All The Notes Grouped Together

Overview of the Crimean War

Time Period:

1853 to 1856

Main Conflicting Parties:

• Russia: Aiming to expand its influence and power, particularly in relation to the declining Ottoman Empire.

• Alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain, and Sardinia: Formed to counter Russian expansionism and support the integrity of the Ottoman territories.

Significance of the War:

• Turning Point in European Diplomatic Relations: Marked a shift in alliances and power dynamics among European nations.

• Decline of the Ottoman Empire: The war underscored the empire's weakening grip on its territories, causing it to lose geopolitical relevance.

• Influence on National Unification Movements: The conflict invigorated nationalistic sentiments, notably contributing to the movements for Italian and German unification and prompting social reforms across Europe that would reshape nations.

Causes of the War:

• Religious Tensions:

  • Conflicts erupted between Roman Catholics in Jerusalem and Orthodox Christians, the latter being supported by Russia, leading to diplomatic strain.

  • Russia's ambition to protect and expand its influence over Orthodox Christians living under Ottoman rule exacerbated these tensions.

• Decline of the Ottoman Empire:

  • Concerns over the empire's ability to maintain control and power in Europe led to speculative ambitions from other nations, creating a climate ripe for conflict.

• Imperial Interests:

  • Tsar Nicholas I of Russia sought to assert Russian dominance by expanding influence over the strategically important Crimean Peninsula, especially as it relates to naval operations in the Black Sea.

Outcome of the War:

• Treaty of Paris (1856):

  • Officially concluded the Crimean War, with its key terms aimed at re-establishing a balance of power.

  • Established the Black Sea as a neutral zone, significantly restricting Russian naval capabilities and influence in the region.

Aftermath:

• Changes in Military Tactics and Technology:

  • The war served as a catalyst for modernizing military practices, which included advancements in logistics, communication, and battlefield strategies, influenced by the challenges encountered during the conflict.

• Discussions and Reforms:

  • The need for military and governmental reform became apparent, leading nations to rethink their approach to warfare, national defense, and colonial ambitions.

• Setting the Stage for Future Conflicts:

  • The geopolitical changes stemming from the war laid the groundwork for future tensions and alliances in Europe, influencing conflicts such as World War I and the reconfiguration of national borders.

The Others

• Countries and Figures

  • America

  • British

  • VICTORIAN ERA

  • ABR

  • Emancipation Proclamation

  • Russia

  • Hon Sir Mackenzie Bowell

    • Conservative, Dec 2, 1894

  • Hon Sir John A. Macdonald

    • Conservative, Duke 1867-Oct 17, 1878

  • Hon Sir Charles Tupper

    • Conservative, Jan 1896

  • Canada

  • Rthon

  • Sir Wilfred Laurier

    • Liberal, Joy 1896

  • How Alexander Mackenzie

    • Liberal, Nov 7, 1873

  • Premiers of the Dominion of Canada (1867-1907)

    • Rthon Sir John S.D. Thompson

      • Conservative, Dec. Sep 1892

    • Hon Sir J.J. Abbott

      • Conservative, June 16

• Location: Ottawa

The Victorian Period

• Timeframe: 1830-1901

British Reform Bills

• Reform Bill of 1832

  • Transformed English class structure

  • Extended the right to vote to all males owning property

• Second Reform Bill (passed in 1867)

  • Extended right to vote to the working class

The British Empire

• Immigration

  • Between 1853 and 1880, large-scale immigration to British colonies

• Colonial Governance

  • In 1857, Parliament took over the government of India; Queen Victoria became Empress of India.

• Moral Responsibility

  • Many British saw empire expansion as a moral duty with missionaries spreading Christianity in India, Asia, and Africa.

The Late Victorian Period

• Timeframe: 1870-1901

• Key Issues:

  • Decay of Victorian values

  • Boer War (South Africa)

  • Irish Question: Potato Famine and quest for independence

  • Bismarck's Germany became a rival power

  • United States also became a rival power

  • Economic depression led to mass immigration and rise of socialism

The American Civil War

• Timeframe: 1860-1865

North vs. South

• North:

  • More industrial

  • Slogan: "One country, one people, one play, one destiny"

• South:

  • Agricultural based economy

  • Cotton was king

  • Distinction between Southern States and Northern States

  • Territories, not yet states

The American Civil War

• State Expansion:

  • As America grew, states were added

  • Key Questions: Slave State vs. Free State; why is this important?

• Lincoln's Presidency:

  • Abraham Lincoln was elected president without southern votes

  • Southern states succeeded and formed the Confederate States of America

  • War sparked by slavery and the intent to preserve the Union

Who Won?

• Outcome:

  • North Wins!

  • Union is preserved

  • Slaves were freed, thanks to the 13th Amendment

Let the Emancipation Continue...

