Great Powers Diplomacy, 1789-1914

This course will examine the political, economic, diplomatic and military relations of the Great Powers, 1789-1914. We will trace the development of the Great Power system within the context of the foundations of State power, examining topics including: (1) the diplomacy of the individual Great Powers; (2) the rise of non-European powers; (3) the military strategies of the Great Powers in peacetime and war; (4) the relationship between European continental commitments and world power; (5) the significance of technological advance for the strategic balance; (6) and the relationship between economic stability and diplomacy in the international system. We will end by exploring the collapse of the 19th century international system and the origins and outbreak of World War I.