AP EURO Unit 3 Review (Everything you NEED to Know!)

Summary

This video explores the major political, military, agricultural, and economic shifts in Europe from 1648 to 1815. It covers the impact of the balance of power, illustrating how wars, such as the Battle of Vienna and the War of Spanish Succession, shaped Europe's borders and diplomacy. The video also delves into innovations in military technology, the Agricultural Revolution, and the rise of the cottage industry, leading to the Industrial Revolution. Additionally, it examines the role of mercantilism, the growth of global trade, and the brutal consequences of the transatlantic slave trade in fueling Europe's economic rise.

Takeaways

• 😀 The balance of power concept in European diplomacy led to the partition of Poland in 1772, dividing it among Russia, Austria, and Prussia, which eliminated Poland for 150 years.
• 😀 The Battle of Vienna in 1683 marked the end of Ottoman expansion into Europe as Austria, Poland, and the Holy Roman Empire united to stop the invasion, preserving the balance of power in Central Europe.
• 😀 Louis XIV's wars, including the War of Spanish Succession, were driven by his desire to expand French territory and influence, but the Treaty of Utrecht (1713) maintained the European balance of power by preventing a French-Spanish union.
• 😀 Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden revolutionized military tactics in the 30 Years War, creating a professional standing army with new technologies like firearms and mobile cannons, which influenced other European nations to expand their militaries.
• 😀 The Agricultural Revolution, driven by innovations like crop rotation and the seed drill, led to increased food production and population growth, even as fewer farmers worked the land.
• 😀 The Colombian Exchange brought new crops like potatoes and maize to Europe, which improved diets and health, leading to longer lifespans and contributing to population growth.
• 😀 The rise of the cottage industry (putting-out system) in Britain led to a shift from guilds to wage labor, which allowed for higher productivity in the textile industry and set the stage for industrialization.
• 😀 Early financial innovations like the insurance industry, venture capital, and specialty banks helped fund the growth of factories and global trade during the period, supporting economic expansion.
• 😀 Mercantilism, which focused on accumulating gold and silver through a favorable balance of trade, dominated European economies in this era, with colonies providing raw materials and markets for manufactured goods.
• 😀 The transatlantic slave trade became integral to the triangular trade system, where enslaved Africans were traded for goods like sugar, cotton, and tobacco, fueling Europe's growing consumer culture and economic expansion.

Q & A

How did the balance of power influence the partition of Poland?

The balance of power among Russia, Prussia, and Austria led to the partition of Poland. These nations, recognizing Poland's internal weaknesses and geopolitical position, decided to divide Poland among themselves to maintain the balance of power in Europe, effectively erasing Poland from the map for about 150 years.

What was the significance of the Battle of Vienna in 1683?

The Battle of Vienna marked a crucial turning point in European history. The Ottoman Empire's expansion into central Europe was halted by a coalition of Austria, Poland, and the Holy Roman Empire. The successful defense of Vienna ended the Ottoman threat to Europe and preserved the balance of power by preventing further Ottoman expansion.

How did Louis XIV's wars affect the balance of power in Europe?

Louis XIV's constant wars aimed at expanding French territory and consolidating dynastic power destabilized the balance of power in Europe. The most notable example is the War of Spanish Succession, where European powers fought to prevent France and Spain from uniting under a single throne, which would have given France disproportionate power.

What role did Gustavus Adolphus play in military innovation?

Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden revolutionized European warfare by creating a well-organized, professional standing army. His innovations in military strategy, including the use of firearms, mobile cannons, and disciplined ranks, influenced the way armies were structured and operated, prompting other European nations to modernize their forces.

What were some key agricultural innovations during this period?

Key innovations included the introduction of crop rotation, where farmers alternated grain crops with nutrient-restoring crops like potatoes and clover. New technologies like Jethro Tull's seed drill, the mechanical hoe, and the cast-iron plow improved efficiency, leading to a significant increase in agricultural output and contributing to Europe's population growth.

How did the Colombian Exchange impact European diets and agriculture?

The Colombian Exchange introduced new crops, such as potatoes, which were cheap to grow and highly nutritious. This boosted agricultural productivity and improved the diets of Europeans. With an expanded food supply, health and longevity improved, and populations in Europe grew.

How did the cottage industry system pave the way for industrialization?

The cottage industry, or putting-out system, allowed merchants to distribute raw materials to workers in their homes for production. This system laid the foundation for industrialization by establishing a framework for mass production and specialization of labor, which would later transition into factory-based manufacturing.

What role did new financial institutions play in the industrial economy?

The rise of banks, insurance companies, and venture capital played a key role in funding industrial ventures. Entrepreneurs could now borrow money to start factories or expand businesses, and insurance offered security against risks. These financial institutions helped support the growing demand for goods and facilitated the expansion of industry.

How did mercantilism shape the economies of European states during this period?

Mercantilism, which focused on maximizing state wealth by maintaining a favorable balance of trade, influenced European economies by encouraging colonial expansion. European states sought to secure raw materials from colonies while ensuring that colonies bought finished goods from the mother country, thus increasing national wealth and power.

What was the triangular trade and how did it contribute to European consumer culture?

The triangular trade was a system where enslaved Africans were shipped to the Americas, where they worked on plantations producing goods like sugar and tobacco. These goods were then traded in Europe, where they contributed to a growing consumer culture. The availability of cheap goods from the colonies, such as sugar, textiles, and tobacco, led to increased consumption and broader access to products that were once considered luxuries.