Introduction [excerpt] The following thesis is written to explain how conflicting strategic visions of empire and imperial design of Russia and Japan from 1890 to 1917 resulted in a political climate that greatly contributed to subsequent armed conflicts. The research explores the legacies of the First Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War and the role they had in a geopolitical competition between Russia and Japan. Additional themes central to this thesis include the gradual process of undermining...

Introduction [excerpt] This paper demonstrates that Tsar Alexander I was genuine in his desire to liberate Europe and to bring stability to the continent. He was a revolutionary leader who embarked on a crusade to establish a new order in Europe. He was a champion of lost causes and his actions were not motivated by personal ambitions. He used his authority at the Congress of Vienna and the period after to enforce his vision for territorial and constitutional settlement of Europe. He believed in constitutions...