Political Change in Europe in the Modern Era Essay example

European nations gained world dominance between the 15th and 19th centuries through imperialism and industrialization. European nations competed among themselves for international influence, and established by the early 20th century a very intricate balance of power, the disturbance of which ignited World War I in 1914. Over this same period, the power of monarchs within European nations declined as a larger portion of the populace demanded political rights, leading to the democratization of most political systems throughout Western Europe. These shifts in political systems were fed by urbanization, by the rise of class consciousness within the masses, and by the spread of ideas of political and economic philosophers who challenged the†¦show more content†¦Industrialization quickened, but the workers lived in squalor and worked without the enforcement of safety laws or the aid of unions until soviets, councils of representatives from the working class, were formed. Alexander’s reforms opened the door for state officials and others who wanted change to voice their ideas, premiere among which were proposals for zemstvas (local elected officials) to have a role, either advisory or legislatively, in the governing of the empire. Many intellectuals and community leaders called for a moderation of the tsar’s absolute power, and were incensed when Nicholas II (1894-1905) rejected these proposals. A few called for a conversion to constitutional monarchy, and some more radical groups called for violent revolution or dramatic change. A loose anti-autocratic alliance formed between many liberals, assemblies of nobles, professionals, workers, peasants, and minority nationality groups that had long resented rule by the Russian Emperor. In January 1905, Father Gapon, an orthodox priest and agent of the police force, organized a peaceful march to the Tsar’s Winter Palace in Petersburg by workers petitioning for better workplace conditions and political and civil rights. On what came to be remembered as Bloody Sunday, the tsar’s troops fired on the crowd, killing at least 100 unarmedShow MoreRelatedThe 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. 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