18th Century Warfare: Crash Course European History #20

Summary

This episode of Crash Course European History explores the 18th-century European powers' engagements through warfare, both within Europe and globally. It discusses the rise in population and living standards, the ongoing struggle for territory, and the impact of wars on ordinary people. Key events include the wars of succession, the global battles for trade routes, the American Revolution, and uprisings in Spain's colonies. The video also touches on the beginnings of the United States, the financial troubles of France, and the first partition of Poland.

Takeaways

• 📈 The 18th century saw a rise in population and an improvement in living standards in Europe, despite uneven wealth distribution.
• 👗 The average number of garments owned by French people increased significantly, reflecting a broader trend of material progress.
• 💣 Wars of succession, like the Spanish, Polish, and Austrian wars, continued to be fought over rulership disputes.
• 🌍 The concept of 'world war' emerged due to the global scale of conflicts involving European powers and their colonies.
• 🇬🇧 The Seven Years' War was a pivotal global conflict where Britain and France vied for dominance, with battles across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
• 🏰 Maria Theresa's struggle to maintain control of Silesia against Prussian aggression highlighted the territorial ambitions of European monarchs.
• 👑 The American Revolution was sparked by British taxes imposed to fund imperial warfare, leading to the creation of a new nation.
• 🇪🇸 Spain faced uprisings in its colonies due to heavy taxation and demands for labor, indicating growing discontent with colonial rule.
• 👩‍💼 Michaela Bastidas played a crucial role in the Incan rebellion against Spanish rule, illustrating the involvement of women in resistance movements.
• 🏛️ The First Partition of Poland marked a decline in Polish-Lithuanian power and the beginning of its disintegration.
• 🏦 France's financial troubles following its support for the American Revolution set the stage for internal reforms and the eventual French Revolution.

Q & A

What was the main theme of the 18th century European warfare mentioned in the script?

The main theme was the struggle for territory and control over trade routes and productive territories around the world, which often led to wars both within Europe and in other continents.

How did the lifestyle of French people change from 1700 to 1800 according to the script?

The script mentions that the average number of garments owned by French women increased from two to five, and the colors of the garments became more varied and even bright, indicating a minor but significant improvement in living standards.

What was the significance of the wars of Spanish, Polish, and Austrian successions?

These wars were significant as they were fought over the issue of rulership and who would become king or queen, similar to the disputes at the heart of the Hundred Years War.

Why did Frederick the Great of Prussia seize Silesia during the Austrian war of succession?

Frederick the Great seized Silesia to increase the size and wealth of his kingdom, as the dominant idea in foreign relations at the time was to grab as much territory as possible from foreign kingdoms.

What was the impact of economic globalization on the wars of the 18th century?

Economic globalization led to wars aimed at controlling trade routes and productive territories around the world, resulting in conflicts that spanned across truly global battlefields and oceans.

Which countries were involved in the Seven Years War and what were they fighting over?

The Seven Years War involved Britain, France, Spain, and their various colonial forces and allies. They were fighting to determine who would be the dominant European force in the wider world, with battles occurring in Europe, the Caribbean, the Philippines, and India.

How did the local people and native populations react to the European wars of the 18th century?

Local people and native populations were often enlisted in these struggles, changing sides as their interests shifted, and in the end, they trusted none of the Europeans who pitted them against each other and were not known for keeping their promises.

What was the Pugachev Rebellion and what caused it?

The Pugachev Rebellion was an extensive uprising against the efficient and 'enlightened' taxation to pay for warfare in 18th century Russia. It was led by Emile Pugachev, who claimed to be Peter III, and it was a reaction to the heavy tax burdens placed on ordinary people to fund wars.

What were the consequences of the American Revolution for the British and the colonists?

The American Revolution led to the creation of a new nation, the United States, with a representative form of government and a written constitution. For the British, it resulted in the loss of the thirteen colonies and a significant financial burden due to the costs of the war.

How did the Spanish Empire maintain control over its South American holdings despite uprisings?

The Spanish Empire maintained control by integrating creoles into the officer corps of the Spanish imperial armies, providing them with professional training, access to military schools, and military privileges to build loyalty to Spain.

What were the long-term outcomes of the 18th century wars mentioned in the script?

The long-term outcomes included the First Partition of Poland, Britain's focus on extracting wealth from India and the Caribbean, and France's dire financial situation leading to the need for reform and eventually the French Revolution.