History Chapter 7 Flashcards

German Unification

• Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) was the Prussian chancellor who unified Germany through strategic wars and diplomacy, notably delivering the "blood and iron" speech emphasizing the importance of military and industrial strength.
• The Ems Dispatch incited the Franco-Prussian War by provoking France through a message from Prussia's King William I to Napoleon III.
• The North German Confederation emerged post-Austro-Prussian War, consolidating Prussia and 21 other German states under a unified government.

French Government and Politics

• The Paris Commune represented a revolutionary government formed in Paris that sought independence from conservative leaders post-Franco-Prussian War but was ultimately quashed by the National Assembly.
• The Dreyfus Affair highlighted anti-Semitism in France and the societal divide, while reinforcing the Third Republic by exposing royalist anti-government actions.
• Emile Zola's "J'accuse" was a pivotal letter that condemned the French government for its handling of the Dreyfus case, stirring public outrage.

Italian Unification

• Key figures in Italian unification included Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi, who led nationalistic movements and military campaigns against foreign rule.
• Victor Emmanuel II became the first king of a united Italy and was crucial in driving unification efforts through alliances and military actions, notably defeating Austrian dominance.
• Camillo Cavour served as a prime minister and architect of unification, strengthening Piedmont-Sardinia and forming alliances with France.

Russian Reforms and Conflicts

• Alexander II implemented reforms, including the emancipation of serfs, but was assassinated; his son Alexander III adopted repressive policies, including increased censorship and secret police action.
• The Crimean War (1853-1856) highlighted Russia's need for industrialization and modernization after defeat by an alliance of Britain, France, and the Ottomans.

British Political Landscape

• The British Parliament consists of two houses: the House of Lords, composed of hereditary nobles and clergy, and the House of Commons, representing the general population.
• Key political figures like Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone focused on expanding the electorate and pushing for social reforms, including home rule for Ireland.

Nationalism and Imperialism

• Nationalism fueled the aspirations of various ethnic groups seeking independence from foreign domination; this was evident in both the Irish Question and the Austro-Hungarian dual monarchy.
• "Old imperialism" involved the establishment of trade routes through conquest from the 15th to 18th centuries, whereas "new imperialism" in the late 19th century involved more systematic colonization and exploitation of territories.

Social Movements and Ideological Shifts

• The term "separate spheres" encapsulated the traditional division of gender roles in society, emphasizing women's roles as homemakers and men's roles in business and politics.
• Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory introduced the concept of an internal conflict between the id, ego, and superego, fundamentally changing perspectives on human behavior and mental health.

Major Conflicts and Reactions

• The October Manifesto (1905) was issued by Tsar Nicholas II in response to unrest, promising reforms but ultimately failing to quell revolutionary sentiments.
• The 1905 revolution and events like Bloody Sunday marked significant turning points in Russian history, showcasing the population's growing discontent with autocracy.

Concepts in Economics and Politics

• Classical economics suggested self-regulating markets, while realpolitik emphasized practical politics and power over moral principles.
• The Corn Laws protected British agriculture but were repealed in 1846 after public outcry, illustrating the shifting dynamics between economic interests and legislative power.### Congo
• Associated with King Leopold II of Belgium, known for his exploitation of the Congo Free State.

Scramble for Africa

• Initiated by the Berlin Conference, where European powers divided Africa.
• France focused on North Africa, establishing itself as the largest colonial power.
• Great Britain targeted the most populous and resource-rich regions, particularly in Southern Africa.
• Germany's colonization efforts were hindered by its late unification, concentrating on Eastern and Southwestern Africa.
• Italy entered the contest later than other powers.

Realism

• A cultural movement emphasizing the portrayal of everyday life, particularly the experiences of the urban working class.
• Addressed themes often overlooked in prior imaginative literature.

Impressionism

• Emerged alongside the invention of photography, seeking to provide an alternative to realistic representation.
• Aimed to capture transient moments and personal impressions rather than static realism.

Post-Impressionism (Expressionism)

• Extended the Impressionist focus on light and color by experimenting with more vivid colors and energetic brush strokes.
• Emphasized imagination and emotional response over mere visual representation.

Spheres of Influence

• Refers to regions where foreign powers exert political and economic control without direct governance.
• A prime example is the influence of European countries and the U.S. in China.

October Diploma

• Issued by Emperor Francis Joseph, proposed a federal system among German states with local governance by the landed classes.
• This proposal faced rejection from the Hungarian Magyars, highlighting ethnic tensions within the empire.