E.H. Gombrich 'A Little History of the World' 32. Meanwhile, Looking Eastwards...
Summary
TLDRChapter 32 of 'A Little History of the World' narrates the rise and challenges of the Ottoman Empire, detailing their conquests and the pivotal Battle of Vienna in 1683. The chapter also explores the emergence of Russia under Peter the Great, who, inspired by Western Europe, sought to modernize his empire. His ambitions led to conflicts with Sweden and the expansion of the Russian Empire, setting the stage for its future role in European power struggles.
Takeaways
- 🏰 Louis XIV was reigning in France, while Germany faced new challenges with the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
- 🕋 The Ottoman Empire, led by Suleiman the Magnificent, had expanded to include significant parts of the former Eastern Roman Empire.
- 🛡 In 1526, the Ottomans defeated Hungary and later attempted to take Vienna, but were repelled due to a destroyed fleet in 1571.
- ⚔ After the 30 Years War, Hungarian Protestants sought help from the Ottomans against the Catholic Emperor, leading to further conflicts.
- 👑 The Sultan, fearing a powerful military at home, was eager for war and mobilized a vast army to march on Austria.
- 🏰 Vienna was besieged by the Ottomans in 1683, but the city held out until the arrival of the Emperor's forces and their allies.
- 🤝 Polish King Jan Sobieski played a crucial role in the defense of Vienna, leading to a significant victory against the Ottomans.
- 🏹 Prince Eugene of Savoy led the Austrian forces in reclaiming Hungary from the Ottomans, contributing to the decline of Turkish power.
- 👑 Peter the Great ascended to the Russian throne, aiming to modernize Russia by adopting Western practices and technologies.
- 🛠 Peter the Great's ambitions included building a seaport, which led to the founding of St. Petersburg, and transforming Russia into a European power.
- ❄️ King Charles XII of Sweden was a daring military leader who fought against Peter the Great, but ultimately faced defeat and political unrest.
Q & A
What significant event occurred in 1453 that is mentioned in the script?
-In 1453, the Turks conquered Constantinople and established the Ottoman Empire.
Which leader is known for expanding the Ottoman Empire beyond the Danube?
-Suleiman the Magnificent is known for expanding the Ottoman Empire beyond the Danube.
Why did the Hungarian nobility seek help from the Turks after the 30 Years War?
-The Hungarian nobility sought help from the Turks because they were unwilling subjects of the Catholic Emperor and had become Protestants.
In what year did the Ottoman Empire attempt to march on Austria, and who led the campaign?
-The Ottoman Empire attempted to march on Austria in 1683, led by the Grand Vizier Kara Mustafa.
What was the situation in Vienna when the Turkish army arrived, and how many soldiers were there to defend the city?
-When the Turkish army arrived, Vienna had fortifications ready, and 20,000 soldiers were there to defend the city.
Why did the Emperor and his court flee from Vienna, and where did they go?
-The Emperor and his court fled from Vienna due to the approaching Turkish army. They first went to Linz and then to Passau.
Who was the Polish king that came to the aid of the Emperor against the Turks, and what was his condition?
-The Polish king who came to the aid of the Emperor was Jan Sobieski. His condition was to be given the honor of supreme command.
What was the outcome of the battle between the Imperial troops and the Turks, and what did it lead to?
-The Imperial troops, with the help of Jan Sobieski, defeated the Turks, who fled without decampment. This led to the recovery of Hungary for Austria and a decline in Turkish power.
Who led the Austrian army in the pursuit of the retreating Turks, and what was his background?
-Prince Eugene of Savoy led the Austrian army in the pursuit of the retreating Turks. He was a distinguished French general whom Louis XVI wouldn't have in his army due to his plain appearance.
What significant changes did Peter the Great implement in Russia to make it more like Western states?
-Peter the Great implemented changes such as modeling the empire on Western states, building a seaport (St. Petersburg), and forcing Russians to dress and behave like Europeans.
Who was the Swedish ruler during Peter the Great's time, and what was his approach to warfare?
-The Swedish ruler during Peter the Great's time was Charles XII. He was known for his foolhardy bravery, often fighting against larger armies and pushing deep into enemy territories without waiting for reinforcements.
Outlines
🏰 The Ottoman Empire's Threat to Vienna
This paragraph narrates the historical context of the Ottoman Empire's expansion and its military campaign against Europe, specifically targeting Vienna. It details the empire's conquests, including Constantinople in 1453, and its subsequent growth into a significant power under Suleiman the Magnificent. The narrative then shifts to Hungary's plight under Turkish rule and the Hungarian nobility's request for Ottoman assistance during their religious conflicts with the Catholic Emperor. The paragraph culminates with the Ottoman Empire's preparations for a massive invasion of Austria, led by Kara Mustafa, and the subsequent siege of Vienna. Despite the city's defenses and the eventual arrival of imperial troops, including Polish forces under King Jan Sobieski, the situation was dire for Vienna until the Ottomans were repelled.
