Nationalism: Germany and the Austrian Empire

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Questions and Answers

In what way did Serbian nationalism contribute to the start of World War I?

Serbian nationalism destabilized the Balkans and led to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Contrast the effects of nationalism in Germany and Austria-Hungary by 1914.

In Germany, nationalism unified the country into a strong empire, while in Austria-Hungary, it deepened ethnic tensions and led to fragmentation.

Explain how Darwin's theory of evolution challenged the Enlightenment idea of human exceptionalism.

Darwin's theory suggested humans evolved through natural selection like other species, contradicting the Enlightenment view of humans as uniquely rational and superior.

How did Darwin's ideas undermine the Enlightenment assumption of rational control over human decisions?

Darwin's theory implied that evolutionary instincts influenced much of human behavior, limiting the extent to which decisions were based purely on reason. Signup and view all the answers

What role did ethnic groups play in the weakening of Austria-Hungary?

Different ethnic groups demanded greater autonomy or independence, making the empire politically fragile. Signup and view all the answers

How did the concept of 'survival of the fittest' challenge the Enlightenment's focus on human progress through reason?

Survival of the fittest suggests success is determined by inherited advantages rather than rational thought or progress. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the political condition of Germany versus Austria-Hungary by 1914.

Germany was strong and united while Austria-Hungary was increasingly fragmented. Signup and view all the answers

How did Darwin's concept of natural selection contrast with the Enlightenment idea of human beings having full control over their decisions?

Natural selection suggests human behavior is influenced by evolutionary instincts like competition and survival, limiting conscious rationality. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how Darwin and Freud challenged Enlightenment rationality. Provide one example of each thinker's argument that contradicted Enlightenment ideals.

Darwin challenged it by suggesting humans are driven by survival instincts, not reason. Freud argued human behavior stems from unconscious desires, undermining the belief in conscious rationality. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Spanish Inquisition contribute to the political unification of Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella?

The Spanish Inquisition enforced religious unity by expelling or converting Jews and Muslims, consolidating Christian rule and thereby strengthening the centralized state. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the economic impact of silver from the Americas on Spain's position in Europe during the 16th century.

The influx of silver from Potosí and Zacatecas fueled Spain's economy, allowing it to become the wealthiest state in Europe and dominate European politics. Signup and view all the answers

What were the key factors that enabled Spain to build the first global empire?

Spain's global empire was built on political unification under Ferdinand and Isabella, overseas expansion and wealth from the Americas, and military and political dominance in Europe. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile influenced Spain's political landscape.

Their marriage laid the foundation for Spain's political unification by combining two major kingdoms and setting the stage for a strong, centralized state. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Spain's victory against the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Lepanto (1571)?

The victory checked Ottoman expansion in the Mediterranean, asserted Spanish dominance, and enforced Catholic dominance during the Counter-Reformation. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Reconquista impact the religious and cultural makeup of Spain in the 15th century?

The Reconquista consolidated Christian rule by expelling the Moors from Granada, leading to significant religious and cultural shifts that favored Christian dominance. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the strategic importance of the colonies controlled by Spain, such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines, in establishing and maintaining its global empire.

These colonies located in different parts of the world provided vast resources, trade routes, and strategic military outposts, thus enabling Spain to establish and maintain the first global empire. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how Bismarck's use of Realpolitik contributed to German unification. Give a specific example of a war he initiated and how it furthered this goal.

Bismarck used practical, power-based politics (Realpolitik) to strategically unify Germany through wars. For example, he initiated the Franco-Prussian War, uniting northern and southern German states against a common enemy and leading to the formation of the German Empire. Signup and view all the answers

The Austrian Empire faced significant challenges due to ethnic diversity. Briefly describe how the creation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1867 attempted to address these challenges, and why it ultimately fell short.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire was created to appease Hungarian nationalists by granting them their own government, while remaining under Habsburg rule. However, this dual monarchy failed to satisfy other ethnic groups within the empire, leading to continued nationalist tensions and instability. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the impact of nationalism in Germany and the Austrian Empire. How did nationalism serve as a unifying force in one and a divisive force in the other?

In Germany, nationalism acted as a unifying force, leading to political unification, economic growth, and military strength. In contrast, in the Austrian Empire, nationalism acted as a divisive force, contributing to internal tensions, weakening the empire, and ultimately leading to its decline. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Revolutions of 1848 play in the development of nationalism in both Germany and the Austrian Empire? How were the outcomes different?

In Germany, the Revolutions of 1848 fueled nationalist sentiment and attempts at unification, though the Frankfurt Parliament ultimately failed. In the Austrian Empire, the revolutions highlighted ethnic divisions and demands for autonomy, which were suppressed but continued to create tension. Signup and view all the answers

Describe two key differences between the context of nationalism in Germany compared to the Austrian Empire.

Germany had a predominantly shared language/culture, allowing nationalism to unify the region. The Austrian Empire consisted of a variety of different ethnic groups. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the outcome of the Austro-Prussian War (1866) influenced the dynamics of nationalism in both Prussia (Germany) and the Austrian Empire.

For Prussia, victory led to dominance in German affairs, facilitating unification. For Austria, defeat weakened its influence and forced it to focus on internal stability, leading to the creation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Signup and view all the answers

Explain a positive and negative effect of nationalism in Germany's history.

A positive effect of nationalism in Germany was the unification and creation of a strong, unified German state. A negative effect led to military expansion and dominance. Signup and view all the answers

Identify three key factors that contributed to the decline of Spain as a dominant European power between 1580 and 1700.

Economic mismanagement, costly wars, social stagnation, and weak leadership. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did Austria's creation of the Dual Monarchy address the challenges faced by the empire, and in what ways did it fail to do so?

