Balance Of Power In Europe During The 17th And 18th Century

During the 17th and 18th centuries, European monarchs and rulers sought to increase their power both within their own states and by expanding said states. Defined as the principle or practice of a political system in which unrestricted power is vested in a monarch or dictator, absolutism played an important role in Europe during the time. This ideology evolved into a common ideal shared between several European powers and contributed to the development of modern day Europe. European nations considered as Great Powers today include: Great Britain, France, Austria, Prussia, and Russia. In order to successfully build up their empires, internally and externally, rulers employed three elements to achieve a successful powerful state, including control,

diplomacy, and stability.
At the beginning of the 17th century, the Thirty Years War caused radical change in the European powers.

The basis of this long standing war stemmed originally from the House of Habsburg’s motive to return the Protestant parts of the empire back to the true faith. Through this war the House of Habsburg lost control of its German territories, thus lessening its hold over other lands. Austria weakened as well with the threat of Ottoman Turks capturing its eastern possessions; they then ceased their role as a key player in European affairs for the time being. One of the most radical changes that occurred due to the Thirty Years War included Spain’s decline which began in part of terrible military losses in Germany and the Netherlands. These transitions of control affected the balance of power in 17th/18th century Europe and highlighted which countries possessed the capacity to succeed based on military control. The Netherlands exemplified this through the gain of its independence from the falling Spanish power. France also rose from the Thirty Years War as one of the most powerful states in Western Europe. Both of these countries evolved into “modern states” through military control as they exited the war on

top.
Diplomacy played an important role in the formation of the Great Powers. French ruler, Louis XIV, brought France’s gains to the point of being oppressive by way of military and diplomatic means. He maintained alliances with the Turks in order to keep Austria busy, and infiltrated other countries by way of marriage as a guise to insert French influence where it otherwise had no place. At times the ideas presented became so overwhelming that it over powered any opposing ideas presented by any other country, and threatened their independent development. However, the results of the English Revolution forced France to relinquish some of its power under the Peace of Utrecht of 1713-1715, the first European treaty to specifically mention the balance of power. This allowed Austria to reemerge and Great Britain to emerge as a power, while France lowered its rankings. Later on, the use of foreign ministers spread through Europe allowing for countries to place their influence where they previously had not been in order to expand their external power. These diplomats had to understand that their work benefited not themselves, but the greater good of their country.
While control and diplomacy helped countries gain power, stability allowed them to maintain their power and avoid downfall such as Spain.

Stability referenced clear recognition of a goal, or otherwise avoiding confusion in what needed to be achieved. The nations that emerged as Great Powers during the 17th and 18th centuries never or very rarely lost sight of their objectives as doing so would prevent them from moving forward and lead to wasted resources. Sweden did not heed this and overstretched it resources and held high ambitions which greatly hindered its capacity for greatness. Russia came into power as a result of this after Sweden sought revenge on Poland after a success in war. The Russian leader, Peter the Great, focused on strengthening his country through reforms within his power versus foolishly attempting to control an uncontrollable

situation.
The Great Powers in Europe emerged due to three factors: control, diplomacy, and stability. Control both within government and of outside lands by military means equaled power, required to stand above all other countries. Foreign affairs and use of diplomacy allowed countries to benefit their power by influence on rivals, gaining yet more power and control. Stability of goals and finances maintained power and prevented loss, and overall strengthened absolutist ideals.