Political Science 2231E Lecture : Political Science 2231E term 2 lecture 1.docx

• School: Western University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: Political Science 2231E
• Professor: Jessica Trisko

Document Summary

Pre-1500: about 500 independent political units in europe. 1500-1800: dynastic or absolutist sates try to maintain political unity. Division between state and society ( feudal systems, etc) Constant interstate wars: only for economic and political gain. Transnational elites prevented total wars of destruction: european royalty were all related, intermarried, etc. Post 1800: consolidation after the revolutionary and napoleonic wars. In 1900, 20 independent political units in europe. Largely due to the development of the modern nation-state. Begins with protestant uprising in bohemia and austria, spreads throughout continent and loses its religious motivation. Use of mercenary armies and territorial grabs: could not get citizens to fight for them, no modern state yet. One of the largest, most deadly ( to citizens) wars ever: some huge amount of german peasants were killed, aprox. Recognizes that sovereignty rests with secular rulers. Gave each ruler the right to determine the religion of their state.