Lecture Notes: Balance of Power in Europe

AP European History

Introduction

• Continuation of inter-state conflicts in Europe
• Shift in reasons for conflict: from religion to balance of power
• Diplomacy and war used to maintain balance of power

Peace of Westphalia (1648)

• Ended religious motivations for warfare
• Focus shifted to maintaining balance of power
• States acted in self-interest
• Diplomacy and military buildup emerged as tools for maintaining balance

Diplomacy and Dynastic Interests

• Diplomacy focused on securing power and land for rulers' heirs
• States with strong monarchies and large standing armies fared better

Case Study: Partition of Poland

• Poland's weaknesses: constitutional monarchy, noble exploitation of peasantry, lack of bureaucracy
• Surrounded by powerful and expansionist states: Russia, Prussia, Austria
• Victory of Russia against the Ottoman Empire led to partition
• Treaty of 1772 divided Poland among Russia, Austria, and Prussia
• Example of diplomacy used to maintain balance of power

Wars and Balance of Power

Ottoman Empire

• Ottoman ambitions to expand into Central Europe
• Battle of Vienna (1683): Austria, Poland, and Holy Roman Empire stopped Ottoman expansion
• Major turning point: Ottomans ceased expansion into Eastern Europe

Louis XIV of France

• Engaged in constant warfare for territorial expansion, weakening Habsburg influence, personal glory

The Dutch War

• Goal: gain territory in the Spanish Netherlands, weaken Habsburg
• Unsuccessful but maintained power

Nine Years' War

• Attempted expansion into the Holy Roman Empire
• Opposition by Grand Alliance (Habsburgs, Dutch Republic, England, Spain, Sweden, Portugal)
• Resulted in a stalemate

War of Spanish Succession (1701-1713)

• Conflict over succession to Spanish throne
• European fears over potential France-Spain consolidation
• War to prevent imbalance of power
• Ended by Treaty of Utrecht (1713): France and Spain to remain separate entities

Military Developments

• Shift to professional standing armies
• Increase in army sizes (e.g., Louis XIV's 400,000 soldiers)
• Military advancements: firearms, mobile cannons, elaborate fortifications
• Financial strategies: increased taxes, expanded bureaucracy
• Military Revolution in Europe

Conclusion

• Nations with expanded military capabilities gained power
• Understanding military developments is crucial for comprehending balance of power dynamics

Additional Resources

• For more videos and study guides, refer to provided links.