Suggest me an essay topic!

**Jolt** · 03-26-2009, 18:29

I'm an International Relations student, and I have to make an essay to a class "History of International Relations". Since I am quite familiarized with the whole subjects of the class, I'm asking you to suggest a theme for my essay. It would be best to range from the 19th Century to World War 1. And it has to be something which has had a great impact in International Relations. (E.g. Berlin Conference of 1875 or the Berlin Conference of 1878)

I need a theme up to tuesday, which will be the day when I tell my professor which theme I shall pick.

**TinCow** · 03-26-2009, 19:32

Impact of the Great White Fleet on US foreign relations.
Impact of the unification of Germany on European and/or World balance of power.
Impact of the unification of Italy on European and/or World balance of power.
Impact of end of Japanese isolation and the Meiji Restoration on Asian balance of power.
Impact of the British East India Company/Raj in development of the subcontinent.
Impact of Rhodes' politics on development of the African states.
Impact of the construction of the Panama Canal on Central/South American relations.

**Jolt** · 03-26-2009, 23:24

Good call on the Meiji Restoration, I didn't remember that one. Basically, only the three "World balance of power" works in my case, along with Rhodes politics. German unification seems the most interesting.

**Lord Winter** · 03-26-2009, 23:45

You could look into the failure of Bismark alliance system.

**Jolt** · 03-27-2009, 00:01

Which was what? The alliances Germany celebrated (Russia and Italy) to isolate and neutralize Austria prior to beating the crap out of it in the Seven Weeks War or the alliances system per se?

**Lord Winter** · 03-27-2009, 00:17

Originally Posted by Jolt

Which was what? The alliances Germany celebrated (Russia and Italy) to isolate and neutralize Austria prior to beating the crap out of it in the Seven Weeks War or the alliances system per se?

Latter in Bismark's career he tried to maintain a system of alliances and treaties to isolate France and maintain Germany's new influence in Europe. However, when he left power, the system spiraled out of control and lead to the alienation of many of Germany's former allies as well as a shift in the overall diplomatic alignment of Europe. Many historians say it was one of the main causes of World War I.

**Prince Cobra** · 03-27-2009, 00:02

What about the Vienna System (1815) and its failure?

**Jolt** · 03-27-2009, 00:11

That is also interesting. The advent of Liberalism and the struggle for the Conservatives to withhold the momentum it was gaining in Europe. Although Bismarck and Germany seem more appealing. I would try the Meiji Restoration, but compared to my knowledge on European Affairs, I'd much rather keep it centered in Europe.