🛡️ The Rise of Austria and the Decline of the Ottomans
The second paragraph discusses the aftermath of the Ottoman Empire's failed siege of Vienna, focusing on the rise of Austria and the decline of Turkish power. It highlights the military successes of Prince Eugene of Savoy, who led Austrian forces to reclaim territories from the Ottomans, eventually incorporating Hungary into Austria. The paragraph also touches on the cultural and architectural developments in Austria, with the emergence of the baroque style. Concurrently, it outlines the rise of Russia under Peter the Great, who sought to modernize and westernize his empire. Peter's efforts to learn shipbuilding in Holland and England, and his subsequent establishment of St. Petersburg as a seaport, are detailed. The paragraph concludes with Russia's increased involvement in European power struggles, particularly through Peter's conflict with Sweden and the extraordinary military campaigns of King Charles XII.
⚔️ The Adventurous Reign of Charles XII of Sweden
The final paragraph delves into the reign of Charles XII of Sweden, emphasizing his adventurous and audacious military exploits. It describes his daring invasion of Russia, his resilience against the harsh Russian winter, and his eventual defeat by Peter the Great's forces in 1709. The narrative follows Charles's retreat to Turkey and his unsuccessful attempts to rally support for a war against Russia. The paragraph concludes with Charles's dramatic return to Sweden, disguised and racing against time, to prevent the election of a new king. His subsequent military campaigns against multiple European powers are briefly mentioned, leading up to his death in 1718. The paragraph encapsulates the end of Chapter 32, marking the expansion of the Russian Empire and the shifting power dynamics in Europe.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Ottoman Empire
💡Suleiman the Magnificent
💡Thirty Years War
💡Budapest
💡Vienna
💡Baroque
💡Peter the Great
💡Charles XII of Sweden
💡St. Petersburg
💡European Power Struggles
💡Czars of Russia
Highlights
Louis XIV was holding court in Paris while Germany suffered a new misfortune.
The Turks had established the Ottoman Empire, conquering Constantinople in 1453.
The Ottoman Empire included Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, and Greece.
Suleiman the Magnificent was a great leader of the Ottoman Empire.
The Turks defeated the Hungarian army in 1526, killing many nobles including the king.
The Turkish fleet was destroyed in 1571 by King Philip II of Spain and Venetian allies.
Hungarian Protestants fought against the Catholic Emperor during the religious wars.
Hungarian nobility asked the Turkish Sultan for help against the Emperor.
The Sultan mobilized a huge army in 1683 to march on Austria.
The Turkish army was composed of soldiers from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and various other regions.
The Emperor's armies in Hungary retreated, leaving Vienna open to the Turks.
Vienna prepared for the Turkish assault with fortifications and supplies.
The Emperor and his court fled from Vienna, leaving the city to defend itself.
The Turkish cavalry surrounded Vienna and began attacking the city.
The Viennese fought back, but disease and low supplies threatened the city.
Imperial troops finally arrived to relieve Vienna, after negotiations and delays.
The Polish King Jan Sobieski led the charge against the Turks, who then fled.
The Turkish camp was left abandoned, providing rich pickings for the Imperial soldiers.
Prince Eugene of Savoy led the Austrian army in the pursuit of the retreating Turks.
The Sultan was forced to give up Hungary, which became part of Austria.
Austria began to build magnificent castles and monasteries in the baroque style.
Turkish power continued to decline, facing a new enemy: Russia.
Russia was a vast wilderness with a history of internal strife and cruelty.
Peter the Great became the Tsar of Russia, determined to modernize the empire.
Peter the Great learned shipbuilding in Holland and England.
St. Petersburg was built as Russia's new seaport.
Russians were forced to adopt European styles and practices under Peter the Great.
Peter the Great attacked Sweden, starting a new era of European power contest.
King Charles XII of Sweden was a daring and adventurous ruler.
Charles XII's exploits included defeating a much larger Russian army.
The harsh Russian winter and eventual defeat forced Charles XII to flee to Turkey.
Charles XII's return to Sweden and subsequent military adventures ended with his death.
Peter the Great expanded the Russian Empire into Europe, Turkey, Persia, and Asia.
