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3.6 Balance of Power

5 min readjanuary 21, 2023

Catherine Brown

Catherine Brown

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

Catherine Brown

Catherine Brown

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

After the in 1648, a new competitive state system developed, heralding new patterns of warfare and diplomacy. The concept of replaced religion as the center of military and diplomatic objectives. asserted that nations could secure their own security by preventing any one state from gaining too much power.

Thus, nations had increased incentive to work together to prevent domination by any one nation and check the power of other nations.

After the Thirty Years War, France emerged as the dominant European power under the rule of , the “Sun King.” In addition, the decline of the –which was not holy, Roman, or much of an empire–as well as the decline of the , allowed other nations to expand. 

The Wars of King Louis XIV

wanted to expand France’s borders, causing other nations to align to offset France’s power. France’s main rival was Spain, as Louis desired to take over Spanish Habsburg possessions. In the , Louis invaded the Spanish Netherlands but was forced to retreat by combined English and Swedish pressure, leading to the (1672-1678), during which Spain ceded Flanders and Franche-Comte to France.

In response, created the (aka the ) with England, Spain, and the to check French expansion.  The , which pitted the against France, resulted in the loss of the French territory Lorraine (although France kept the Alsace region) and the acceptance of as the rightful King of England. 

The was most damaging for Louis and France. died without an heir, meaning the Spanish throne would be passed to ’s grandson, Philip. Other European nations feared this would allow to merge the Spanish and French thrones. The went to war against France to prevent Philip from taking the throne.

In 1713, the ended the war. Philip could become King of Spain (), but the Spanish and French thrones could never unite. Austria also gained control of the Spanish Netherlands (Belgium) as well as Naples, Milan, and Sardinia. The became , which would emerge as a powerful German state. Finally, the war devastated the French economy, driving France into deep debt and turning public opinion against

Decline of Empires 

The of the 16th century and the subsequent left the religiously divided between Protestantism and Catholicism. The and the politically divided the empire into 300 states. The Holy Roman Emperor had no army, revenue, or even central authority, and as a result, and became the leading German states within the empire. 

Poland also experienced a decline in the 18th century. The king was elected by the diet (legislature), made up of nobles who restricted monarchical power, and all political decisions required the unanimous support of all nobles, meaning little was ever accomplished. Poland soon became vulnerable to stronger nations, and throughout the 18th century, it was partitioned by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. After the final partition in 1795, the state of Poland ceased to exist. 

The also experienced a marked decline. After combined Austrian, German, and Polish forces expelled the Ottomans at the in 1683, the Ottomans ended their westward expansion, sparking a gradual period of decline. The empire would remain intact until WWI, but it was increasingly regarded as the “sick man of Europe.” Internal pressures, despite attempts to modernize, weakened the empire throughout the 19th century. 

Technological Developments 

The Military Revolution

Advances in military technology created new forms of warfare, including greater reliance on infantry, firearms, mobile cannon, and more elaborate fortifications, causing a . These developments were financed by heavier taxation, requiring a larger bureaucracy, which furthered the rise of consolidated nation-states. New military techniques and institutions tipped the to states that were able to acquire sufficient resources to support a growing, modern military.

Sweden: Gustavus Adolphus

The Swedish of the early 17th century, also known as the , was a period of significant military and political change in Sweden under the leadership of King . , who ruled from 1611 to 1632, implemented a number of sweeping changes to the Swedish military and government, transforming it into one of the most powerful and modern armies of the time. These changes included the creation of a standing, professional army, the establishment of a centralized command structure, and the introduction of new tactics and technology, such as the use of mobile artillery.

was a skilled military strategist and tactician, and his innovation and leadership were instrumental in Sweden's military successes during the and other conflicts in the early 17th century.

Spain: The Habsburgs

One of the key aspects of Spain's under the Habsburgs was the development of a powerful navy. During the 16th century, Spain's navy was expanded and improved, making it one of the most powerful navies in the world at the time. This allowed Spain to establish a global empire and control the seas, which was essential to the country's economic and political power.

