European state

Definition

A European state is a political entity characterized by a defined territory, a permanent population, a government that exercises sovereignty, and recognition by other states. In the context of 18th-century Europe, these states were shaped by various factors including territorial disputes, emerging national identities, and the complex interplay of power among monarchies and emerging political philosophies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the 18th century, many European states were absolute monarchies, where kings and queens wielded significant power over their territories.
2. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 marked the beginning of the modern state system in Europe by recognizing the sovereignty of states and ending religious conflicts.
3. The concept of nation-states began to emerge in the 18th century as people started identifying with their countries based on shared culture and language.
4. The competition among European states often led to wars, alliances, and shifting borders, significantly impacting European politics and society.
5. Economic systems, like mercantilism, heavily influenced the policies of European states, as nations sought to accumulate wealth and resources to strengthen their power.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of sovereignty evolve in 18th-century Europe and what impact did it have on European states?
  • In 18th-century Europe, the concept of sovereignty evolved significantly as the Peace of Westphalia established the principle that each state has authority over its territory without external interference. This led to a clearer distinction between states and paved the way for the rise of absolute monarchies, where rulers claimed divine right to govern. The recognition of sovereign states also contributed to increased competition among them, influencing diplomatic relations and leading to conflicts that shaped European history.
• Discuss how the emergence of national identities influenced the development of European states during this period.
  • The emergence of national identities during the 18th century played a crucial role in shaping European states. As people began to identify with shared culture, language, and history, they sought representation and autonomy within their respective states. This push for national identity contributed to the decline of feudal structures and increased demands for political participation and rights. The rise of nationalism also led to movements that challenged absolute rule and promoted the idea of nation-states, setting the stage for future revolutions.
• Evaluate the significance of mercantilism in shaping the policies of European states in the 18th century and its impact on international relations.
  • Mercantilism significantly influenced European states' policies in the 18th century by promoting state intervention in the economy to increase national wealth through trade. States sought to build strong economies by accumulating precious metals and establishing colonies for resource extraction. This economic approach intensified competition among European powers for dominance in global trade routes and colonies, leading to conflicts such as wars over territorial disputes. Ultimately, mercantilist policies not only shaped domestic economic practices but also altered international relations, as countries vied for control over markets and resources.

Related terms

Sovereignty:

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state without external interference.

Nation-state:

A form of political organization where a group of people shares a common identity, language, culture, or ethnicity and has a corresponding sovereign state.

Absolutism:

A political system where a single ruler or monarch holds absolute power and authority over the government and is not bound by laws or constitutions.