18th Century Warfare: Crash Course European History #20

Name: 18th Century Warfare: Crash Course European History #20
Uploaded: 2019-09-24T14:52:01.000Z
Duration: 28 min 59 s

Crash Course European History: Warfare in the 18th Century

Introduction to 18th Century Warfare

John Green introduces the topic of warfare in 18th century Europe, highlighting a shift from domestic policies influenced by Enlightenment ideas to external conflicts among European powers.

Population and Economic Changes

Despite uneven wealth distribution and wartime casualties, population growth led to improved living conditions for many. For instance, French women’s garment ownership increased from two to five between 1700 and 1800.

The increase in garment ownership symbolizes broader societal progress associated with "modernity," which combines improvement and novelty.

Wars of Succession

The century began with wars over succession (Spanish, Polish, Austrian), reflecting ongoing disputes about rulership similar to those seen during the Hundred Years War.

Territorial expansion remained a key goal; states sought to enlarge their kingdoms for economic gain. Frederick the Great seized Silesia during Austria's internal conflict over Maria Theresa's ascension.

Global Conflicts and Trade Wars

The mid-18th century saw a series of conflicts termed as “world wars” or the Great War for Empire due to their global nature, despite being overshadowed by later world wars.

These included battles involving British forces against Native Americans (Anglo-Indian Wars), as well as the French and Indian War in North America.

Complicated Alliances and Local Impacts

The complex web of conflicts involved various nations vying for dominance globally, particularly Britain and France. Spain played a minor role focused on protecting its territories.

Indigenous peoples often shifted allegiances based on interests but ultimately distrusted Europeans due to broken promises.

Taxation and Social Disruption in Russia

Russian warfare against the Ottomans resulted in increased taxation burdens on ordinary citizens, disrupting local customs such as alcohol consumption through heavy taxes that funded military efforts.

In Russia, alcohol taxes contributed significantly (22%) to state revenue while also leading to social unrest through measures like converting free peasants into serfs.

Pugachev Rebellion: A Response to Oppression

The Pugachev Rebellion emerged as a significant uprising against oppressive taxation. Emile Pugachev claimed he was Peter III, rallying support by promising relief from serfdom burdens.

The Impact of Pugachev's Uprising and the American Revolution

Pugachev's Uprising and Its Aftermath

Pugachev's uprising led to a temporary loosening of restrictions, including the right to sport beards, which had been outlawed by Peter I.

Following his capture in 1774, Pugachev was tortured and executed in January 1775, prompting Catherine II to tighten control over serfs again.

The American Revolution: Causes and Perspectives

The American Revolution arose shortly after Pugachev’s uprising due to British taxation imposed on the thirteen colonies to cover imperial warfare costs.

Colonists were frustrated by restrictions on westward expansion and perceived British disdain for their capabilities, leading to increased tensions.

From the British viewpoint, colonists paid significantly less tax compared to those in Britain; however, colonists felt they lacked representation in governance.

Declaration of Independence and War Eruptions

In 1776, colonists issued a Declaration of Independence as tensions escalated into war following additional troop deployments from Britain.

Loyalists faced violence from independence supporters; foreign aid from Spain and France bolstered the rebels' efforts against British forces.

Establishment of a New Government

Despite its flaws—such as enshrining slavery—the newly independent United States established a representative government based on Enlightenment principles.

Many loyalists fled post-war without receiving promised support from Britain; this included slaves who fought for freedom under British promises.

Spanish Colonial Challenges

Spain experienced uprisings against enlightened reforms amidst existing grievances; losses included Manila in the Philippines and Florida.

Resistance Against Spanish Rule

Local populations expressed discontent through protests against colonial oppression; notable uprisings occurred in former Incan territories.

Tupac Amaru II's Rebellion

Inca Tupac Amaru led an uprising in 1780 aiming to restore Incan sovereignty while opposing labor demands imposed by Spanish authorities.

His wife Michaela Bastidas played a crucial role as operational manager during the rebellion, ensuring supplies for soldiers despite her husband's strategic oversights.

Brutality of Suppression

The rebellion saw fierce resistance but was ultimately suppressed; both Tupac Amaru and Michaela Bastidas were executed brutally by Spanish authorities.

Consequences of Uprisings

Spanish Administration vs. British Treatment in the Americas

Spanish Integration of Creoles

The Spanish administration was more focused and less dispersed in its military efforts compared to Britain, which was engaged globally.

Spain began integrating creoles—individuals of Spanish descent born in the colonies—into their officer corps, fostering loyalty through professional training and military privileges.

In contrast, Britain viewed its North American colonials as ineffective fighters and poor officers, leading to a lack of integration.

Francisco de Miranda's Insights

Francisco de Miranda, a creole official in the Spanish army, played a role in the American Revolution's victory at Yorktown and observed Spanish dealings with rebels.

He noted the cunning nature of Spanish agents and predicted that independence for Anglo-American colonies would be crucial for South America's own quest for freedom.

Long-term Outcomes of Eighteenth Century Wars

The wars of the eighteenth century set the stage for future conflicts as South America continued to fight for independence from Spain.

Following the Seven Years War, Frederick the Great proposed dividing Poland-Lithuania among Austria, Russia, and Prussia, leading to what is known as the First Partition of Poland.

Shifts in British Imperial Focus

Despite losing parts of its empire deemed less lucrative after these conflicts, Britain maintained control over Caribbean sugar islands and shifted focus towards exploiting wealth from India.

France's Financial Crisis Post-Revolutionary Support