THE TRANSFORMATION OF EASTERN EUROPE Chapter 5 Sections 23-27

Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results. -Machiavelli-

Introduction By 1648 modern political systems are challenging the leadership of traditional political systems The Holy Roman Empire, Poland, and the Ottoman empire will be pushed aside by Prussia, Russia, and Austria.

Comparing Eastern Europe to Western Europe Less towns, labor was less productive, middle class less strong Peasants were losing freedoms to landlords  Demand for eastern agricultural resources led to hereditary subjection and the demand for robot.  Powerful landholding classes

5.23 Three Aging Empires Similarities  Loose, ranging, undefined borders  Weak central authorities  Inefficient government  Diverse ethnic/language groups

The Holy Roman Empire Largely ruined by the Reformation and the Thirty Years War Economic problems  Variegated laws, taxes, currencies, calendars slow economic development  Burgher class fell into economic decline  No overseas colonies Political problems: Hundreds of independent states  Foreign intrigue  Germanic Liberties  Capitulations

Poland 1650 Elected king with no army, courts or taxes Ineffective Diet Landlord/nobility liberties and control Diverse population: Germanic, Slavic, Jewish Serfdom The fate of Poland will be central to major events in Europe

The Ottoman Empire 1650 Muslim with Asian origins Political  Sultan/caliph  Incomplete sovereignty: outlying governors had free control over their areas (some oppressed the “infidel”)  Falling behind in military technology Economic  Religious toleration motivated by economic gain  External interests gained privileges Cultural  No internal drive for unity  Little separation between religious and secular spheres  Law was only applied to Muslims