Pickin on International Orders

Compare the international orders (agreed upon rules and principles;
international organizations) established after the Thirty Years War
(1648), the Napoleonic Wars (1815), and World War I (1918).

After three of arguably the most traumatic wars in European history,
the Thirty Years War, the Napoleonic Wars and World War 1, the rulers of
the major nations in Europe sought a return to normalcy. In the pursuit of
this the major powers instituted various programs that were at odds with the
political landscape before the war.

Thirty Years War

• Peace of Westphalia-made it clear that religion and politics were now
separate worlds. The pope was completely ignored in all decisions.
• Political motives became the guiding forces in public affairs.
• Religion moved closer to becoming primarily a matter of conviction
and individual choice.
• Large departure from previous systems, where religion was often at
the core of political decisions.

Napoleonic Wars

• In response to nationalism and liberalism under Napoleon, at the
Congress of Vienna, under the leadership of Austrian Prince Metternich
instituted a number of changes.
• Balance of power-kept one power from dominating Europe. Explains the
lenient treatment of FRANCE
• Conservatism:
• Favored obedience to political obedience, organized religion crucial to
social order, hated revolutions, tradition was the best guide for
order,
• Concert of Europe- oganzn that grew out of the Quadruple Alliance.
Sought to maintain the status quo
• Principle of Legitimacy- major powers had the right to send in armies
into countries that were threatened with revolution.

WWI

• Reparations

• League of nations

• Guided by idealistic principles. Departure from realpolitk.