The Impact of War and Revolution (1780-1856)

The Impact of War and Revolution (1780-1856)

The French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleonic Wars (1792–1815)

  • The French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) marked a period of major conflict between France and several European powers including Britain, Austria, and Prussia.
    • The war greatly impacted the political landscape of Europe, resulting in an increasing shift towards nationalism.
    • The French Republic was proclaimed in 1792, demonstrating radical political change.
    • France’s military success spread ideas of revolution, causing tension within other European monarchies.
  • The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) were dominated by Napoleon Bonaparte who seized control of France following the instability of the French Revolution.
    • The wars resulted in a significant shift of power in Europe and had a long-lasting international impact.
    • The Continental System, introduced by Napoleon, aimed to cripple Britain’s economy through a blockade, leading to various economic, social, and political impacts on Britain and elsewhere.
    • The defeat of Napoleon following the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 marked the end of the era.

Congress of Vienna and the Restoration of Balance (1814–1815)

  • The Congress of Vienna (1814–1815) was a conference involving major European powers with the aim to produce a long-lasting peace following the upheaval of war.
    • Various territorial adjustments were made to recreate a balance of power in Europe.
    • The Vienna settlement led to a short period of peace but was later criticised as a cause of future conflict, as it ignored the growth of nationalism and liberalism.

Revolutionary Waves (1830–1848)

  • The Revolutions of 1830 were a series of rebellions against conservative kings and governments by liberals and revolutionaries throughout Europe.
    • These revolutions led to key political changes, such as the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy in France (July Revolution) and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in Belgium.
  • The Revolutions of 1848 unfolded in several European countries including France, Italy, Germany, and the Austrian Empire, also known as the Spring of Nations.
    • They were primarily driven by popular desire for national independence, liberal democracy, and socialist ideas.
    • Despite many being crushed or failing in their immediate goals, they significantly influenced political and social change.

Crimean War (1853–1856)

  • The Crimean War was a major conflict fought between Russia on one side and an alliance of France, Britain, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia on the other.
    • Often seen as part of the long-running contest between the major European powers for influence over territories of the declining Ottoman Empire.
    • Resulted in significant loss of life, largely due to poor medical care. The horrifying conditions led to reforms in nursing and created the icon of Florence Nightingale.
    • Diplomatically, the War upset the Concert of Europe and left a power vacuum that contributed to the outbreak of World War I.