The Congress of Vienna

Respond to one (1) of the following questions. Make sure you remember to respond to AT LEAST two (2) of your peers's responses as well!

(1) How did Great Britain as the "victor" at the Congress of Vienna in 1815? What factors led to its dominance in the nineteenth century? Should we consider Great Britain to be the world's first "superpower?" Was there are risk of strategic overstretch for Great Britain? Explain why or why not.

(2) According to P. Kennedy, the Congress of Vienna created an "international system" (pg. 143) among the "Great Powers" after 1815. But, as we discussed, Napoleon was trying to create an international empire during his rule. How is the Balance of Power different or similar to Napoleon's Empire? Consider economics, politics, war, and international relations.

French Revolution

We have seen the social ranks in French society (aristocrats, bourgeois, workers, and peasants) each play a role among the causes of the French Revolution. Which was the most important of the four in setting off the events of 1789 - 1792 and why?

How did Parliament effect James I and Charles I's religious and political decisions? What would have occurred if Parliament was not present during these situations? 

The English Reformation

Which is the more accurate characterization of the English Reformation:

1) Henry VIII was unable to control his personal life and marriage, leading to long term political and religious consequences such as the English Civil Wars, the weakening of the English monarchy, and the total fracture of English religious culture.

2) In a calculated move, Henry VIII asserted his royal authority over England by eliminating the competing authority of the Pope. He established the basis for absolutist monarchy (unchecked royal authority) in England, and created a new English culture based on Anglicanism.

European Exploration and Discovery

Which is the more accurate description of the European explorers Christopher Columbus, Hernan Cortes, and Francesco Pizarro -- heroic discoverer of new worlds and civilization or perpetrator of genocide against the Amer-Indian populations?

Discussion Question #4 - Hundred Years War and Holy Grail

   

 Soldiers who fought in the Hundred Years’ War would have identified strongly with the “nation” for which they fought. How has this changed from the “Age of Chivalry” seen in “Sir Gawain Sets Out”? How do you explain the difference between “the individual” and “the nation” in war during the Middle Ages?