THE TRANSFORMATION OF EASTERN EUROPEChapter 5

Sections 23-27

Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This

arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be,

animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results.

-Machiavelli-

Introduction

By 1648 modern political systems are challenging the leadership of traditional political systems

The Holy Roman Empire, Poland, and the Ottoman empire will be pushed aside by Prussia, Russia, and Austria.

Comparing Eastern Europe to Western Europe Less towns, labor was less productive,

middle class less strong Peasants were losing freedoms to landlords

Demand for eastern agricultural resources led to hereditary subjection and the demand for robot.

Powerful landholding classes

5.23 Three Aging Empires

Similarities Loose, ranging, undefined borders Weak central authorities Inefficient government Diverse ethnic/language groups

The Holy Roman Empire

Largely ruined by the Reformation and the Thirty Years War

Economic problems Variegated laws, taxes, currencies, calendars slow

economic development Burgher class fell into economic decline No overseas colonies

Political problems: Hundreds of independent states Foreign intrigue Germanic Liberties Capitulations

Poland 1650

Elected king with no army, courts or taxes Ineffective Diet Landlord/nobility liberties and control Diverse population: Germanic, Slavic, Jewish Serfdom The fate of Poland will be central to major

events in Europe

The Ottoman Empire 1650

Muslim with Asian origins Political

Sultan/caliph Incomplete sovereignty: outlying governors had free control over

their areas (some oppressed the “infidel”) Falling behind in military technology

Economic Religious toleration motivated by economic gain External interests gained privileges

Cultural No internal drive for unity Little separation between religious and secular spheres Law was only applied to Muslims