Chapter 18: The Balance of Power in Eighteenth-Century Europe

• The War of Spanish Succession ended due to the Treaty of Utrecht
  • Austria got the Spanish Netherlands and Spanish territories in Italy
  • France got territory in both Alsace and Lorraine and gave up colonial property in the Americas
  • England got France’s North American colonies, Gibraltar and Island of Minorca, and Spanish trade routes to the Americas
• The Great Northern War between Russia and Sweden over Finland and the Balitc territories was ended by the Treaty of Nystad 1721
  • Russia got territory in the Baltic territory (built St. Petersburg)
  • Seden lost land in Finland, Northern Germany, and the Baltic states
• Through its victory over Sweden, Russia became an established power under the leadership of Peter the Great
• In Russia a educational reform was instituted to support the military and embraced liberal education
  • Russia led all the other nations by 1726 in the production of iron and copper
• 97% of the Russian population was connected to agriculture to make a living
  • Land quality was poor for agriculture
• Peasants were seen as property as of 1649 (serfs)
  • Many serfs were seeking better conditions through moving to state sponsored lands and projects
• The government was in chaos for 37 years after Peter the Great
• The population increased, as did aristocratic wealth and power
  • The government got weaker
• Catherine the Great’s reign started with the death of her husband, Peter III
  • Restructured the government
  • Charter of the Nobility (1785)
• A modern Russian military developed under both Peter and Catherine
• The unity of the Holy Roman Empire had been destroyed by the 30 Years War
  • Two empires rose to power due to this: Austria and Prussia
• Prussia
  • Built a powerful military due to poor natural barriers and being surrounded by powerful possible conquerors
  • Increased centralization of state
  • Abolished torture and capital punishment
  • Imported new agricultural techniques
  • Became a major power
• Austria
  • Grew as a result of the Spanish War of Succession
  • Pushed back the Ottomans by expanding into Hungary
  • Looked powerful from the outside, but in reality could only come up with a small and poorly equipped army
• Maria Theresa (1740-1780)
  • Attacked by Prussia
  • Defended Austria in War of Austrian Succession and Seven Years War
  • Played a role in reforming and strengthening Austrian society
  • Reorganized military and civil bureaucracy
• War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748)
  • Frederick William II tried to force an alliance with Maria Theresa, which she declined, leading to him attacking
  • Prussia, Spain, and France vs. Austria, Holland, and England
  • Made Austria and Prussia enemies and rivals that sought to unite Germany under their leadership
• Seven Years War (1756-1763)
  • Britain and Prussia vs. France, Russia, and Austria
  • Saxony and Austria were attacked by Fredrick William II, with Russia coming to their defense
  • Russia defeated Prussia at Battle of Kunersdorf (1759)
  • Peter III tried to settle for peace upon death of the Empress of Russia, leading to his assassination
  • Prussia was established as a major military power
  • A large period of peace in Central Europe began (due to a lack of resources)
• The power of the Polish nobility was intact with the Polish Diet proving to be ineffective as a source of lawmaking
  • Government failed to raise an effective army
• Poland was partitioned by Russia, Prussia, and Austria in 1722
  • Russia received a large buffer state
  • Prussia received the Polish corridor
  • Austria received a large territory in southern Poland
• In 1707 Scotland and England joined together to form Great Britain
  • Had great military power, economic power, and governmental system
• Great Britain had a mixed governmental system
  • Power was shared by the King and Parliament
• Structure of Great Britain
  • Houses of Commons
  • Monarchy
  • House of Lords
• The British governmental system depended on cooperation
  • Parliament members often worked for the crown while serving in Parliament
  • Rise of Parties: Whigs and Tories
  • Helped build consensus and compromise which allowed the government to function more effectively
  • “Prime Ministers” became popular
  • Helped organize and lead Parliament

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