Tsarist Russia

• Timeframe: 1855-1881

Alexander II

• Response to War:

  • The Crimean War showed Russia's backwardness

  • Key reforms of Alexander II:

    • Abolition of serfdom

    • Zemstvos: small local governments

  • Question: Did these reforms benefit individual citizens?

Canada

• Historical Overview:

  • 1763-1867

Canadian Independence

• Key Events:

  • Treaty of Paris (1763) = British control of Canada

  • Upper Canada: English-speaking

  • Lower Canada: French-speaking

  • After mass British immigration and the American Civil War, Canadians sought independence

  • Parliament conceded in 1867 and created the Dominion of Canada

Final Thought

• Reforms across Nations:

  • The mid-19th century reforms led to varied outcomes:

    • England: Success or Failure?

    • America: Success or Failure?

    • Russia: Success or Failure?

    • Canada: Successful independence!

Wildfire of Nationalism

This unit aims to deepen the understanding of the unification of nation-states in Europe during the 19th century, particularly focusing on the cases of Germany, Italy, and the formation of Austria-Hungary. To enhance comprehension, students will engage in collaborative activities using maps and timelines to respond to critical historical questions.

Unification of Germany

• Reading Assignment: Examine the blue highlighted events on the provided timeline that detail the key occurrences leading to the unification of Germany.

• Key Questions:

  • Who was responsible for German Unification? Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismarck is often credited with orchestrating the unification through strategic wars and diplomatic efforts.

  • Who planted the seed of a united Germany in the minds of the German people? The German nationalist movement, influenced by philosophers like Johann Gottlieb Fichte, played a significant role in fostering the desire for unity among the German-speaking population.

  • Which territory in 1815 was the largest independent German state? Prussia was the largest independent German state, serving as a primary force in the unification process.

  • Who was in charge of the German States in 1815? Four significant countries managed the German States: Austria, Prussia, Bavaria, and Saxony.

  • How did German people win those states? Through a combination of political maneuvering, war (notably the Austro-Prussian War of 1866), and nationalistic sentiment, the various German states rallied to unite under a common banner.

  • Once unified, who became their leader? Kaiser Wilhelm I became the German Emperor following the unification in 1871.

• Note: Add Germany to your map, marking key regions, battles, and leaders involved in the unification process.

Unification of Italy

• Reading Assignment: Review the red highlighted events on the timeline to understand the pivotal moments in the Italian unification movement.

• Key Questions:

  • Who was responsible for Italian Unification? Key figures like Count Camillo di Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi are credited for their instrumental roles in unifying Italy.

  • Who planted the seed of a united Italy in the minds of the Italian people? Nationalist leaders and writers such as Giuseppe Mazzini played a crucial role in raising awareness and desire for unification.

  • In 1815, who laid claims to the Italian states? The Congress of Vienna had established control over various Italian territories, with Austria holding significant influence.

  • Name the two independent Italian States (refer to the 1815 map). The independent states were the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Papal States.

  • Which Italian state made the most moves towards unification? The Kingdom of Sardinia, under the leadership of Cavour, implemented reforms that laid the foundation for unification.

  • Who was Garibaldi, and what role did he play in the unification process? Garibaldi was a military leader who led the Expedition of the Thousand, successfully conquering Sicily and Naples to help unite Italy.

  • Upon unification, who became the leader of Italy? Victor Emmanuel II, the king of Sardinia, became the first king of a unified Italy.

  • Who was the Prime Minister? Count Camillo di Cavour served as the first Prime Minister of Italy after unification.

• Note: Add Italy to your map, indicating major battles, revolutions, and key political figures who contributed to the unification.

Formation of Austria-Hungary

• Reading Assignment: Analyze the black highlighted events on the timeline that outline the transformation of the Austrian Empire into Austria-Hungary.

• Key Questions:

  • How would you describe the political situation in Austria in the 1800s? The political climate was characterized by ethnic diversity and frequent identity conflicts among various nationalities seeking autonomy.

  • Consider the role of the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution brought economic changes and social tensions, creating a demand for national self-determination among the empire's diverse groups.

  • List the diverse groups that existed within the Austrian Empire in the 19th century. Major ethnic groups included Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Italians, Croatians, Serbs, and Romanians.

  • Y/N: Did Austria own Italian territories in 1815? Yes, Austria controlled regions such as Lombardy and Venetia.

  • Y/N: Did Austria lay claims to German territory in 1815? Yes, Austria held significant influence over various German states as part of the German Confederation.

  • What happened to these lands in the mid-1800s? Following the Austro-Prussian War and growing nationalist movements, Austria lost control over its Italian territories and faced pressures within the German states.

