with countries significantly increasing their military capabilities.

What economic factors contributed to the tensions in Europe before WWI?

Rivalry for markets and raw materials due to industrial growth and diverging trade policies among powers.

Name two major economic powers that emerged before World War I.

Germany and the United States.

What was the significance of Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz in relation to Germany’s naval ambitions?

He spearheaded the Naval Laws which aimed to establish a formidable German battle fleet.

What concept did the doctrine of Weltpolitik represent for Germany?

It aimed at establishing Germany as a global imperial power commensurate with its rising strength.

What role did Japan play in the transformation of the power dynamics before WWI?

Japan transformed into a great power after the Meiji Restoration and achieved recognition as a peer by defeating Russia.

What was President Woodrow Wilson’s key contribution to post-WWI international relations?

He proposed the establishment of the League of Nations as part of his Fourteen Points to promote peace.

Define realism in the context of international relations.

A theory that views international politics as a struggle for power under anarchy, emphasizing state survival and self-help.

What is one of the key tenets of liberalism in international relations?

Liberalism believes that cooperation and institutions can prevent conflict, suggesting that democracy and economic interdependence promote peace.

How did the Versailles system incorporate elements of both realism and liberalism?

It mixed punitive measures against Germany (realism) with the establishment of the League of Nations for collective security (liberalism).