Overview
This lecture covers the decline of the Congress of Vienna system, the rise of European nationalism, key wars (Crimean, Italian, Austro-Prussian, Franco-Prussian), the unification of Italy and Germany, and the resulting shifts in global and European power structures.
The Decline of the Congress of Vienna System
- Post-1848 revolutions weakened the Congress of Vienna system, especially as domestic reforms spread in England and France.
- The balance of power, legitimacy, and ideological unity initially supported the system, but domestic and ideological changes eroded it.
- Napoleon III sought to undermine the Congress system by breaking alliances among Russia, Austria, and the UK.
The Eastern Question and Crimean War
- Tensions among European powers escalated over influence in the weakening Ottoman Empire ("Eastern Question").
- The Crimean War (1853-1856) erupted when Russia and the Ottoman Empire clashed, drawing in Britain and France to prevent Russian dominance.
- The war ended Russian naval presence in the Black Sea and marked the first major conflict between great powers since 1815.
- The Congress system broke down as alliances shifted and Austria became isolated.
National Unification: Italy and Germany
- Italian unification (Risorgimento) advanced with Franco-Sardinian victories over Austria and the incorporation of central and southern states by 1861.
- The Red Cross was founded in response to the humanitarian crisis at the Battle of Solferino.
- Prussia, under Bismarck, used wars to unify Germany: the Danish War (1864), Austro-Prussian War (1866), and Franco-Prussian War (1870-71).
- Austria was expelled from German affairs, and the German Empire was proclaimed in 1871, fundamentally altering the balance of power.
European Imperialism and Global Impact
- European interventions expanded in Asia, Africa, and the Americas (e.g., British and French influence in China and India, US pressure on Japan).
- Latin America and Africa experienced numerous wars, revolutions, and imperial interventions during this period.
- Imperialist competition fueled instability and redrew global boundaries.
The Franco-Prussian War and Aftermath
- The Franco-Prussian War was triggered by diplomacy and nationalist tensions, resulting in a quick German victory and capture of Napoleon III.
- The defeat led to the fall of the French Empire, the establishment of the Third Republic, and the Paris Commune, an early socialist movement.
- Germany annexed Alsace-Lorraine, creating lasting French resentment.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Congress of Vienna System — a post-Napoleonic international order based on balance of power and conservative alliances.
- Eastern Question — diplomatic issues relating to the decline of the Ottoman Empire.
- Crimean War — conflict (1853-1856) between Russia and an alliance of Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire.
- Risorgimento — the movement for Italian national unification.
- Austro-Prussian War — the 1866 conflict that expelled Austria from German affairs.
- Franco-Prussian War — 1870-71 war uniting Germany and ending French dominance.
- Red Cross — humanitarian organization founded after the Battle of Solferino.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review notes on the causes and outcomes of the Crimean, Austro-Prussian, and Franco-Prussian wars.
- Identify the two key wars that broke Austrian power in Europe.
- Prepare for discussion on the impact of German unification on European politics.
- Read about the foundation and impact of the Red Cross.