#AP European History: State Building & Military Revolution Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP Euro historian! Let's get you prepped and confident for the big exam. This guide is designed to hit all the key points, make connections, and give you the edge you need. Let's dive in!

#1. The Rise of the State System After Westphalia

#Balance of Power ⚖️

• Post-1648 Shift: The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) marked a major turning point.

in international relations. * **What is it?** Nations aimed to prevent any single state from becoming too dominant. Think of it like a seesaw – if one side gets too heavy, the others have to add weight to balance it out. * **Why it matters:** This system encouraged alliances and counter-alliances, leading to a new era of diplomacy and warfare.

#France Under Louis XIV 👑

• The Sun King: Louis XIV of France was the power player. He wanted to expand France's borders, which freaked out everyone else.
• Rivalry with Spain: Louis wanted to grab Spanish Habsburg territories, leading to major conflicts.
• Consequences: The rise of France under Louis XIV led to a series of wars aimed at checking his power.

#Key Conflicts ⚔️

• Dutch War (1672-1678): Louis invaded the Spanish Netherlands but was pushed back by England and Sweden. Spain ceded Flanders and Franche-Comte to France.
• Nine Years' War (1688-1697): The Grand Alliance (England, Spain, Holy Roman Empire) formed to stop Louis. France lost Lorraine but kept Alsace. William of Orange became King of England.
• War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714):

Charles II of Spain died without an heir, and Louis XIV's grandson was in line for the throne. Everyone feared a Franco-Spanish mega-state. * **Treaty of Utrecht (1713):** Ended the War of Spanish Succession. Philip V became King of Spain, but the French and Spanish thrones could never unite. Austria gained the Spanish Netherlands (Belgium) and other territories. Prussia became a kingdom.

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of the balance of power system in 18th-century Europe? (A) To establish a unified European empire (B) To maintain peace through collective security (C) To prevent any one state from becoming too dominant (D) To promote religious uniformity across Europe

2. The Treaty of Utrecht (1713) had which of the following consequences? (A) It united the Spanish and Fren...