Modern Diplomatic History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Modern Diplomatic History - Essay Example In this paper, for the purposes of clarity, the researcher would define the first half of the nineteenth century from the years 1800 to 1850. In addition, the researcher would also try to look at the significant events in modern European history in these years, as well as the status of the major powers, in order to root out the causes of why no major war occurred in this period. One of the most important historical backgrounds of early nineteenth century Europe was the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars (McLynn 215). This war, which actually lasted from the years 1803-1815, actually proves to be the last major war between great European powers in the first half of the nineteenth century; in addition, this also set the tone for the establishment of the period of â€Å"Pax Britannica,† which would be a major reason why there would be no major war again in continental Europe until the second half of the nineteenth century, as the researcher would expound later in the paper (Fremon t-Barnes and Fisher 321). These wars were actually resulted by the creation of the French Empire by the French General Napoleon, which proved to be the last major challenge to the supremacy of the British Empire until the First World War. The final stages of the Napoleonic Wars (which covered the period of the early years of the nineteenth century) actually pitted the French Empire lead by Napoleon against various coalitions (from the Third to the Seventh Coalition) composed of the British Empire and its allies, most notably Russia, Prussia, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, and a number of German States (Fremont-Barnes and Fisher 259). At first, the French Empire (through the use of mass conscription and shrewd diplomacy) actually conquered most of continental Europe (except Great Britain), who at its peak created and/or controlled the client states of the Kingdom of Spain, the Kingdom of Naples, the Kingdom of Italy, the Swiss Confederation, the Confederation of the Rhine, the Low Countries, and the grand Duchy of Warsaw, among others (Fremont-Barnes and Fisher 15). However, constant warfare with the continental alliances, along with their failure to conquer the British Empire, actually brought about the downfall of the French Empire, resulting in Napoleon’s defeat at Russia and finally at Waterloo (Fremont-Barnes and Fisher 306). The Congress of Vienna, where the terms of the surrender of the French Empire, the reestablishment of the French Bourbon Monarchy, and the restructuring of Europe was discussed by the â€Å"Four Great Powers† (Prussia, United Kingdom, Austria and Russia), one of the greatest manifestation of diplomatic negotiation and compromise in Modern European History was witnessed (Chapman 1). Of course, these four great powers actually had their own territorial ambitions, as well as other objectives; however, the main objective among these powers was to resolve the issues caused by the French Empire, and by creating stability in Europe through the balance of powers (Chapman 16). There are many diplomatic provisions that were provided in the Congress of Vienna; however, this paper would focus on the most important provisions that would result to the relatively peaceful Europe for the next four decades (Chapman 55). As a result of the Congress of Vienna, Russia actually received the former French controlled Duchy of Warsaw,

The Portable Thoreau Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Portable Thoreau - Personal Statement Example Drifting purposelessly seems an utter waste of the wonderful faculties that man is endowed with, and the stick itself may be symbolic of a man’s life that has to be shaped with the loving care and devotion that an artist gives to his creation. To me the story seems to be a parable espousing the virtues of single minded purpose in going about what one has set out to achieve. It tells of how everything else takes second place to the one goal one has set out for one’s self. It is a tale of devotion to the task in hand, completely disregarding everything else, without which perfection is not possible. If the intentions are right and the devotion to achieving them exists then the result must be great success. As Thoreau himself points out what he learned as the result of his experiment at Walden â€Å"if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.† (Thoreau, Walden) I agree with this theory. I think if one can identify one’s goal and pursue it without being distracted by other issues, the only outcome will be success. This has been proven by many great people in different fields whether they were scientists or sportsmen, freedom fighters or people born with physical disabilities, such people have overcome mighty odds by the strength of their determination.