Ap euro

1. Habsburg Austria

• Nature of the Monarchy: Composite monarchy (not centralized).

• Formation: Grew via strategic marriages, not conquest.

• Governance Challenges: Diverse legal structures, languages, and economic levels.

• Major Conflicts:

• Wars with the Ottoman Empire.

• Siege of Vienna (1683): Halted Ottoman expansion into Europe with a coalition.

2. Prussia

• Origins: Poor agrarian duchy in the Holy Roman Empire.

• Transformation:

• Centralized administration under Frederick William.

• Nobles (Junkers) retained local dominance but held military roles.

• Religious tolerance attracted refugees, spurring economic growth.

• Army:

• Based on conscription.

• Known for discipline and innovative tactics.

3. Russia

• Pre-Reforms: Agrarian economy, heavy reliance on serfdom, limited trade.

• Peter the Great’s Reforms:

• Modeled military and navy after Western examples (Prussians, French, Dutch, British).

• Established St. Petersburg, symbolizing Russia’s European orientation.

• Expansion: Conquests in Asia and increasing engagement in European affairs.

Study Questions (16):

1. How did the Habsburg monarchy acquire its territories?

2. Why is the Habsburg monarchy considered a “composite” monarchy?

3. What challenges did the Habsburg rulers face in governing their empire?

4. What was the significance of the Siege of Vienna in 1683?

5. How did Prussia transition from a weak duchy to a strong kingdom?

6. Who were the Junkers, and what role did they play in Prussian society and the army?

7. What made the Prussian army distinct compared to medieval armies?

8. How did Frederick William centralize administration in Prussia?

9. Why did Prussia welcome religious refugees, and what impact did this have?

10. What was Russia’s state before Peter the Great’s reforms?

11. Which Western influences did Peter the Great use to modernize Russia’s military?

12. What was the purpose of building St. Petersburg, and what did it symbolize?

13. How did Peter the Great expand Russia’s territorial and political influence?

14. What role did serfdom play in both Prussia and Russia during this period?

15. Compare the strategies used by Prussia and Russia to centralize and modernize their states.

16. Why were coalitions necessary to counter the Ottoman Empire in Europe?