In what ways was 19th-century Europe the "best of times" and the "worst of times"?
well, it might be regarded as the 'best of times' because it was an age of many amazing discoveries and inventions. manufacturing was revolutionised, goods coukd be produced more cheaply and were avaliable to many more people. The railways made quick, cheap transport available to most people. I provements in medical care and treatment helped more people to survive illness and injury. Education became more widespread. Politucally things improved too, in many countries more people got the vote, and women's rights improved. You coukd say it was the 'worst of times' I suppose because there was also much poverty, overcrowding, pollution etc.
In what ways was nineteenth-century Europe the "best of times" and the "worst of times"?
It wasn't. Those lines refer to the EIGHTEENTH century.
Africa and Europe in mid-19th century?
How and in what ways were economic and political factors responsible for intensifying European imperialist activity in Africa from the mid-19th century to the beginning of WWI? just a few ideas or a basic outline would be appreciated
How did the unification of Germany in the late nineteenth century disrupt the balance of power between European countries?
France had expanded their territories in europe and during the napoleonic wars, Napoleon succeeded in annexing the former german states of the Holy Roman Empire. France remain the dominant army force and influence in europe.After the final defeat of Napoleon, Germany were reorganized into a german confederation including Austria and Prussia. Both Austria and Prussia had territories within and outside the confederation. This created conflicts known as the german dualism.German nationalism began to influence many german revolutionaries to unite their people under one nation. Prussia already expanded their territories around the rhine and soon fought wars against Denmark, Austria and France to unite Germany under the house of Hohenzollern.France were seriously defeated after the franco-prussian war and lost Alsace-Lorraine to the new german empire. Their influence in europe were weakened and isolated from Germany. Austria were forced to remove from german affairs and founded a compromise with Hungary to create Austria-Hungary.This new german empire had a large army reserve and territories which were rapidly industrialized. New innovations and technology were introduced together with high population and Germany became the largest economy in europe and second largest in the world after USA which had outaken Britain as the previous holder.Germany began to form new colonies around the world and Britain felt threatened by the sudden increase of the german navy Kaiserliche Marine by the orders of the young german emperor Wilhelm II. The emperor wanted to challenge the position of the british empire and Russia was angered by the german support for Austria-Hungary in the balkans.Wilhelm II isolated Germany and UK began to form an alliance with France and Russia as they were concerned with the rise of the german influence. France wanted Alsace-Lorraine and Russia wanted to enforced their idea of pan-slavism in europe. Austria-Hungary remained the only ally of Germany and Italy later betrayed them during WWI.
Living conditions in 19th century Europe?
Well, although the industrial revolutions of Europe had taken place in the early 19th century mainly they were still suffering the effects. This included disease, pollution, over crowded accommodation, exploitation. In the Russian Empire (who went through rapid industrialisation in the late 19th century) people were dying from starvation, conditions were appaulling, and it would later lead to a revolution in the 20th century.