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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