19th-Century Europe: A Century of Power, Revolution, and Imperial Ambition

Europe's journey from 1815 to 1914 was a tumultuous century marked by the relentless pursuit of "power." This pursuit permeated every level of society, from nations vying for global dominance to governments seeking imperial authority, militaries augmenting their strength, and revolutionaries plotting to seize control.

This period saw Europe complete its "modern" era and begin its "contemporary" one, a time of immense dynamism and rapid transformation. While advancements in transportation, communication, and economic growth fueled progress, and democratic values saw some gains, the era was also characterized by the violent backlash against failed revolutions, the development of devastating weaponry, and the exploitation of colonial territories.

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The pursuit of power permeated all levels of 19th-century European society. Nations sought global power, governments pursued imperial authority, militaries increased their strength, and revolutionaries plotted to seize control.

Historian Richard J. Evans, in "The Pursuit of Power: Europe 1815–1914," argues that "power" became the ultimate value, superseding honor and glory. By the late 19th century, this pursuit of power was racialized, with Europeans viewing their dominance over other regions as proof of their superiority.

Evans's work, translated into Korean, adopts a "world history" perspective, focusing on the lives of ordinary people amidst grand historical shifts. He challenges the traditional view of 19th-century European history as solely defined by nation-states and international relations, advocating for a transnational approach to understand the era's complexities.

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By the late 19th century, 'power' was re-conceptualized racially, as Europeans considered their hegemony over vast regions of the rest of the world as evidence of their superiority over the region's inhabitants.