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.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 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.

05:01

🛡️ 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.

10:01

⚔️ 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.

Keywords

💡Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire was a vast Muslim empire that lasted from the 14th to early 20th century. It was known for its military power and expansion, incorporating territories such as Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, and Greece. In the script, the Ottoman Empire's conquests and its push into Europe, including the siege of Vienna, are highlighted as significant historical events that shaped the region's political landscape.

💡Suleiman the Magnificent

Suleiman the Magnificent was the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire, known for his military campaigns and cultural achievements. The script mentions him as a great leader under whose rule the empire reached its zenith, emphasizing his role in the empire's historical significance.

💡Thirty Years War

The Thirty Years War was a series of conflicts fought primarily in Central Europe between 1618 and 1648. It involved various European powers and was one of the most destructive wars in European history. The script refers to the war as a backdrop to the religious and political tensions that led to uprisings in Hungary and the subsequent involvement of the Ottoman Empire.

💡Budapest

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and, historically, a city of strategic importance. In the script, Budapest is mentioned as being under the rule of the Turkish Pasha, indicating the extent of the Ottoman Empire's reach into Europe and the complex political dynamics of the time.

💡Vienna

Vienna is the capital of Austria and was a key site during the Ottoman Empire's expansion into Europe. The script describes the siege of Vienna by the Ottoman forces, which was a critical event in European history, demonstrating the empire's military might and the subsequent defense of the city.

💡Baroque

Baroque is an artistic style that flourished in Europe from the 17th to 18th centuries, characterized by grandeur, drama, and bold contrasts. The script mentions the baroque style in the context of Austria's architectural developments following the victories over the Ottoman Empire, symbolizing the cultural resurgence and prosperity that accompanied political success.

💡Peter the Great

Peter the Great was the Tsar of Russia who ruled from 1682 to 1725. He is known for his sweeping reforms that westernized Russia and his efforts to expand the empire. The script describes his transformation of Russia, including the founding of St. Petersburg and his military campaigns, as pivotal in changing Russia's role in European politics.

💡Charles XII of Sweden

Charles XII was the King of Sweden from 1697 to 1718, known for his military prowess and adventurous spirit. The script recounts his daring campaigns against Russia and other European powers, highlighting his significance in the power struggles of the era.

💡St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a Russian port city founded by Peter the Great in 1703. It was built on marshland and served as a window to Europe, symbolizing Russia's turn towards Westernization. The script emphasizes the city's strategic and cultural importance in Peter the Great's efforts to modernize Russia.

💡European Power Struggles

The script outlines various European power struggles, including the conflicts between the Ottoman Empire, Austria, and Russia. These struggles were characterized by territorial ambitions, religious differences, and the pursuit of political dominance, shaping the course of European history.

💡Czars of Russia

The Czars were the autocratic rulers of Russia until the revolution in 1917. The script mentions Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great, highlighting their contrasting leadership styles and the impact of their rule on Russia's development and its relationship with Europe.

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