Question

During the latter third of the nineteenth century, leaders of the European “great powers” managed to avoid a generalized war within Europe, mainly because they were able to settle major disputes within the context of the “concert system.” But the concert system broke down in the summer of 1914. Why?

Answer 1

Ans. The Concert system was a policy which was taken up in order to sort out the disputes by the then authorities of Europe. The purpose was to maintain their position and power, and offset any revolutions or conflicts against them. It came forward from the Congress of Vienna. Several States were its members namely Austria, the then Russia, the United Kingdom, Prussia and France. However the doctrine had no documented rules and regulations, policies or regulations were imposed on people as and when required by meeting with the members.

Its significance and importance started to fade away in 1848, when the revolutions in Europe were at peak. Conflicts between the members of the 5 countries were increasing, especially after the Congress of Verona in 1822, when the United Kingdom refuted her help to France for invading Spain, whereas the other 3 countries were supporting France. Then the Crimean War (1853-1856) acted as a catalyst in rifting of the ideologies and policies between different nations in the Concert system. The Hungarian revolution in 1849 resulted in revolts throughout Europe which was envisioned for freedom of Hungary from Austrian rule. French Revolution was another reason behind weakening of the Concert system. After the Crimean War, France and Britain rain into wars, which had shaken the foundation of the Concert system, since the countries associated were fighting against each other. Prior to the Crimean War Russia was threatening the United Kingdom with developed naval system, so the Crimean war was particularly aimed to destroy Russian power. There was a huge alteration in European politics after the unification of Germany, which further led to major disapproval of the Concert, it was no longer considered important. Finally the Concert came to an end with the inception of World War 1.