It addressed the demands of Hungarian nationalists by granting them autonomy, but failed by not satisfying other ethnic groups, leading to continued nationalist tensions. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of mercantilist economic policies in Europe between 1600 and 1800?

To maximize national wealth and power through state control over the economy. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of a 'favorable balance of trade' in the context of mercantilism and why it was considered important.

Exporting more than importing to accumulate gold and silver (bullionism), considered the foundation of national wealth. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how governments under mercantilism used regulations to control their economies. Provide an example.

Governments regulated wages, prices, and production, and enforced navigation laws, such as England's Navigation Acts, to control markets and colonial trade. Signup and view all the answers

What role did colonies play in the mercantilist system, and how were they exploited to benefit the mother country?

Colonies provided raw materials and served as captive markets; they were forbidden from producing goods that competed with the mother country. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the Transatlantic Trade within the mercantilist framework.

It exchanged European goods for African slaves, who were sent to work on American plantations, creating a triangular trade route. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'chartered companies' in the context of mercantilism and explain their function.

State-backed trading companies granted monopolies to control overseas commerce. Signup and view all the answers

How did England's Navigation Acts embody the principles of mercantilism?

They restricted colonial trade to English ships, ensuring that England benefited directly from colonial resources and commerce. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how state-controlled banking and finance functioned under mercantilism, providing an appropriate example.

Governments established state banks (e.g., Bank of England) to manage trade and national debt. They also provided subsidies and tax incentives to support key industries such as shipbuilding. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of military expansion in mercantilist economies and provide a specific historical example.

Powerful navies and merchant fleets protected trade routes and enforced mercantilist policies. Wars were fought over trade and colonial possessions. An example is the Anglo-Dutch Wars (1652–1674). Signup and view all the answers

What were the main criticisms of mercantilism, and who was a prominent figure who voiced these concerns?

Mercantilism was criticized for creating inefficiencies and hindering economic growth due to state control and protectionist policies. Adam Smith argued that free trade fostered greater prosperity. Signup and view all the answers

How did mercantilist policies contribute to both the accumulation of wealth and trade conflicts among European states?

Mercantilist policies, such as high tariffs and colonial exploitation, helped European states accumulate wealth. However, these policies also led to trade conflicts and wars as nations competed for resources and markets. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how joint-stock companies like the British East India Company functioned within the mercantilist system.

Joint-stock companies controlled large territories, established trading posts, and maintained private armies. They were granted monopolies and privileges by the state to promote national economic interests. Signup and view all the answers

Describe some protectionist trade policies used by mercantilist nations and their purpose.

Mercantilist nations used high tariffs to control imports and maintain gold reserves. Subsidies and tax incentives were provided to support key industries and shipbuilding, promoting domestic production and reducing dependence on foreign goods. Signup and view all the answers

What are some elements that defined mercantilism from 1600 to 1800?

Mercantilism was defined by government intervention, protectionist trade policies, monopolies, and colonial exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the rise of Realism reflected the industrialization and social struggles of the 19th century.

Realism depicted everyday life, focusing on ordinary people, workers, and the harsh realities of industrialization and social inequality, rejecting romanticized or idealized depictions. Signup and view all the answers

How did Realist art reflect the socio-economic conditions of 19th-century industrial Europe?

Realist art depicted the struggles of the working class and the wealth disparities created by urbanization and industrial expansion. It reflected growing public concern over worker exploitation, class conflict, and the rise of socialism. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the rise of Marxist ideas influence the popularity and themes of Realist art and literature?

The rise of Marxist ideas and workers' movements in the late 19th century increased the popularity of Realism as it addressed economic struggles and class tensions, aligning with Marxist critiques of capitalism and social inequality. Signup and view all the answers

How did Impressionism reflect the changing perceptions of modern life in rapidly growing cities like Paris?

Impressionism captured the fast-paced, modern lifestyle of urban life by focusing on light, movement, leisure activities, and urban scenes, reflecting the fascination with speed, technology, and urban environments. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the invention of photography influenced the Impressionist movement's approach to art.

The invention of photography influenced Impressionists to focus on capturing the effects of light and movement rather than precise details, as photography could accurately reproduce reality. Signup and view all the answers

How did Impressionism reflect the socio-economic changes related to the growing middle class in the late 19th century?

Impressionism reflected the growing middle class by depicting their leisure activities, such as social gatherings in cafés and dance halls, showcasing a new emphasis on personal enjoyment and modern social life. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did Post-Impressionism differ from Impressionism in its artistic goals and subject matter?

Post-Impressionism broke away from Impressionism by emphasizing symbolism, emotion, and abstraction, focusing on deeper psychological and philosophical ideas rather than just capturing fleeting impressions of light and color. Signup and view all the answers

How did Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon reflect growing anxieties about modernity and shifting social norms?

Les Demoiselles d’Avignon's cubist style, with its fragmented figures and rejection of traditional perspective, reflected a world that felt increasingly chaotic and fragmented, representing anxieties about modernity, colonial influences, and shifting social norms. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Post-Impressionism movement pave the way for subsequent Modern art movements like Cubism and Expressionism?

Post-Impressionism pushed the boundaries of representation by emphasizing subjective vision and emotional expression, which led to the development of movements like Cubism, with its geometric forms, and Expressionism, with its intense emotional colors and distorted forms. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nationalism in Germany

A movement that sought to unify German-speaking states into a single nation.

Revolutions of 1848

Attempts by German nationalists to unify independent German states, culminating in the Frankfurt Parliament.

Frankfurt Parliament

An assembly that attempted to create a unified Germany but ultimately failed due to lack of support.