Untitled Flashcards Set

• The ideals of European civilization – The core values of progress, democracy, industrialization, and nationalism.
  Importance: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: A major issue in British politics, fueling nationalist movements.

• The Catholic Church – A powerful religious institution that influenced European politics and society.
  Importance: 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: 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: 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: Increased tensions in Europe, contributing to World War I.

• Political scene in Italy – Characterized by instability, corruption, and regional divisions.
  Importance: 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: 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: 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: Shifted political power and led to new policies addressing workers' needs.