Europe

History reveals that, rather than a common or collective geographic and political entity, Europe was before the period of 1945 one of the most poorly defined, divergent and disorganized continents of the world. The following research offers a brief examination of the geographical perceptions that contributed to a misleading notion of Europe as a simply-defined geographical unit followed by a comprehensive examination of the more accurately diverse and fragmented community and history of Europe.

One of the reasons submitted for why a largely illusionary notion of Europe persisted before 1945 is that European history had, to that point, been viewed in the context of all European nations as a whole and as a community that was clearly distinct from any other in the world. This perception extended to the geographic delineation of Europe, an assertion that is supported by the fact that the predominant geographic expression of Europe has been largely confined to its unique existence or location between the Asian and African continents. Even more, this assertion is supported by the relatively common perception that the landmass of Europe itself essentially marked, if not the center of the world, at least "the center of some other conceptualization of the global environment".

In the decades leading up to the period of 1945, Europe presented itself as a body of nations and nation-states intent on accomplishing more than a few geographical and political goals. Nevertheless, rather than underscoring the distinctions that existed between countries within the European world, this common intent worked to create the perception of European solidarity, unity and community among foreign spectators. Interestingly, the research suggests that seriousness of the various and ultimately divisive political goals of at least a few rogue European countries were fairly shrouded by the misconception of Europe as merely an advancing and/or forward moving region of the world. Europe research papers have been written by history experts. Paper Masters can produce a custom written project following your guidelines.

Turbulent Europe

Throughout Europe, the 17th and 18th centuries were a turbulent time. Among the many wars that were fought in this age, the War of Spanish Succession and the Seven Year's War were particularly important.

During the reign of "The Sun King", Louis XIV, of France, the Kingdom of Spain fought to break away from the hegemonic rule of the Hapsburgs. Following the death of the last Hapsburg king of Spain, the new king, Phillip V slowly began to break away from French domination. Though he was a grandson of France's King Louis XIV, Phillip V wanted a sovereign Spain, while Louis XIV desired a Spain that would serve France.

The Roman Empire saw the succession of Spain and the expansions of France as a threat. Therefore, Britain, the Danish kingdoms and the HRE joined into an alliance to stem this tide. Britain's General, John Churchill, brought the greatest victories against France as he out maneuvered Louis XIV, by securing the Netherlands, and the British foothold in Northern Europe.

A few decades later, the next great war, The Seven Years' War, engulfed Europe again. The pressing of French interests in the North American regions was seen as a threat to other European nations. Prussia and Great Britain allied against France and fought for (actually) nine years. The resulting outcome saw a weakened France on the American continent, and in Europe, and a more powerful Prussia Europe, and a dominant Great Britain in North America.

Since the end of World War II, political leaders in Europe have worked to create a cohesive sustainable union, capable of economic and political harmony. These efforts have culminated in the creation of the European Union (EU) and subsequent economic integration through the introduction of the Euro. The degree of political and economic stability that has been generated in the member countries of the European Union has created an international superpower that is capable of overtaking the United States and Asia in terms of wealth.

While it is clear that Europe has achieved a significant amount of economic and political cohesion, it is also clear that the over arching character of the various governments that comprise the EU are too independent and autonomous to capitulate and create one unified state under a supranational government of Europe. In short, the United States of Europe will fail to materialize as each of the member governments will be unable to agree on a supranational government for political integration. With this argument in mind, this investigation seeks to show how the current path of the EU will prohibit political integration into one cohesive state.