Interventionism

Definition

Interventionism refers to a policy or practice of intervening in the affairs of another state, often through diplomatic, military, or economic means. This approach was significant in the 19th century as European powers sought to maintain balance and order, particularly after the upheaval caused by the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Interventionism shaped international relations during this era, as it was used to suppress revolutionary movements and restore monarchies, reflecting the prevailing ideologies of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interventionism emerged as a key principle during the Congress of Vienna in 1815, where major powers agreed to act together to prevent revolutions and maintain conservative order in Europe.
2. The Concert of Europe facilitated interventionism by allowing countries like Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Britain to collaborate in response to potential threats to stability in their respective spheres of influence.
3. Military interventions were commonly justified under the pretext of protecting monarchies and preventing the spread of revolutionary ideals that could threaten existing regimes.
4. The doctrine of interventionism was put into practice during several conflicts, such as the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829) when several European powers intervened to support Greek independence from Ottoman rule.
5. The decline of interventionism in the late 19th century was due to growing nationalism and a shift towards more liberal policies, leading to a reluctance among major powers to intervene directly in the affairs of other nations.

Review Questions

• How did interventionism influence the outcomes of conflicts during the 19th century?
  • Interventionism played a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of various conflicts throughout the 19th century. For instance, during the Greek War of Independence, intervention from Britain, France, and Russia helped secure Greek independence from Ottoman control. Such interventions were driven by a desire to protect Christian populations and support nationalist movements, demonstrating how interventionism could alter power dynamics and promote specific political agendas.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Concert of Europe in managing interventionist policies among major powers.
  • The Concert of Europe was largely effective in managing interventionist policies by fostering cooperation among major powers. Through regular meetings and agreements, countries were able to coordinate their responses to revolutionary threats and ensure a degree of stability across Europe. However, this effectiveness was challenged by national interests that sometimes clashed with collective goals, leading to instances where intervention failed or was selectively applied based on geopolitical considerations.
• Assess how changing political ideologies in the late 19th century affected the practice and perception of interventionism among European states.
  • In the late 19th century, changing political ideologies significantly impacted interventionism's practice and perception. The rise of nationalism and liberal ideas led many states to question the legitimacy of external interference in domestic affairs. As nations began prioritizing sovereignty and self-determination, interventionist policies faced increasing scrutiny and resistance. This shift ultimately contributed to a decline in overt military interventions as European states grappled with balancing national interests with a growing respect for individual nations' rights.

Related terms

Balance of Power: A political strategy in which nations work to ensure that no one country becomes too powerful, often leading to alliances and counter-alliances.

Concert of Europe: A system established after the Congress of Vienna where the major European powers cooperated to maintain peace and stability through collective action and intervention.

Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state, which is often challenged during interventionist actions.