Europe’s Political Tensions, Industrial Revolution & Imperialism

Posted on Apr 6, 2025 in History

Political Tensions in Europe: A Period of Uneasy Peace

There were two phases:

  • The Bismarckian System: Bismarck established a system of alliances with Austria, Russia, and Italy.
  • The Policies of Wilhelm II: Wilhelm dismissed Bismarck and abandoned his system of alliances. This policy created tension between Germany and other European countries, particularly in regions like Morocco and the Balkan Peninsula.

The Bourbon Restoration in Spain

The First Republic ended with a military uprising and the proclamation of Alfonso XII. Spain became a parliamentary monarchy.

  • The conservative constitution of 1876 established limited male suffrage.
  • Liberals and conservatives manipulated election results.
  • The last Carlist War took place.
  • Republicans felt excluded from the political system.
  • Regionalist movements emerged.

The Second Industrial Revolution

  • Energy:
    • Electricity: In 1867, Berges designed a hydroelectric generator to produce electricity in factories.
    • Oil: New processes were discovered to refine oil and produce new fuels.
  • Technology: Numerous inventions and innovations helped increase industrial productivity.
  • New Industries: Electrical technology became an important industry, dedicated to the production of equipment such as generators.
  • Finance and Investment: Businesses could request loans from banks. Some banks also made direct investments in industry. Investors could buy and sell shares in different companies at the stock exchange.
  • New Business Structures: Cartels, trusts, and holding companies emerged.

The Consequences of Finance Capitalism

  • Consumerism: Businesses started to use advertising.
  • Economic Instability: Economic crises and high unemployment occurred.
  • International Trade: Improvements to transport systems facilitated trade.
  • Increased Industrial Productivity: Factories began to use the assembly-line system.

Three Major Industrial Producers

  • Germany: Possessed significant iron and steel resources. Technological advancements, such as the Bessemer converter, were made. Electric and chemical industries thrived.
  • United States: A large working class, fueled by European immigrants, contributed to westward expansion towards the Pacific.
  • Japan: Developed its own unique industries.

British industries lagged behind due to a failure to modernize factories.

Most industrialized areas in Spain were Catalonia (textiles) and the Basque Country (iron and steel).

Imperial Expansion

  • British Empire: Controlled territories in North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
  • French Empire: Controlled territories in Asia and Africa.

Factors Leading to Imperial Expansion

  • The emergence of finance capitalism.
  • Industrial development.
  • Colonies provided cheap raw materials.
  • Colonies provided new markets for manufactured goods.
  • Colonies were attractive destinations for emigrants.

Consequences of Imperialism

  • Colonies were controlled by a minority who imposed European culture. Native people had second-class status, and racial segregation was common.
  • Rivalry between imperial powers was a cause of the First World War.
  • The world economy became imbalanced, with wealthy nations controlling industry and trade and exploiting less developed countries.

The Consumerist Society

  • Advertising became prevalent.
  • New luxury items were introduced.
  • Tourism increased.
  • Cinemas became popular.