Development of the Concept of Europe - Essay Example

How has the idea of Europe changed since 1700 Introduction Europe has been considered as the cradle of modern civilization for long. The Hellenic perception of life controlled the basic concept of Europe since the age of early Greek thinkers and philosophers like Socrates, Plato, Aristophanes and Herodotus to name a few. Later during the Roman period this same conception was injected into the roman way of life. Thought it should be mentioned this infiltration of ideas originating from Greek ideology was more or less distilled to suit the Roman mind. In the later stages this Greek and Roman perceptions were furthermore transformed into Christian philosophy which ultimately gave birth to the idea of Humanism during the renaissance periods. (Mukherjee, 22) But it should be remembered that the idea of Europe, as we know it today, was still in its infancy dealing in ideologies and fundamentals that are not much different from the rest of the known and civilized world. As late as the beginning of the 1700 AD there were still the practice of feudalism in one form or another, there were states that used bonded labours and encouraged slavery, woman rights were not known and structural academic movements were still at bay. This society needed a thrust to start off. And that thrust was inspired from a political movement in England. Basic formation of the Idea The Act of Union was passed in British Council whereby four states, England, Ireland, Scotland and Welsh came together to form a political union know as United Kingdom of Great Britain. Subsequent Act of Union was passed in 1707 and 1800 and this was the point of a growing concept which ultimately is on its way towards a unified European Union in the 21st Century. The perception of a common fiscal policy has been granted by most of the states of Europe and Union of European could be within striking distance. However, this modern concept of unification of states is a step towards a better and mutually prosperous situation but at the same time it should be kept in mind the development of Europe as a concept or idea started with other variables too. (Mukherjee, 81) The concept of Europe as a unified cultural sect started along the path of the 1700s and the basic idea of Europe is that unified perception of thought process bounded by cultural, social, religious and political homogeneousness. There are other variables to develop this homogeneousness of states in Europe whereby the idea could be put forward. Religion One such variable is the growth of Christianity as a binding force. It is obvious that religion played an enormous part as the determining factor of conceptualising the unified idea of Europe. The Eight Crusades were just a beginning of this bonding. Though Christianity has changed face along with time and space and at present there are three major distributaries of the religion viz. Roman Catholic, Protestant and Greek Orthodox it cannot be denied that Christ as a Prophet, despite being Semitic by anthropological diversity, it should be noted and the fact that should indulged in this conception, influenced all the tribes of Europe be it Nordic, Alpine or Caucasian. Although, no one can ignore that during the inquisition period this religion did enough to set back the clock for Europe, at least scientifically. But this same inquisition period can be put forward to ensure the bondage that that spread across Europe with the substantial feel of brotherhood. Political Apart from the Act of Union in Great Britain there came another exemplary act that forced all Europe to reconsider their usual concept of life and perception of politics all at the same time all over Europe. This was the French revolution of the late 18th Century. On 20 September 1792 the National Convention abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. Due to the emergency of war the National Convention created the Committee of Public Safety, controlled by the Jacobin Robespierre, to act as the country's executive. Under Robespierre the committee initiated the Reign of Terror, during which up to 40,000 people were executed in Paris, mainly nobles, and those convicted by the Revolutionary Tribunal, often on the flimsiest of evidence. Elsewhere in the country, counter-revolutionary insurrections were brutally suppressed. The regime was overthrown in the coup of 9 Thermidor (27 July 1794) and executed. The regime which followed ended the Terror and relaxed Robespierre's more extreme policies. (Mukherjee, 99) There were severe unrest beyond doubt but this philosophy of brotherhood gave the world a brand new concept which to them was largely European in nature thereby it was not confined as a French philosophy but a concept of Europe as a whole. Back home it was vastly not any different because this new philosophy of the new world and a completely new-fangled form of government crossed every borders of Europe- at least conceptually. The idea of Europe was building up and shaping itself towards the 20th - 21st century quite rapidly. Another important ideal was set forward by the Russian revolution. This movement was projected almost as a contrast to the usual nature of the idea of being European. But this contrast worked quite well to preserve the idea of Europe in the manner that any contrast would ultimately yield the other relative contrasting element- be it colour, meter, philosophy or political outlook. (Fletcher, 79) Socio-cultural After the relative peace of most of the 19th century, the rivalry between European powers exploded. The First World War and the Second World War worked as a catalyst in bringing nations together. Though both of the Wars were extremely disastrous in nature but they did help the nations to know each other better. The initial conception of cross border cultures were identified, evaluated and experienced in first hand by men fighting each other. The politically motivated perception of governments was in disarray completely. People knew the true picture of the combating foe in real life thereby rectifying their initial thought process with a sense of discovery that there were not too much difference altogether. (Ray, footnote 59) Similarly, with the advent of the impressionist art movement artist of different European nations came together as comrades under the roof of their artistic movement. They practised Japanese art along with other things but what they ultimately yielded was pure European in nature. Their art was known to the world as European art. (Border, 79) Economy If anything sets apart the European nation were the economic philosophies. It should be remembered that no where in the world was Industrial revolution possible at that point of time other than Europe and thus it remains so much pro European and carried so much influence in building up the concept or idea of Europe. The gross domestic product increased and other economic related issues like child mortality and poverty line came down a substantial rate. Different management theories and perception were put into use when the rest of the world lived under the influence of pseudo- feudal economy. Almost everything changed during this period. Alongside other issues developed with the development of industry. There were further needs of foreign trade along with a rapid decrease of agricultural gross product. Another important feature of the industrial revolution was the sharp decrease of birth rate therefore development in living standard was attained. Concept like division of labour and perception of wealth in relation to Karl Marx were indeed revolutionary in nature let alone the effects and affects of industry related developments. These were all new corns to reap and these were all new problems to solve and no where in the world did these problems and solutions co existed. These were all too pro European in nature and the fall out gave birth to different ideas and the idea of Europe, rather modern Europe was thus conceived. (Lamb, 226) Conclusion Continuing debate over the process of European integration continues to this day. Whereas the European Union started out as a loose economic alliance among European nations, the European Union took further steps to more closely integrate the member states, and make the EU into a more supranational organisation. But it must be considered that though there are much historical differences within each nations of Europe it is that much obvious that all the European nations are bounded by the essence of being European. This being European is a perception that every European enjoy in the heart. Being European almost signifies a sect or a clan apart with a distinct cultural and social bondage. There is also the feeling of being together under the concept of a all European currency, thus a distinct economy. Apart from this there are also the common European essence put forward by art, craft, music, literature and philosophy. All in all, all these variables put together are instrumental in shaping up the idea of Europe and placing the concept of European thought process into prominence. References: Ray, Annadasankar; 1951; Interview with Romaine Roland; Dey Books Lamb, Davis; 2004; Cult to Culture: The Development of Civilization on the Strategic Strata; National Book Trust. Fletcher, R; 2003; On International Politics; Howard & Price Border, S; 2002; Asia on Fire; National Book Trust Mukherjee, Sachin D; 1999; Chatting Politics- Spitting Hate; IBL & Alliance Ltd Read More