AP Euro Unit 5: The Long Crisis of the European Old Regime (1750–1850)

Introduction

The long crisis of the European Old Regime was a period of profound social, political, and economic change that spanned the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This period was marked by the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, as well as by the rise of industrialization and the spread of new political ideas.

Causes of the Crisis

The long crisis of the European Old Regime was caused by a number of factors, including:

• Economic inequality: The gap between the rich and the poor was growing wider, and the peasantry was increasingly burdened by taxes and feudal obligations.
• Political instability: The Old Regime’s system of absolute monarchy was becoming increasingly ineffective, and there was growing demand for representative government.
• Intellectual ferment: The Enlightenment had led to the spread of new ideas about democracy, equality, and individual rights.
• External pressures: The rise of new powers, such as Prussia and Russia, was challenging the traditional balance of power in Europe.

The French Revolution

The French Revolution was the most important event of the long crisis of the European Old Regime. The revolution began in 1789 with the storming of the Bastille, and it led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. The revolution also spread to other parts of Europe, and it had a profound impact on the development of political thought and practice.

Napoleon and the Napoleonic Wars

Napoleon Bonaparte came to power in France in 1799, and he quickly established himself as a brilliant military leader. Napoleon led France to victory in a number of wars, and he expanded the French Empire to include much of Europe. However, Napoleon’s ambitions ultimately led to his downfall, and he was defeated by a coalition of European powers in 1815.

The Rise of Industrialization

The long crisis of the European Old Regime also saw the rise of industrialization. Industrialization began in Great Britain in the late 18th century, and it spread to other parts of Europe in the 19th century. Industrialization led to a number of changes in society, including the growth of cities and the decline of the peasantry.

The Spread of New Political Ideas

The long crisis of the European Old Regime also saw the spread of new political ideas. The Enlightenment had led to the development of new ideas about democracy, equality, and individual rights. These ideas spread throughout Europe, and they inspired a number of revolutions and uprisings.

The Long-Term Impact of the Crisis

The long crisis of the European Old Regime had a profound impact on the development of Europe. The crisis led to the end of the Old Regime and the rise of new political and economic systems. The crisis also led to the spread of new ideas about democracy, equality, and individual rights. These ideas continue to shape the world today.

Key Events of AP Euro Unit 5

1750: Population growth and economic expansion begins to accelerate across Europe.

1763: Great Britain defeats France in the Seven Years’ War, gaining control of vast colonial territories in North America and India.

1776: The American colonies declare independence from Great Britain, sparking the American Revolutionary War.

1789: The French Revolution begins with the storming of the Bastille.

1792: France declares war on Austria and Prussia, beginning the French Revolutionary Wars.

1799: Napoleon Bonaparte takes power in France.

1804: Napoleon crowns himself emperor of France.

1805: Napoleon defeats Austria and Russia at the Battle of Austerlitz.

1806: Napoleon establishes the Confederation of the Rhine, a German state allied with France.

1807: Napoleon signs the Treaty of Tilsit with Russia, dividing Europe into spheres of influence.

1812: Napoleon invades Russia, beginning the disastrous French invasion of Russia.

1813: Napoleon is defeated at the Battle of Leipzig, leading to his abdication in 1814.

1815: Napoleon returns to power during the Hundred Days, but is defeated again at the Battle of Waterloo.

Key Figures of AP Euro Unit 5

• Catherine the Great: Empress of Russia (1762-1796) who expanded Russian territory and modernized the country.
• Frederick the Great: King of Prussia (1740-1786) who reformed the Prussian army and led Prussia to victory in the Seven Years’ War.
• Joseph II: Holy Roman Emperor (1765-1790) who attempted to implement enlightened reformas, but faced resistance from the nobility and the Church.
• Louis XVI: King of France (1774-1792) who was overthrown during the French Revolution.
• Marie Antoinette: Queen of France (1774-1792) who was executed during the French Revolution.
• Maximilien Robespierre: Leader of the French Revolution who established the Reign of Terror.
• Napoleon Bonaparte: Emperor of France (1804-1814, 1815) who conquered much of Europe before being defeated at the Battle of Waterloo.
• William Wilberforce: British abolitionist who led the movement to end the slave trade.

Key Themes of AP Euro Unit 5

• The Enlightenment: The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and the importance of individual rights. The Enlightenment had a profound impact on the development of political thought and practice in Europe.
• Absolutism: Absolutism was a form of government in which the monarch had absolute power. Absolutism was the dominant form of government in Europe during the Old Regime.
• Revolution: The long crisis of the European Old Regime was a period of revolution and upheaval. Revolutions occurred in France, America, and other parts of Europe. These revolutions led to the overthrow of the Old Regime and the rise of new political and economic systems.
• Industrialization: Industrialization was a process of economic transformation that began in Great Britain in the late 18th century. Industrialization led to the growth of cities and the decline of the peasantry.
• Nationalism: Nationalism is a feeling of pride and loyalty to one’s country. Nationalism emerged as a powerful force in Europe during the long crisis of the Old Regime.

Tips for Success in AP Euro Unit 5

• Read the textbook carefully: The textbook is your primary source of information for AP Euro Unit 5. Make sure to read the textbook thoroughly and take notes on the key concepts.
• Attend class regularly: Class is a great opportunity to learn from your teacher and classmates. Attend class regularly and participate in discussions.
• Do the homework assignments: The homework assignments are a great way to practice the concepts you learn in class. Make sure to do the homework assignments on time and to your best ability.
• Take practice tests: Practice tests are a great way to prepare for the AP Euro exam. Take practice tests regularly and review your answers to identify areas where you need to improve.
• Get help when you need it: Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Your teacher, classmates, and family members can all be helpful resources.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in AP Euro Unit 5

• Don’t memorize facts: AP Euro Unit 5 is not about memorizing facts. Instead, focus on understanding the key concepts and how they relate to each other.
• Don’t overgeneralize: AP Euro Unit 5 is a complex topic. Avoid making overgeneralizations about the period.
• Don’t neglect the primary sources: Primary sources are essential for understanding AP Euro Unit 5. Make sure to read the primary sources carefully and to analyze them for their historical significance.
• Don’t write in a vacuum: AP Euro Unit 5 is a global topic. Make sure to consider the global context of the events you are studying.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions: There is no such thing as a stupid question. If you don’t understand something, ask your teacher or classmates for help.

Conclusion

The long crisis of the European Old Regime was a period of profound change that shaped the development of Europe. The crisis led to the end of the Old Regime and the rise of new political and economic sy