The War of Spanish Succession ended due to the Treaty of Utrecht

• Austria got the Spanish Netherlands and Spanish territories in Italy

• France got territory in both Alsace and Lorraine and gave up colonial property in the Americas

• England got France’s North American colonies, Gibraltar and Island of Minorca, and Spanish trade routes to the Americas

The Great Northern War between Russia and Sweden over Finland and the Balitc territories was ended by the Treaty of Nystad 1721

• Russia got territory in the Baltic territory (built St. Petersburg)

• Seden lost land in Finland, Northern Germany, and the Baltic states

Through its victory over Sweden, Russia became an established power under the leadership of Peter the Great

In Russia a educational reform was instituted to support the military and embraced liberal education

• Russia led all the other nations by 1726 in the production of iron and copper

97% of the Russian population was connected to agriculture to make a living

• Land quality was poor for agriculture

Peasants were seen as property as of 1649 (serfs)

• Many serfs were seeking better conditions through moving to state sponsored lands and projects

The government was in chaos for 37 years after Peter the Great

The population increased, as did aristocratic wealth and power

• The government got weaker

Catherine the Great’s reign started with the death of her husband, Peter III

• Restructured the government

• Charter of the Nobility (1785)

A modern Russian military developed under both Peter and Catherine

The unity of the Holy Roman Empire had been destroyed by the 30 Years War

• Two empires rose to power due to this: Austria and Prussia

Prussia

• Built a powerful military due to poor natural barriers and being surrounded by powerful possible conquerors

• Increased centralization of state

• Abolished torture and capital punishment

• Imported new agricultural techniques

• Became a major power

Austria

• Grew as a result of the Spanish War of Succession

• Pushed back the Ottomans by expanding into Hungary

• Looked powerful from the outside, but in reality could only come up with a small and poorly equipped army

Maria Theresa (1740-1780)

• Attacked by Prussia

• Defended Austria in War of Austrian Succession and Seven Years War

• Played a role in reforming and strengthening Austrian society

• Reorganized military and civil bureaucracy

War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748)

• Frederick William II tried to force an alliance with Maria Theresa, which she declined, leading to him attacking

• Prussia, Spain, and France vs. Austria, Holland, and England

• Made Austria and Prussia enemies and rivals that sought to unite Germany under their leadership

Seven Years War (1756-1763)

• Britain and Prussia vs. France, Russia, and Austria

• Saxony and Austria were attacked by Fredrick William II, with Russia coming to their defense

• Russia defeated Prussia at Battle of Kunersdorf (1759)

• Peter III tried to settle for peace upon death of the Empress of Russia, leading to his assassination

• Prussia was established as a major military power

• A large period of peace in Central Europe began (due to a lack of resources)

The power of the Polish nobility was intact with the Polish Diet proving to be ineffective as a source of lawmaking

• Government failed to raise an effective army

Poland was partitioned by Russia, Prussia, and Austria in 1722

• Russia received a large buffer state

• Prussia received the Polish corridor

• Austria received a large territory in southern Poland

In 1707 Scotland and England joined together to form Great Britain

• Had great military power, economic power, and governmental system

Great Britain had a mixed governmental system

• Power was shared by the King and Parliament

Structure of Great Britain

• Houses of Commons

• Monarchy

• House of Lords

The British governmental system depended on cooperation

• Parliament members often worked for the crown while serving in Parliament

• Rise of Parties: Whigs and Tories

  • Helped build consensus and compromise which allowed the government to function more effectively

• “Prime Ministers” became popular

  • Helped organize and lead Parliament