E.H. Gombrich 'A Little History of the World' 32. Meanwhile, Looking Eastwards...

Summary

Chapter 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.