Another aspect of Spain's was the development of a powerful and well-trained infantry. The Habsburgs introduced a new type of infantry, known as the tercio, which was composed of pikemen, musketeers, and arquebusiers. These soldiers were highly trained and well-equipped, becoming instrumental to Spain's military successes during the 16th and 17th centuries.

However, Spain's also had its downsides. The Habsburgs' constant warfare and expanding empire drained the country's resources, leading to economic difficulties and eventually to the decline of Spain as a major European power.

🎥 Watch: AP Euro - Economics and Society (1450-1789)

Key Terms to Review (30)

Balance of Power

: The balance of power is a political concept where nations ensure that no single country becomes significantly stronger than others, preventing any one entity from dominating.

Battle of Vienna

: The Battle of Vienna took place in 1683 where Holy Roman Empire forces and their allies stopped an advancing Ottoman Empire trying to conquer Vienna.

Charles II of Spain

: Charles II (1661-1700) was known as 'the Bewitched' due to his physical disabilities and mental instability. His reign saw economic decline, political instability, and military losses for Spain. His death without an heir sparked off the War Of Spanish Succession.

Duke of Brandenburg

: The Duke (later Elector) was a title given to rulers in several historical regions in Germany. The Duchy was part of Holy Roman Empire until it became Kingdom Prussia.

Dutch War

: The Dutch War (1672-1678), also known as Franco-Dutch War, was a conflict initiated by France under King Louis XIV against the Dutch Republic with an aim to expand French territory.

Grand Alliance

: The Grand Alliance was a European coalition, consisting primarily of Austria, England, and the Dutch Republic, formed in 1689 to halt French expansion during the War of the League of Augsburg (or Nine Years' War).

Gustavian era

: The Gustavian era refers to the period of history from 1772-1809 when King Gustav III and then his son ruled Sweden, marking a time of political reform and cultural flourishing.

Gustavus Adolphus

: Gustavus Adolphus was King of Sweden from 1611 to 1632 who is often regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. He led Sweden during a crucial part of what is now known as The Thirty Years' War.

Habsburg-ruled-Austria

: This refers to the period from 1521 until 1918 when Austria was ruled by the members of the House of Habsburg (and later by the House of Habsburg-Lorraine), one of the most influential royal houses in Europe.

Hohenzollern-ruled-Prussia

: The Hohenzollerns were a German royal family who ruled Prussia from 1525 to 1918. They transformed Prussia into one of the leading military and political powers in Europe.

Holy Roman Empire

: The Holy Roman Empire was a multi-ethnic complex of territories in Western, Central and Southern Europe that developed during the Early Middle Ages and continued until its dissolution in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars.

King Of Prussia

: The King Of Prussia was originally an elector under Holy Roman Emperor but later became a sovereign king. The title was held by the Hohenzollern dynasty from 1701 until the end of World War I.

League of Augsburg

: The League of Augsburg was an alliance formed in 1686 by various European powers including Austria, Spain, Sweden and several German states with an aim to resist Louis XIV's aggressive foreign policy.

Louis XIV

: Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, was a monarch who ruled as King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. His reign of 72 years is the longest recorded of any monarch in European history.

Military Revolution

: The Military Revolution refers to a radical change in military strategy and tactics with resulting major changes in government. This occurred from the 16th through to the 18th century.

Nine Years' War

: The Nine Years' War (1688-1697) was a major conflict between France and a large coalition of European powers including Austria, Spain, England and others. It involved battles in Europe as well as colonies around the world.

Ottoman Empire

: The Ottoman Empire was a state that controlled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries. It was founded at the end of the 13th century in northwestern Anatolia by Osman I.

Peace of Augsburg

: The Peace of Augsburg, signed in 1555, was an agreement between Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (and his allies), and the forces of Lutheran princes which effectively ended religious warfare within the Empire.

