European History 2022
SECTION-I
No. 2. Critically evaluate the Phenomenon of the Napoleonic Regime. Whether it was a “military dictatorship” or “the victory of a state”? Do comment. (20)
No. 3. “The Congress of Vienna does not walk, but it dances”. Elucidate the Quote. (20) Q. No. 4. What is the credit side and debit side of Eastern Questions? (20)
No. 5. Who, why, and what kept liberalism and nationalism suppressed in the German states? (20)
SECTION-II
No. 6. “It is stated by the historians that France’s hunt for security and England’s desire for peace were responsible for the rise of Hitler.” Do you agree or not? Come up with watertight arguments to prove your point. (20)
No. 7. Give a balanced critique of the role of Europe in the War on Terror. How do you foresee its implications on the whole globe? (20)
No. 8. Write notes on any TWO of the following: (10 each)
- Balkan War, 1912- 1913
- Re-unification of Germany
- Concert of Europe (20)
Summaries of Questions:
No. 2. Critically evaluate the Phenomenon of the Napoleonic Regime. Whether it was a “military dictatorship” or “the victory of a state”? Do comment.
The Napoleonic Regime can be viewed both as a military dictatorship and the victory of a state. Napoleon’s rule was characterized by centralized power and military control, which gave it elements of a dictatorship. However, his reforms modernized France, consolidated the state, and spread revolutionary ideals across Europe, which could be seen as the triumph of a strong state over instability.
No. 3. “The Congress of Vienna does not walk, but it dances”. Elucidate the Quote.
The quote suggests that the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815) was not a slow, methodical process but a lively and dynamic one, marked by negotiations, power plays, and diplomatic maneuvering. The “dancing” refers to the intricate diplomacy among European powers as they sought to restore stability after Napoleon’s defeat and reshape the map of Europe.
No. 4. What are the credit side and debit side of Eastern Questions?
The “Eastern Question” involves the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the political and military challenges it posed to Europe. The credit side includes the opportunities for European powers to expand their influence, while the debit side involves the instability and conflict caused by nationalism, territorial disputes, and the scramble for Ottoman territories, ultimately contributing to tensions leading to World War I.
No. 5. Who, why, and what kept liberalism and nationalism suppressed in the German states?
Liberalism and nationalism in the German states were suppressed primarily by conservative monarchs and the Austrian Empire, who feared the loss of power and the disintegration of the old political order. The forces of reaction, particularly the Carlsbad Decrees (1819) and Metternich’s influence, sought to prevent any movements toward democratic reforms and national unification through repression and censorship.
No. 6. “It is stated by the historians that France’s hunt for security and England’s desire for peace were responsible for the rise of Hitler.” Do you agree or not? Come up with watertight arguments to prove your point.
Historians argue that France’s pursuit of security after World War I and England’s desire for peace contributed to the rise of Hitler. France’s harsh treatment of Germany through the Treaty of Versailles and England’s policy of appeasement allowed Hitler to grow in power. France’s security concerns led to overreliance on alliances, while England’s peace efforts failed to prevent German aggression, inadvertently paving the way for Nazi expansion.
No. 7. Give a balanced critique of the role of Europe in the War on Terror. How do you foresee its implications on the whole globe?
Europe’s role in the War on Terror was complex, as it supported the U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan and Iraq while also facing internal challenges, such as terrorist attacks and debates over foreign policy. Europe’s involvement helped strengthen global counterterrorism efforts but also sparked controversy, especially regarding the invasion of Iraq. The long-term global implications include increased security measures, strained relations between the West and parts of the Muslim world, and rising radicalization.
No. 8. Write notes on any TWO of the following:
Balkan War, 1912-1913:
The Balkan Wars were two conflicts that took place in the Balkan Peninsula, aimed at expanding territories at the expense of the Ottoman Empire. The First Balkan War (1912) saw a coalition of Balkan states defeat the Ottoman Empire, but in the Second Balkan War (1913), these states fought among themselves over territorial disputes, leading to instability and a weakened region, contributing to the outbreak of World War I.
Re-unification of Germany:
The reunification of Germany in 1990 was the result of the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. The process was politically driven by the peaceful protests in East Germany and supported by reforms in the Soviet Union under Gorbachev. It marked the end of division and the creation of a unified German state under the leadership of Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
Concert of Europe (1815-1850):
The Concert of Europe was a system of diplomacy established after the Napoleonic Wars to maintain the balance of power and prevent major conflicts in Europe. Led by the major powers—Britain, Austria, Russia, and Prussia—the concert aimed to manage European affairs collectively through regular congresses and mutual agreements. It succeeded in maintaining relative peace but eventually crumbled due to the rise of nationalism and other destabilizing forces.