  • How did this event affect the Hapsburg monarchy? The losses diminished the Hapsburg's influence and authority, prompting reforms and the eventual dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary established in 1867.

  • What actions did the Hapsburgs take after losing the Austria-Prussian War? They sought to strengthen their hold on diverse groups and initiated the Ausgleich, or Compromise, creating a constitutional framework for governance.

  • What concessions did they make? The Hapsburgs granted Hungary increased autonomy, establishing a dual monarchy that recognized both Austrian and Hungarian leadership structures.

• Note: Add Austria-Hungary to your map, marking significant territories, ethnic groups, and political changes during this period.

Answer Key for Wildfire of Nationalism

Unification of Germany:

1. Who was responsible for German Unification?

   • Otto von Bismarck, the Prussian Chancellor, orchestrated the unification through strategic wars and diplomatic efforts.

2. Who planted the seed of a united Germany in the minds of the German people?

   • The German nationalist movement, influenced by philosophers like Johann Gottlieb Fichte.

3. Which territory in 1815 was the largest independent German state?

   • Prussia.

4. Who was in charge of the German States in 1815?

   • Austria, Prussia, Bavaria, and Saxony.

5. How did German people win those states?

   • Through political maneuvering, wars (notably the Austro-Prussian War of 1866), and nationalistic sentiment.

6. Once unified, who became their leader?

   • Kaiser Wilhelm I became the German Emperor in 1871.

Unification of Italy:

1. Who was responsible for Italian Unification?

   • Key figures included Count Camillo di Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi.

2. Who planted the seed of a united Italy in the minds of the Italian people?

   • Nationalist leaders and writers such as Giuseppe Mazzini.

3. In 1815, who laid claims to the Italian states?

   • The Congress of Vienna had established control, with Austria holding significant influence.

4. Name the two independent Italian States (refer to the 1815 map).

   • The Kingdom of Sardinia and the Papal States.

5. Which Italian state made the most moves towards unification?

   • The Kingdom of Sardinia under Cavour.

6. Who was Garibaldi, and what role did he play in the unification process?

   • A military leader who led the Expedition of the Thousand, conquering Sicily and Naples.

7. Upon unification, who became the leader of Italy?

   • Victor Emmanuel II, the king of Sardinia.

8. Who was the Prime Minister?

   • Count Camillo di Cavour.

Formation of Austria-Hungary:

1. How would you describe the political situation in Austria in the 1800s?

   • Characterized by ethnic diversity and frequent identity conflicts among various nationalities.

2. Consider the role of the Industrial Revolution.

   • The revolution created economic changes and social tensions, raising demands for national self-determination.

3. List the diverse groups that existed within the Austrian Empire in the 19th century.

   • Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Italians, Croatians, Serbs, and Romanians.

4. Y/N: Did Austria own Italian territories in 1815?

   • Yes.

5. Y/N: Did Austria lay claims to German territory in 1815?

   • Yes.

6. What happened to these lands in the mid-1800s?

   • Austria lost its Italian territories and faced pressures within the German states after the Austro-Prussian War.

7. How did this event affect the Hapsburg monarchy?

   • The losses diminished their influence and authority, prompting reforms and the establishment of a dual monarchy in Austria-Hungary in 1867.

8. What actions did the Hapsburgs take after losing the Austria-Prussian War?

   • They sought to strengthen their hold on diverse groups and initiated the Ausgleich (Compromise) for governance.

9. What concessions did they make?

   • The Hapsburgs granted Hungary increased autonomy, recognizing Austrian and Hungarian leadership structures.

Answer Key for Wildfire of Nationalism

Unification of Germany:

1. Who was responsible for German Unification?

   • Otto von Bismarck, the Prussian Chancellor, orchestrated the unification through strategic wars and diplomatic efforts.

2. Who planted the seed of a united Germany in the minds of the German people?

   • The German nationalist movement, influenced by philosophers like Johann Gottlieb Fichte.

3. Which territory in 1815 was the largest independent German state?

   • Prussia.

4. Who was in charge of the German States in 1815?

   • Austria, Prussia, Bavaria, and Saxony.

5. How did German people win those states?

   • Through political maneuvering, wars (notably the Austro-Prussian War of 1866), and nationalistic sentiment.

6. Once unified, who became their leader?

   • Kaiser Wilhelm I became the German Emperor in 1871.

Unification of Italy:

1. Who was responsible for Italian Unification?

   • Key figures included Count Camillo di Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi.

2. Who planted the seed of a united Italy in the minds of the Italian people?

   • Nationalist leaders and writers such as Giuseppe Mazzini.

3. In 1815, who laid claims to the Italian states?

   • The Congress of Vienna had established control, with Austria holding significant influence.

4. Name the two independent Italian States (refer to the 1815 map).

   • The Kingdom of Sardinia and the Papal States.