Philip V

: Philip V (1683-1746) was the first Bourbon king of Spain. He came to power following the War of Spanish Succession, marking a shift from Habsburg rule.

Poland's decline in the 18th century

: During this period, Poland experienced several partitions by its neighboring powers - Russia, Austria, and Prussia - which led to its eventual disappearance from maps until 1918.

Protestant Reformation

: The Protestant Reformation was a major 16th century European movement aimed initially at reforming the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Its religious aspects were supplemented by ambitious political rulers who wanted to extend their power and control at the expense of the Church.

Spain: The Habsburgs

: The Habsburgs were a royal family that ruled Spain from 1516 to 1700. They played a significant role in shaping European politics and history during their reign.

Spanish navy under the Habsburgs

: The Spanish navy under the rule of the Habsburgs was one of the most formidable military forces in Europe. It played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining Spain's overseas empire.

Tercio infantry

: The Tercio was a military formation used by Spanish armies during the Habsburg reign. It combined pikemen, swordsmen, and arquebusiers (early gunners) in a way that revolutionized warfare.

Thirty Years' War

: The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) was a series of wars fought by various European nations for reasons including religious, dynastic, territorial and commercial disputes.

Treaty of Utrecht

: The Treaty of Utrecht, signed in 1713, ended the War of Spanish Succession. It marked the rise of British power and significantly reduced French influence in Europe.

Treaty of Westphalia

: The Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648, ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe. It marked a turning point in European history by establishing the concept of sovereign states and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs.

War of Spanish Succession

: The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was a major European conflict triggered by the death of the childless Charles II of Spain. It involved several European powers who were trying to prevent the unification of the Spanish and French thrones under one Bourbon monarch.

Wars of King Louis XIV

: The Wars of King Louis XIV were a series of military conflicts that took place during the reign of French King Louis XIV, from 1667 to 1714. They significantly shaped the balance of power in Europe.

William of Orange

: William III was a Dutch prince who became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland following the Glorious Revolution. He ruled jointly with his wife Mary II.

3.6 Balance of Power

5 min readjanuary 21, 2023

Catherine Brown

Catherine Brown

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

Catherine Brown

Catherine Brown

Jillian Holbrook

Jillian Holbrook

After the in 1648, a new competitive state system developed, heralding new patterns of warfare and diplomacy. The concept of replaced religion as the center of military and diplomatic objectives. asserted that nations could secure their own security by preventing any one state from gaining too much power.

Thus, nations had increased incentive to work together to prevent domination by any one nation and check the power of other nations.

After the Thirty Years War, France emerged as the dominant European power under the rule of , the “Sun King.” In addition, the decline of the –which was not holy, Roman, or much of an empire–as well as the decline of the , allowed other nations to expand. 

The Wars of King Louis XIV

wanted to expand France’s borders, causing other nations to align to offset France’s power. France’s main rival was Spain, as Louis desired to take over Spanish Habsburg possessions. In the , Louis invaded the Spanish Netherlands but was forced to retreat by combined English and Swedish pressure, leading to the (1672-1678), during which Spain ceded Flanders and Franche-Comte to France.

In response, created the (aka the ) with England, Spain, and the to check French expansion.  The , which pitted the against France, resulted in the loss of the French territory Lorraine (although France kept the Alsace region) and the acceptance of as the rightful King of England. 

The was most damaging for Louis and France. died without an heir, meaning the Spanish throne would be passed to ’s grandson, Philip. Other European nations feared this would allow to merge the Spanish and French thrones. The went to war against France to prevent Philip from taking the throne.

In 1713, the ended the war. Philip could become King of Spain (), but the Spanish and French thrones could never unite. Austria also gained control of the Spanish Netherlands (Belgium) as well as Naples, Milan, and Sardinia. The became , which would emerge as a powerful German state. Finally, the war devastated the French economy, driving France into deep debt and turning public opinion against

Decline of Empires 

The of the 16th century and the subsequent left the religiously divided between Protestantism and Catholicism. The and the politically divided the empire into 300 states. The Holy Roman Emperor had no army, revenue, or even central authority, and as a result, and became the leading German states within the empire. 