Transcripts
a little history of the world chapter 32
meanwhile looking eastward
well louis xiv was holding court in
paris in versailles germany suffered a
new misfortune the turks as you know
more than 200 years earlier in 1453 they
had conquered Constantinople and
established a great muslim empire known
as the ottoman empire incorporating
Egypt Palestine Mesopotamia Asia Minor
and Greece in other words the whole of
the ancient Roman Empire the East whose
magnificence and splendor it must be
said not much remained under their great
leader Suleiman the Magnificent they had
then pushed onward beyond the Danube and
defeated the Hungarian army in 1526
almost every Hungarian nobleman
including the kings had been killed
having conquered the better part of
Hungary the Turks had tried to take
Vienna but they soon turned back as you
remember their fleet had been destroyed
in 1571 by king philip ii of spain and
his venetian allies but they were still
a powerful state and the turkish pasha
or governor was ruling Budapest
now many Hungarians were Protestants and
when the King had been killed they'd
become unwilling subjects of the
Catholic Emperor and had fought against
him during the religious wars after the
30 Years War these uprisings continued
until one day the hungarian nobility
asked their turkish neighbors for help
the sultan as the turkish ruler was
called he was only too happy to respond
to their requests for a long while he
had been wanting a war with him because
his soldiers and warriors had become too
powerful at home he was afraid that he
would lose control of them and was
delighted to be able to send them off to
fight they won so much the better and if
they lost he would be rid of them you
can see what sort of a person he was so
in 1683 he mobilized a huge army from
all four corners of his empire the
Pasha's of Mesopotamia and Egypt brought
their soldiers and Tartars arabs greeks
hungarians and Romanians all assembled
in constantinople under the leadership
of the grand vizier or prime minister
Kara Mustafa
and prepared to march on Austria they
were more than 200 then 200,000 of them
armed to the teeth and dressed in exotic
and colorful costumes and turbans with
banners barring their sign the crescent
moon
the Emperor's armies stationed in
Hungary were in no position to withstand
such an assault they retreated and left
the way to Vienna open to the Turks like
all towns at that time Vienna had
fortifications at the ready
they were now hastily put in place and
cannon and supplies brought in 20,000
soldiers were to hold the city until the
Emperor and his allies came to their aid
but the Emperor and his court had fled
first to Linz than to Passau and when
the Viad and when the Vienna is saw
smoke rising from distant villages and
suburbs that on fire by the Turks some
60,000 people abandoned the city in an
unending stream of carts and carriages
now the Turkish cavalry arrived their
gigantic army ringed Vienna and began
firing cannonballs at the walls and
undermining them with explosives
the Viennese fought back with all their
might a month went by with each day the
danger increased as more and more
breaches appeared in the walls and still
no help came terrible outbreaks of
disease began to sweep through the town
far more deadly in the Turkish bullets
suppliers of supplies of food we're
running low despite daring sorties by
soldiers who sometimes returned with an
ox or two as time went on people found
themselves paying 20 or 30 crowns for a
cat no small sum in those days for such
on athens for such an appetizing fare
the walls were on the verge of collapse
when the imperial troops finally reached
Vienna the Viennese could breathe at
last however the imperial troops from
Austria and Germany hadn't come on their
own the polish king Jan sobieski who had
previously turned who had previously
signed an alliance with the Emperor
against the Turks had declared himself
willing to help in return for
significant concessions these included
the honor of supreme command which the
Emperor wanted himself so precious time
was lost in negotiation in the end so
BSC's army took up position on the
heights above Vienna and
from their charge north with the Turks
after fierce fighting the Turks fled
without even taking the time to decamp
leaving rich pickings for the Imperial
soldiers the camp consisted of 40
thousand tents set out in each straight
line
separated by narrow lands with just like
a small town and a truly magnificent
sight the Turks continued to retreat had
they succeeded in taking Vienna the
situation would have been almost as bad
as if the Muslim Arabs had defeated
Charles Martel at tours and pointers a
thousand years earlier
however the imperial troops pushed them
further and further back while so vsts
men went home a distinguished French
general was to lead the austrian army in
this triumphant pursuit this was prime
this was Prince Eugene of Savoy a man
whom louis xvi wouldn't if it wouldn't
have in his army on account of his plain
appearance in the years that followed he
took country after country from the
Turks the Sultan was forced to give up
all of Hungary which then became part of
Austria these victories brought much
wealth and power to the imperial court
at Vienna and now Austria too began to
build magnificent castles and many fine
monasteries in a sparkling new style
that they called baroque meanwhile
Turkish power continued to decline not
least because a new and mighty enemy had
appeared before behind them this was
Russia until now we have heard nothing
about Russia it was a vast wilderness of
forest with great steps in the north the
landowners ruled the poor peasants with
terrible cruelty and sovereign through
and the sovereign ruled the landowners
with if anything greater cruelty one of
Russia's czars allowed around 1580 was
known as Ivan the Terrible and rightly
so beside him Nero was mild in those