5. Which Italian state made the most moves towards unification?

   • The Kingdom of Sardinia under Cavour.

6. Who was Garibaldi, and what role did he play in the unification process?

   • A military leader who led the Expedition of the Thousand, conquering Sicily and Naples.

7. Upon unification, who became the leader of Italy?

   • Victor Emmanuel II, the king of Sardinia.

8. Who was the Prime Minister?

   • Count Camillo di Cavour.

Formation of Austria-Hungary:

1. How would you describe the political situation in Austria in the 1800s?

   • Characterized by ethnic diversity and frequent identity conflicts among various nationalities.

2. Consider the role of the Industrial Revolution.

   • The revolution created economic changes and social tensions, raising demands for national self-determination.

3. List the diverse groups that existed within the Austrian Empire in the 19th century.

   • Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Italians, Croatians, Serbs, and Romanians.

4. Y/N: Did Austria own Italian territories in 1815?

   • Yes.

5. Y/N: Did Austria lay claims to German territory in 1815?

   • Yes.

6. What happened to these lands in the mid-1800s?

   • Austria lost its Italian territories and faced pressures within the German states after the Austro-Prussian War.

7. How did this event affect the Hapsburg monarchy?

   • The losses diminished their influence and authority, prompting reforms and the establishment of a dual monarchy in Austria-Hungary in 1867.

8. What actions did the Hapsburgs take after losing the Austria-Prussian War?

   • They sought to strengthen their hold on diverse groups and initiated the Ausgleich (Compromise) for governance.

9. What concessions did they make?

   • The Hapsburgs granted Hungary increased autonomy, recognizing Austrian and Hungarian leadership structures.

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Time period for study: 1815 to 1914, ending with the onset of World War One.

• Importance of historical context in shaping future events.

• Focus topics: Crimean War, unification of Germany and Italy, tensions in the Balkans.

Chapter 2: The Crimean War

• Start of War: 1853, ending a period of about 50 years of peace known as the Concert of Europe.

• Causes of War:

  • Originated from religious tensions in the declining Ottoman Empire.

  • Special privileges granted by the Ottoman Sultan to Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians, leading to conflict.

  • Political objectives: Both France and Russia wanted to weaken the Ottoman Empire.

  • Russia aimed for control of the Crimean Peninsula for warm water port access.

• Combatants: Russia alone vs. Ottoman Empire, with support from Britain and France.

• Outcome: Russia's defeat led to a shift in power dynamics in Europe, weakening the Concert of Europe.

• Consequences: Retreat of Britain and Russia from continental affairs, paving the way for German and Italian unifications.

Chapter 3: Italy

• Political Landscape: Italy was fragmented into multiple states seeking unification.

• Key Figures:

  • Count Cavour: Prime Minister of Piedmont, focused on regional unity and infrastructure to bolster military power.

  • Giuseppe Garibaldi: Military leader of the southern regions known as the Red Shirts.

• Cavour's Strategies:

  • Formed an alliance with Napoleon III to expel Austria from Northern Italy.

  • Expansion of Northern control through nationalist uprisings that aligned with Piedmont.

• Garibaldi’s Role: Unified Southern Italy and handed power to Victor Emmanuel II of Northern Italy.

• Unification Completion: After the withdrawal of French troops during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, Rome was included in the unified Italy.

Chapter 4: Germany

• Context: Desire for unification post-Revolution of 1848, initially thwarted.

• Otto von Bismarck: Chancellor of Prussia, adept in realpolitik, led German unification efforts.

• Key Wars for Unification:

  • Prussian-Danish War (1864): Joint effort with Austria to reclaim German provinces from Denmark.

  • Austro-Prussian War (1866): Provoked regional conflict to align northern German states with Prussia.

  • Franco-Prussian War (1870): Manufactured conflict with France to rally southern states to Prussia.

• Results of Wars: The success in these conflicts led to the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871, with Kaiser Wilhelm I crowned as the Emperor.

• Post-Unification Alliances:

  • Established alliances to counter France and maintain dominance in Europe.

  • Key alliances: Three Emperors' League and later the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia.

  • Formation of the Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy.

• Legacy of Bismarck’s Alliances: Created a polarized Europe with rigid alliances leading to future conflicts.

Chapter 5: Balkans

• Balkan Tensions: Nationalist movements sought self-determination against control by larger powers (Austria, Russia, Ottoman Empire).

• Congress of Berlin (1878): Attempted to address Balkan tensions without considering nationalist desires, increasing unrest instead.

• Balkan Wars:

  • First and Second Balkan Wars reflected the underlying divisions and rivalries among European powers.

  • These conflicts were precursors to World War One, highlighting the need for clarity in European diplomacy.