2. Identify the victors at the Battle of Trafalgar. Where is this battle most highly commemorated and why?

Map of the battle and deployment of ships during the battle of Trafalgar from National Geographic. [1] “Six thousand Frenchmen and Spaniards were killed or wounded at Trafalgar as well as 1,700 Britons; nineteen enemy ships were taken and one sunk; but the immensity of the victory at Trafalgar transcended such mundane calculations. It guaranteed British control of the oceans, and the creation of a unique global power that would endure for more than a century. The iconic value of the two names Nelson and Trafalgar for the British state was immense: they would be combined in many forms, most obviously in the centre of imperial London.”[2] This quote taken form Andrew Lambert’s article on the lasting effects of the battle of Trafalgar illustrates the significance of that battle of the world’s stage. The battle reinforced British supremacy of the seas and set forth the uncontested dominance of the British Empire throughout the globe. The fact that the British Empire then dominated the seas led directly to their ability to develop as a nation state and to influence the political landscape of Europe. Nations of Europe that had any interest in maritime trade with others now had to contend with the British Empire. The maritime supremacy of Great Britain, secured at the Battle of Trafalgar, is arguably one of the most important aspects of what shaped the European Continent into what it is today. Bitterness and envy over the unchecked power of the British Navy sowed deep resentment in the hearts of nations of Western Europe that ultimately came to a boiling point at the turn of the 19th century.[3] The battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Admiral Nelson became symbols of the ultimate maritime supremacy of the British Empire and the ultimate defeat of Napoleon due in part his confinement to continental Europe, secured by Nelson at Trafalgar. The British accredited Lord Nelson’s sacrifice and his victory at Trafalgar in the heart of London naming a square the end of Whitehall “Trafalgar Square” In the square a monument to the fallen hero of Britain, Lord Admiral Nelson was erected and has become a symbol of the high water mark of the British Empire.[4]

[1] National Geographic Society. National Geographic. 2005. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0510/feature3/images/mp_download.3.pdf (accessed October 27 , 2013)
[2] Lambert, Andrew. "NELSON, TRAFALGAR AND THE MEANING OF VICTORY." History Today 54, no. 11 (November 2004): 52-58.
[3] Lambert, TRAFALGAR AND THE MEANING OF VICTORY, 52
[4] Lambert, TRAFALGAR AND THE MEANING OF VICTORY, 53

4. Napoleon’s troops are stopped in the famous Peninsular War by Sir Arthur Wellesley. Wellesley is honored as a national hero, along with Admiral Horatio Nelson in Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London. Briefly identify their contributions to curbing Napoleon’s appetite for land acquisition in Europe.

Wellington and Blucher after Waterloo.(1)

"Yes, I must say, of the two, I prefer Napoleon as a person. Wellington I think had this fundamental coldness in his heart. He would weep when he met casualties, but basically he was a cold-hearted bastard." "He is very largely responsible for what became the image of a type of English gentleman: reserved, aloof, cold, soberly dressed, which did not exist before the time of Wellington."
- Christopher Duffy, British historian[1]

The impact of Sir Arthur Wellesley in holding back Napoleon’s conquest of the Iberian Peninsula was immense. Wellesley had success in his career in command while fighting on the outskirts of the empire in India. There he gained valuable experience and insight on the intricate art of conducting and commanding a campaign, especially the difficult task of effectively employing limited manpower and resources. These lessons proved to become Wellesley’s greatest asset. Upon joining the fight against the French in Spain Wellesley quickly worked his way up the chain of command and it became apparent to all that he was the most talented of British commander. Time and time again with much fewer numbers Wellesley out flanked, out thought and out maneuvered the French in Spain eventually driving them back across the Pyrenees. Returning to Britain as the hero who finally bested the French Wellesley was named Duke of Wellington. Wellington’s place in history and as a national hero of Britain was secured when he led the coalition that stuck the decisive and final blow to Napoleon at Waterloo. The lasting legacy of Wellesley is that he was a superb commander and organizer that took the spotlight and made the best of his opportunity. Prior to him the British had no one they felt could match wits with Napoleon and his generals and come out the victor. Wellesley changed that and in the process defeated the invincible aura of the French.[2] Admiral Nelson’s impact on derailing French conquest was equally as important as that of the Duke of Wellington. Admiral Nelson is arguably the greatest naval officer the British have ever produced. He won countless engagements with his use of evolving tactics to include milestone victories on the Nile, at Copenhagen, and of course at Trafalgar where he was ultimately mortally wounded. These victories ultimately achieved total naval dominance by the British and shaped the way Europe conducted trade throughout the 19th century. Napoleon’s plan to economically cripple the British by boycotting British goods in continental Europe was unsuccessful because of the British ability to trade abroad with the power of their Navy secured.[3]

[1] Ayala, M. Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington: Military and Political Career. The Hype. 1769-1852. n.d. http://www.napolun.com/mirror/napoleonistyka.atspace.com/wellington_strategy_tactics_battles.htm (accessed October 27, 2013).
[2] Ayala, Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington: Military and Political Career. The Hype. 1769-1852
[3] Gildea, Robert. Barricades and Borders: Europe 1800-1914. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987.