days Russians took little notice of
Europe and what went on there they were
too busy fighting among themselves and
killing each other although they were
Christians they didn't come under the
Pope's Authority their spiritual leader
was the bishop or patriarch of the Roman
Empire of the east of Constantinople
so they didn't have a great deal to do
with the West in 1689 that is six years
after the Turkish Caesar siege of Vienna
a new Tsar came to the throne
this was Peter known as Peter the Great
he was no less barbarous or cruel than
many of his predecessors nor was he any
less fond of drinking or less violent
but he was determined to model his
empire on western states like France
England or the German Empire he knew
what was needed money trade and cities
but how had other countries acquired
these so he went to find out in Holland
he saw great seaports with mighty ships
that sailed as far as India and America
to do business he wanted ships like
these and he needed to know how they
were made without a second shot without
a second thought he took a job as a
ship's carpenter first in a Dutch
shipyard and later in a Dockyard in the
Royal Navy in England to learn the art
himself then he went home taking with
him a team of skilled craftsmen to build
his ships all he needed now was a
seaport so he gave orders for one to be
built a city on the sea just like those
he'd seen in Holland the coast to the
north of Russia however was nothing but
barren marshland and actually belonged
to Sweden with which Peter the Great was
at war this didn't deter him peasants
were rounded up from the surrounding
countryside and made to dream the swamps
and drive piles into the ground
he had 80,000 laborers toiling there and
soon a real seaport rose up out of the
marshes he named it st. Petersburg next
Russians had to be made into true
Europeans they had to stop wearing their
traditional long skirted caftans and
weren't allowed to grow their hair and
beards long from now on they were to
dress like Frenchmen or Germans anyone
who protested or disagreed with Peter's
innovations was flogged and then
executed even his own son he was not a
nice man but he achieved when he wanted
the Russians may not have become
Europeans overnight but they were now
ready to enter the field as players and
Europe's bloody contest for power Peter
the Great made the first move he
attacked Sweden which following the
victories of Gustavus Adolphus in the 30
Years War had become the mightiest state
in northern Europe
Sweden's ruler in Peter's time may not
have had the piety or the prospect or
the perspicacity of Gustav al Dollfuss
but he was one of the most extraordinary
adventurers the world has ever known
the young king Charles the 12th came to
power in 1697
he might have left straight out of the
pages of the popular adventure books
that left me spellbound as a boy in
Vienna his exploits can hardly be
believed he was as foolhardy as he was
brave and that's saying something he and
his army fought Peter the Great and
defeated an army five times as strong as
his own then he conquered Poland and
pushed straight on into Russia without
bothering to wait for another Swedish
army which was on its way to assist him
on he went deeper and deeper into Russia
always at the head of his troops wading
through rivers and trudging through
swamps without ever meeting any
resistance from the Russian army autumn
came and then winter the bitter biting
cold Russian winter and still Charles
the 12th had had no chance to prove his
courage against the enemy only when his
men were half-dead with hunger cold and
exhaustion did the Russians finally
appear and inflict a massive defeat on
them this was in 1709 forced to flee
Charles made for Turkey and there he
remained for five years vainly trying to
persuade the Turks to go to war with
Russia
eventually in 1714 news reached him from
Sweden that his subjects that had enough
of their king's adventures in Turkey the
nobility were about to elect a new ruler
disgusted or disguised as a German
officer and with only one attendant
Charles crossed the Turkish frontier
without delay and riding as fast as he
could by day and sleeping in male
coaches by night raced back to Strauss
land
raced back to stralsund in North Germany
in those days part of Sweden in a mad 16
Jade day journey that involved all sorts
of perilous adventures they passed
through enemy territory rouse from his
bed the governor of the fortress could
scarcely believe his eyes when he saw
his king standing before him for like
everyone else he thought he was
somewhere in Turkey the town was
delighted with Charles 2/12 traumatic
appearance but Charles simply fell into
bed and slept for a very long time his
feet were so swollen from his long ride
that his boots had to be cut off him but
there was no more talk of electing a new
king Charles hadn't been back in Sweden
long before he embarked on a new
military adventure he made enemies of
England Germany Norway and Denmark
Norway was first on his
list he died while BC chicken or we did
fortress in 1718 shot some say by
someone on his own side because the
country simply would not tolerate any
more Wars with this enemy out of the way
Peter the Great who now called himself
Emperor of all the Russians was able to
increase his empires might expanding in
all directions into Europe into Turkey
into Persia and into the countries of
Asia and that is the end of chapter 32
Посмотреть больше похожих видео
The Mongols
The Persian Empire - The Rise and Fall of one of the Greatest Empires in History-Great Civilizations
Who was Charlemagne?
Ancient History of India Series | Lecture 9: Rise of Mauryan Empire | GS History by Aadesh | UPSC
Genghis Khan & The Mongol Empire Documentary
Maurya Dynasty Part 1 | Rajvansh: Dynasties Of India | Full Episode | Ancient Indian History | Epic
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)