Poland also experienced a decline in the 18th century. The king was elected by the diet (legislature), made up of nobles who restricted monarchical power, and all political decisions required the unanimous support of all nobles, meaning little was ever accomplished. Poland soon became vulnerable to stronger nations, and throughout the 18th century, it was partitioned by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. After the final partition in 1795, the state of Poland ceased to exist. 

The also experienced a marked decline. After combined Austrian, German, and Polish forces expelled the Ottomans at the in 1683, the Ottomans ended their westward expansion, sparking a gradual period of decline. The empire would remain intact until WWI, but it was increasingly regarded as the “sick man of Europe.” Internal pressures, despite attempts to modernize, weakened the empire throughout the 19th century. 

Technological Developments 

The Military Revolution

Advances in military technology created new forms of warfare, including greater reliance on infantry, firearms, mobile cannon, and more elaborate fortifications, causing a . These developments were financed by heavier taxation, requiring a larger bureaucracy, which furthered the rise of consolidated nation-states. New military techniques and institutions tipped the to states that were able to acquire sufficient resources to support a growing, modern military.

Sweden: Gustavus Adolphus

The Swedish of the early 17th century, also known as the , was a period of significant military and political change in Sweden under the leadership of King . , who ruled from 1611 to 1632, implemented a number of sweeping changes to the Swedish military and government, transforming it into one of the most powerful and modern armies of the time. These changes included the creation of a standing, professional army, the establishment of a centralized command structure, and the introduction of new tactics and technology, such as the use of mobile artillery.

was a skilled military strategist and tactician, and his innovation and leadership were instrumental in Sweden's military successes during the and other conflicts in the early 17th century.

Spain: The Habsburgs

One of the key aspects of Spain's under the Habsburgs was the development of a powerful navy. During the 16th century, Spain's navy was expanded and improved, making it one of the most powerful navies in the world at the time. This allowed Spain to establish a global empire and control the seas, which was essential to the country's economic and political power.

Another aspect of Spain's was the development of a powerful and well-trained infantry. The Habsburgs introduced a new type of infantry, known as the tercio, which was composed of pikemen, musketeers, and arquebusiers. These soldiers were highly trained and well-equipped, becoming instrumental to Spain's military successes during the 16th and 17th centuries.

However, Spain's also had its downsides. The Habsburgs' constant warfare and expanding empire drained the country's resources, leading to economic difficulties and eventually to the decline of Spain as a major European power.

🎥 Watch: AP Euro - Economics and Society (1450-1789)

Key Terms to Review (30)

Balance of Power

: The balance of power is a political concept where nations ensure that no single country becomes significantly stronger than others, preventing any one entity from dominating.

Battle of Vienna

: The Battle of Vienna took place in 1683 where Holy Roman Empire forces and their allies stopped an advancing Ottoman Empire trying to conquer Vienna.

Charles II of Spain

: Charles II (1661-1700) was known as 'the Bewitched' due to his physical disabilities and mental instability. His reign saw economic decline, political instability, and military losses for Spain. His death without an heir sparked off the War Of Spanish Succession.

Duke of Brandenburg

: The Duke (later Elector) was a title given to rulers in several historical regions in Germany. The Duchy was part of Holy Roman Empire until it became Kingdom Prussia.

Dutch War

: The Dutch War (1672-1678), also known as Franco-Dutch War, was a conflict initiated by France under King Louis XIV against the Dutch Republic with an aim to expand French territory.

Grand Alliance

: The Grand Alliance was a European coalition, consisting primarily of Austria, England, and the Dutch Republic, formed in 1689 to halt French expansion during the War of the League of Augsburg (or Nine Years' War).

Gustavian era

: The Gustavian era refers to the period of history from 1772-1809 when King Gustav III and then his son ruled Sweden, marking a time of political reform and cultural flourishing.

