Chapter 2 Flashcards
Why is 1648 a seminal year for scholars of International relations? (2 things)
- marked a decrease of religious authority in Europe
2. rise of secular authority in form of sovereign.
why did European Monarchs collect more taxes in the 1600s? (3 things)
- the needed more money to build armies
- so they could strengthen their power
- and capture more territory
What is sovereignty?
The authority of a state to govern matters within its own borders
In the 7th century what were Europe’s 4 most powerful states?
- France
- England
- Russia
- Austria
Who is Adam Smith?
The founder of capitalism
Adam Smith would posit that the wealth of states and of the international system is increased when
individuals are allowed to pursue their rational self-interests, unrestrained by state regulation
What is Nationalism?
identification of the masses with their common history, language, customs and practices.
Napoleons Army was defeated when it invaded
Russia
Why did 19th century Europe have relative peace? (4 things)
- nations enjoyed feeling of solidarity
- unification of Germany and Italy were internal
- focus on imperialism and colonialism
- elites united in fear of mass revolution.
What was a major motive for colonialism?
a desire for economic gains
Why were alliances formed in nineteenth century Europe?
to counteract potentially more powerful factions
What was one thing that was part of the nineteenth century balance of power system in Europe?
forming alliances
What ended the balance of power system in Europe and led to WWI?
The solidification of previously flexible alliances between European powers
The treaty of Versailles that ended WWI fueled ____ dissatisfaction and how?
- German
2. by making them pay the economic cost of war
What was the ultimate factor that led to the failure of the League of Nations?
The league lacked the needed political weight, legal instruments and legitimacy.