[1]
“For Many years about this period his power and influence were so great, he may be said to have had the entire affairs of Europe under his control, the deliberations and decisions of other courts and cabinets being necessarily dependent upon the policy advocated and followed by him.”[2] 
 Prince von Metternich was an influential Austrian leader, politician, and diplomat that made his impact on Europe in the early to mid-19th century. Prince von Metternich’s talent as a diplomat is what first elevated his status among the social elite of Austria. It was Metternich that first suggested the courtship of the Austrian Arch-Duchess Marie Louise and Napoleon. This maneuver put Metternich in the lime light of his countrymen and his career as a diplomat and statesman took off. Metternich was soon endowed with the title of prince in 1813. In 1821 he held the title of Chancellor of State and ran the country under an iron fist that was known for its violence and intolerance of new ideas and changes. Metternich was a primary enemy of liberal and social change and his resistance to new ideas was eventually made him a target. In 1848 he was forced to resign from the head of state due to the revolutionary demands of the Austrian people. [3] During his time in power Metternich became well known for his system of international congresses that pulled diplomats from all over Europe together to discuss issues of the day. This system worked well at times and created an environment in Europe that was very elitist. The resistance to social and progressive movements where primary concerns of the Metternich congresses and ideas were shared between diplomats about how to deal with such problems. The use of secret police, torture, and brutality across Europe in response to Progressive movements was a direct result of Metternich’s system. Metternich’s views were so widely agreed upon at these congresses that his views could be seen enacted in most of Europe. [4]

[1] sunnycv.com. n.d. http://sunnycv.com/steve/ww1/images/metternich.jpg (accessed November 2, 2013). [2] Leader. "Prince Metternich." Galegroup. June 18, 1859. (accessed November 2, 2013). [3] Ibid [4] Gildea, Robert. Barricades and Borders: Europe 1800-1914. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987.pg. 64

[1]
“Is it true, that under Napoleon the Belgians had trial by jury, and that the King deprived them of it. Is it true that he abolished the publicity of the examination of witnesses? These were the results which that greatest of all curses, the success of the Holy Allies, brought to the Belgians.”[2] The area that is now Belgium was under control of the Dutch for most of the first part of the 19th century. A sense on Nationalism begin to take root when the Catholic and liberal minorities of the Dutch state begin to work together concessions from the protestant conservative Monarchy. The use of force to subdue the uprising only served to strengthen resolve for Belgium’s independence. The major powers of Europe conceded and Belgium became an independent neutral state. The granting of independence was not done without favor because the people of Belgium elected a King with ties to the French monarchy and they were urged to try again by an unsatisfied British contingent. The diplomatic system in Europe at the time served self-interests more than the concerns of the people. [3]

[1] the brussels bronte group. n.d. http://ww.thebrusselsbrontegroup.org/Belgian%20Revolution,%20Egide%20Charles%20Gustave%20Wappers,%201834.jpg (accessed November 2, 2013).w [2] Thompson, T. Perronet (Thomas Perronet). Belgium and the Holy Alliance, from the Westminster Aview, no. XXIX for July 1, 1831. [London], [1831?]. The Making Of The Modern World. Web. 4 Nov. 2013. [3] Gildea, Robert. Barricades and Borders: Europe 1800-1914. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987.Pg.62

[1]

“Nowhere did the failure of the Revolution have a profounder and more lasting effect than in Germany. In France the events of I848 discredited the Second French Republic without, however, destroying the republican tradition; the idea of an Italy united under the liberal House of Savoy survived the defeat at Novara; the subject nationalities of the Austrian Empire continued to dream of self-government and that dream was realized with a vengeance in I9I8. But in Germany liberalism was dealt a blow from which it never recovered I.t lost faith in its own mission and was never again able to win the allegiance of the masses whom it had led to defeat in I848”[2] The early new year of 1848 was full of drastic changes and the days of 26-29 February in Germany. The news of revolution in France and Austria and the overthrow of powerful leaders such as Prince von Metternich and the King of France help fuel the fire that burned in the German liberal movement. The largest and most important demonstration of liberal ideals took place in Baden. Their citizens came together and drafted a Bill of Rights that they demanded to be signed. In this bill was the recognition of civil liberties for all people. The violence and tenacity of the revolution caused the ruling party’s to come to terms with the demands being made.

[1] pubquizreference. http://www.pubquizreference.co.uk/specialsection/history/1848%20oktober%20revolution.jpg (accessed November 4, 2013). [2] Hamerow, Theodore S. "History and the German Revolution of 1848." The American Historical Review (Oxford University Press), October 1954: 28.