Gustavus Adolphus

: Gustavus Adolphus was King of Sweden from 1611 to 1632 who is often regarded as one of the greatest military commanders in history. He led Sweden during a crucial part of what is now known as The Thirty Years' War.

Habsburg-ruled-Austria

: This refers to the period from 1521 until 1918 when Austria was ruled by the members of the House of Habsburg (and later by the House of Habsburg-Lorraine), one of the most influential royal houses in Europe.

Hohenzollern-ruled-Prussia

: The Hohenzollerns were a German royal family who ruled Prussia from 1525 to 1918. They transformed Prussia into one of the leading military and political powers in Europe.

Holy Roman Empire

: The Holy Roman Empire was a multi-ethnic complex of territories in Western, Central and Southern Europe that developed during the Early Middle Ages and continued until its dissolution in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars.

King Of Prussia

: The King Of Prussia was originally an elector under Holy Roman Emperor but later became a sovereign king. The title was held by the Hohenzollern dynasty from 1701 until the end of World War I.

League of Augsburg

: The League of Augsburg was an alliance formed in 1686 by various European powers including Austria, Spain, Sweden and several German states with an aim to resist Louis XIV's aggressive foreign policy.

Louis XIV

: Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, was a monarch who ruled as King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. His reign of 72 years is the longest recorded of any monarch in European history.

Military Revolution

: The Military Revolution refers to a radical change in military strategy and tactics with resulting major changes in government. This occurred from the 16th through to the 18th century.

Nine Years' War

: The Nine Years' War (1688-1697) was a major conflict between France and a large coalition of European powers including Austria, Spain, England and others. It involved battles in Europe as well as colonies around the world.

Ottoman Empire

: The Ottoman Empire was a state that controlled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries. It was founded at the end of the 13th century in northwestern Anatolia by Osman I.

Peace of Augsburg

: The Peace of Augsburg, signed in 1555, was an agreement between Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (and his allies), and the forces of Lutheran princes which effectively ended religious warfare within the Empire.

Philip V

: Philip V (1683-1746) was the first Bourbon king of Spain. He came to power following the War of Spanish Succession, marking a shift from Habsburg rule.

Poland's decline in the 18th century

: During this period, Poland experienced several partitions by its neighboring powers - Russia, Austria, and Prussia - which led to its eventual disappearance from maps until 1918.

Protestant Reformation

: The Protestant Reformation was a major 16th century European movement aimed initially at reforming the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Its religious aspects were supplemented by ambitious political rulers who wanted to extend their power and control at the expense of the Church.

Spain: The Habsburgs

: The Habsburgs were a royal family that ruled Spain from 1516 to 1700. They played a significant role in shaping European politics and history during their reign.

Spanish navy under the Habsburgs

: The Spanish navy under the rule of the Habsburgs was one of the most formidable military forces in Europe. It played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining Spain's overseas empire.

Tercio infantry

: The Tercio was a military formation used by Spanish armies during the Habsburg reign. It combined pikemen, swordsmen, and arquebusiers (early gunners) in a way that revolutionized warfare.

Thirty Years' War

: The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) was a series of wars fought by various European nations for reasons including religious, dynastic, territorial and commercial disputes.

Treaty of Utrecht

: The Treaty of Utrecht, signed in 1713, ended the War of Spanish Succession. It marked the rise of British power and significantly reduced French influence in Europe.

Treaty of Westphalia

: The Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648, ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe. It marked a turning point in European history by establishing the concept of sovereign states and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs.

War of Spanish Succession

: The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was a major European conflict triggered by the death of the childless Charles II of Spain. It involved several European powers who were trying to prevent the unification of the Spanish and French thrones under one Bourbon monarch.

Wars of King Louis XIV

: The Wars of King Louis XIV were a series of military conflicts that took place during the reign of French King Louis XIV, from 1667 to 1714. They significantly shaped the balance of power in Europe.

William of Orange

: William III was a Dutch prince who became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland following the Glorious Revolution. He ruled jointly with his wife Mary II.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.