AP_Euro_U5_AMSCO

TOPIC 5.1 CONTEXTUALIZING 18TH-CENTURY STATES

Essential QuestionWhat is the context in which European states experienced crisis and conflict in the 18th century?

Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution

The Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, instigated sweeping transformations in European thought and action. Intellectuals known as philosophes applied reason and empirical evidence to various aspects of society, including governance, ethics, and personal rights. This shift ignited major social, cultural, political, and economic transformations, setting the stage for crises and conflicts among European states from 1648 to 1815. The advocacy for reason and skepticism of traditional authority contributed to social movements and revolutions, further intensifying existing tensions between monarchies and their subjects.

Relationship Among European States

Rivalries among European powers escalated throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Changing alliances stemmed from national interests, with nations like Britain and France engaging in imperial struggles that sometimes expanded into global conflicts. The competition not only influenced European politics but also spilled over into colonies in North America and Asia, culminating in hostilities such as the French and Indian War. Britain emerged as the preeminent global power during this period, bolstered by its comparatively responsive parliamentary governance in contrast to the rigid absolutism of French monarchy under leaders like Louis XIV.

Impact of the French Revolution

France experienced profound civil discord due to glaring economic inequalities, exacerbated by mismanagement and heavy taxation imposed upon the lower classes. The revolutionary atmosphere, marked by Enlightenment ideals advocating for liberty, equality, and fraternity, catalyzed significant political upheaval. The Revolution unfolded in phases, transitioning from initial reforms that recognized certain rights of the peasants to a period of widespread violence during the Reign of Terror, where thousands faced execution. Amidst the chaos, Napoleon Bonaparte emerged as a powerful leader who initially championed revolutionary ideals but gradually transferred power into an authoritarian regime, marking a significant paradox of the revolution.

Worldwide Economic Network

The Age of Exploration, combined with advancements in navigation and maritime technology, engendered a vast global economic network dominated by sea trade involving nations like Portugal, the Netherlands, England, and France. European states engaged in extensive trade with regions in India, the Philippines, East and Southeast Asia, Africa, and North America, resulting in a wave of economic competition. This intense rivalry often led to diplomatic disputes and military conflicts over territorial control, influencing both global and regional politics.

Reason Versus Romanticism

The rational thought championed during the Enlightenment fundamentally shaped European society and governance, leading to new ideas about political authority, moral considerations, and the potential of humanity. However, by the early 19th century, a powerful counter-movement emerged, characterized by Romanticism and reactionary religious movements. Romanticists emphasized emotional depth, creative expression, and a connection to nature, opposing the Enlightenment's strict focus on rationalism. This cultural shift significantly influenced literature, art, and the burgeoning political movements advocating for emotional and spiritual values.

Analyze The Context

• How did Europe’s worldwide economic network provide a context for crises and conflict between 1648 and 1815?

• How did the clash between Enlightenment ideals and Romanticism provide a context for conflicts?