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European History 1648-1992: A Continent Characterized by Authoritarian Rule in the Face of Disorder

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    European History 1648-1992: A Continent Characterized by Authoritarian Rule in the Face of Disorder

  • Absolute Rule in Response to Religious Conflict - Example: Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes

    Absolute Rule in Response to Religious Conflict - Example: Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
    Primary Source: Leviathan by John Hobbes (full bibliography is in essay). Leviathan is a text by political philosopher John Hobbes that was published in 1651. This date is crucial, as it was just after the end of the Thirty Years' War in 1648, which left Europe in disarray. In Leviathan, Hobbes argues that humans are inherently savage and violent creatures. In order to prevent constant war, absolute authority must be handed to the monarch who can provide stability.
  • The Strongman as a Symbol of Nationalism - Example: Napoleon Bonaparte

    The Strongman as a Symbol of Nationalism - Example: Napoleon Bonaparte
    Primary Source: The Napoleonic Code (full bibliography is in essay). The Napoleonic Code was the civil code that was established in France in 1804. Napoleon outlined the civil code with the goal of developing a standard and unified law that was applicable to the whole of France. Laws regarding fundamental ideas such as equality of all people and freedom of religion were introduced with the Napoleonic Code.
  • Reformist Authoritarianism - Example: Otto von Bismarck

    Reformist Authoritarianism - Example: Otto von Bismarck
    Primary Source: Blood and Iron speech (full bibliography is in essay). In 1862, Otto von Bismarck, then Minister President of Prussia gave the so-called Blood and Iron speech to the Prussian Parliament regarding the unification of Germany. Bismarck, who became the Chancellor of Germany, famously argued that Prussia must achieve German unification not through liberalism but through blood and iron. This is a reference to war and sheer Prussian power.
  • Tyrannical Overseas Empires - Example: The British Empire

    Tyrannical Overseas Empires - Example: The British Empire
    Primary Source: Letters from Mr. E. T. Wakefield on the Subject of Irish Emigration to the Colonies by E. T. Wakefield (full bibliography is in essay). In 1883, an Irish farmer named E. T. Wakefield sent a letter to the Earl of Derby regarding potential Irish emigration to Australia. Wakefield says that the Irish farmers are living in awful conditions, and that civil war is on the horizon if the situation persists in Ireland.
  • The Complete Control of Totalitarianism - Example: Joseph Stalin

    The Complete Control of Totalitarianism - Example: Joseph Stalin
    Primary Source: A propaganda poster titled "Long live the great Stalin!" (full bibliography is in essay). A Soviet propaganda poster from 1938 depicts Joseph Stalin's face in the forefront. This was one year before the start of World War II. Stalin looks proud and courageous. Behind Stalin there are smiling soldiers and military planes. Under Stalin there is a parade of Russian women. The text says "Long live the great Stalin!"