Study Questions
After the revolutions of 1848 failed throughout Europe, conservative forces were
able to reassert their dominance throughout the Continent. Why was it so easy
for them to do so?
Did the Crimean War mark the end of Russian military dominance on the
Continent? Discuss arguments for both sides of the question before coming to
your own conclusion.
What were the effects, in terms of European international relations, of the
creation of a unified German Empire in the center of Europe? Assess the effects
from the perspectives of various other nations in Europe.
What were some of the main differences between the processes of unification
undertaken in Italy and Germany? What were some of the similarities? Is there
one unifying theory or concept that was necessary to both processes?
"The Crimean War began a period of great reform in Russia, never seen before
and never repeated since." Assess the validity of this statement using specific
examples of reforms in Russia from 1855-1871.
Why did Camillo di Cavour succeed with his plan to unite the Italian nation
while Giuseppe Garibaldi failed in his?
How could Napoleon III be described as the first modern politician? Use
specific examples from the Second Empire in answering this question.
Explain, in brief, the philosophical debate ongoing between the Liberal and
Conservative parties in Great Britain during the Victorian Age. Use
specific examples of laws passed and changes made during the Gladstone and
Disraeli governments to elaborate.
Why did Great Britain avoid some of the major uprisings that plagued Europe in
1848? What about the British situation seemed to make it immune to radical
revolt?
Compare the forcible unification of the United States via Union victory in the
American Civil War with the unification of the German Empire. Compare
Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation with
Alexander II's Emancipation Edict.
