User:Abhishek.kmr243

=
'''Environment, Technology, and the Origins of War ===== It used to be that history textbooks about Europe described the period between 1815 and 1914 as an era of tranquility. It is true that during that time period the most powerful countries in Europe tended not to fight with each other. This tranquility contrasted strongly with the era of the French Revolution and Napoleon (1789–1815), when large numbers of Europeans fought and died for the sake of their nations and empires. By comparison, the period from 1815 to 1914 does seem relatively tranquil. The relative absence of warfare between nations allowed for a major burst in industrialization and technological development, which resulted in disruptions, to be sure, even as the overall standard of living rose in most places. Yet this era cannot honestly be described as an era of complete tranquility. In the middle of the century, major conflicts were associated with the unification of the German and Italian nations. In response to the forces of nationalism, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire fought to stave off disintegration. Meanwhile, Britain and France—and to a lesser degree Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, and the United States—expanded their empires overseas. For the most part, their colonies were obtained by shedding the blood of the native inhabitants and, to a lesser extent, the blood of their own soldiers. The building of nations, empires, and industries was the main feature of European, Japanese, and U.S. history in the period from 1850 to 1914. The times seemed peaceful from the perspective of the industrializing countries, but much of the rest of the world found itself dominated by force.