The Political Nature Of Europe - 2056 Words

When King Leopold II of Belgium took the throne, he began looking for somewhere that the people of Belgium could colonize, not necessarily to live there, but to offer its economic support to the kingdom. However, the political nature of Europe meant that Belgium would need to look overseas for stability. Thus, Leopold sought a colony for Belgium in Africa, namely the Congo. Throughout the time that Leopold managed this colony, he used a variety of methods to try and convince this people that the imperializing of the Congo was a good thing and helpful to Belgium as well as needful for the people of the Congo. However, the realities of what truly happened in the Congo still leaked out for all to see. At the time that Leopold took the throne of Belgium, the country had only been free since 1830. It’s position in Europe left it vulnerable. Leopold knew from history that countries that expanded were more likely to be stable. For examples, he looked to Rome, Portugal, Spain, and Eng land. These countries all had colonies outside themselves that helped to support them. However, there was no place for Belgium to go in Europe. Europe was thoroughly claimed and trying to expand there would only bring more hardship on Belgium. As Leopold wrote in his diary, â€Å"We must raise the question of national expansion†¦Belgium will choose between the development, work, wealth, and power that brings security, or live †¦.at the mercy of foreign powers.† So, Leopold sought the continent of Africa.Show MoreRelatedEuropean Exploration : The Age Of Discovery1128 Words   |  5 Pagesknown as the Age of Discovery. During this time, Europe expanded to the Americas, Africa, and the Far East being the first orbit around the world. â€Å"Profound misconceptions about geography and the cultures of local populations would change very slowly throughout he early centuries of European exploration.† (The Saylor Foundation The European Voyages of Exploration: Intr oduction). Europeans had a hard time believing there was life outside of Europe before they explored. European nations reached outRead MoreThe Political Landscape Of France1367 Words   |  6 PagesThe political landscape in France had been shifting for a long time before the Enlightenment. The economic and military gains made by Louis XIV, the Sun King, ultimately crippled the country later when the Estates General failed to overthrow the French government democratically and peacefully. Two great thinkers, Baron de Montesquieu and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, both paved the way for the French and other Enlightenment revolutions during the 18th and 19th centuries. Although neither of the men sawRead MoreThe And The French Revolution1419 Words   |  6 Pagesthe romantic ideals of individualism, nature, physical and emotional passion and an interest in the mysteries of the world. Where did these ideals of Romanticism begin? Taking a look back into the 17th century, there was another inte llectual movement that changed society, culture and politics. The Enlightenment was a time period lasting throughout the 18th century which brought about the Age of Reason in which politics, philosophy, and science dominated in Europe. The philosophies of the EnlightenmentRead MoreIntroduction. Islam And Medieval Christianity Have Had1229 Words   |  5 Pagesfallen nature. These two religions are one two of the largest religions across the world and impact billions of people. Some individuals in both religions view each other as infidels and the only recourse is to remove them from the society at large. The warring nature of these two Abrahamic religions allowed for them to develop in differing ways in Western and Eastern Europe. The growth of Islamic during the 600s to the 1500s made changes to Christianity by making the Pope a powerful political rulerRead MoreThe History of Politics Essay1469 Words   |  6 PagesMany people ponder the nature of politics. Politics is an art, a way of thinking, and a public, idealistic profession, though it is sometimes succumbs to corruption and a lack of ideals, that often changes the course of world events. Mortals of reason and influence express their ideas in order to form or reform a group’s policy. In democratic society, the populous is able express and apply their inherent views into an arena that beholds a battle for the consensus. However, the premise of the peopleRead MoreOrigins Of The Twin Revolutions1287 Words   |  6 Pagesof transition from traditional to modern society. â€Å"Formation of a modern political map of the world began in early 1800 in Western Europe and maybe characterized as the product of the twin revolutions.† European colonization of the New World, the economic and political development of new territories led to significant changes in the political map. Modernity it is a complex of multi-faceted process that took a place in Europe during the 18th century and had covered all aspects of society. The modernityRead MorePolitical Roles During The French Revolution Essay1593 Words   |  7 Pageswhen women’s clubs and political associations formed during this period was notable for its capabilities to promulgate political enfranchisement for women. In this essay, I would discuss in-depth the banning of women’s clubs and political associations during the French Revolution from 1789 to 1799. I would be focusing on the political roles women undertook during the Revolution, and the reasons for the subsequent denial of women’s political participation. Why is women’s political participation importantRead MoreThe Transition Of Medieval Western Civilization970 Words   |  4 Pagescivilization to the Modern Age placed Western Europe in a position of global, political, and technological dominance and most importantly gave rise to the core of western thought: humanism and individualism. This hallmark thought however, would be nonexistent without the arts. The arts and artists of the Renaissance period and the Enlightenment reflect the prevailing values of not only Western Europe but in fact the Western world as a whole. Prior to the Renaissance, Europe was lost in the Middle Ages, situatingRead MoreThe European Union : The New Era Of Integration1744 Words   |  7 Pagesthe new era of integration efforts in the post-modern world. Europe is the recipient of global admiration as a prime destination for travelers who seek luxury, elegance, varying cultural experiences, and immersed in ancient history. European integration has pro duced the almighty EU that is considered to be one of the most respected, notarized, stable and secure intergovernmental and supranational bodies in the world. The appeal of Europe has reached an all time high as increasing global instabilityRead MoreRenaissance and Political System1193 Words   |  5 PagesRenaissance and Political Institutions Name: Instructor’s Name: Class: Date: Introduction Renaissance is a French term meaning rebirth or revival. Renaissance period in the history of Europe starts from the beginning of 15th century to the end of 16th century. The Renaissance manifested the transitional phase from the medieval ages to the modern era. It was a time of social and cultural changes in Europe. It is believed to be the beginning of the modern world and hence the new phase of the