Exercise 1 The world has changed dramatically during the past 500 years. Let’s explore some of these historical developments, beginning with the development of sovereignty and the modern state (usually referred to as a "country" in common usage). A state possesses sovereignty when it exerts control over its internal affairs by making decisions without answering to a higher authority. Five centuries ago sovereignty was split between secular rulers, such as kings, and the Catholic Church (most Europeans were Catholics). The power of the Catholic Church was significant. For example, rulers had to consider the wishes of the Church when they made decisions about both domestic and international issues. For example, Pope Julius II was involved in the 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided the unclaimed lands of the world between European states. Let’s examine how the western hemisphere was allocated. Exercise 2 Nationalism has been one of the most pervasive forces in international relations over the last few centuries. It was unleashed fully with the French Revolution in 1789 and spread throughout Europe during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. The French spread the concepts of "liberty, equality, and fraternity," even as their armies conquered vast regions. Let’s explore the geographic scope of their conquests and influence by looking at the territories controlled by Napoleon in Europe.