Final answer:
Internal conflicts and outside threats shaped European political and economic development in this period through political transformations, territorial conflicts, military alliances, and desires to protect or gain territory and wealth.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this period, both internal conflicts and outside threats played significant roles in shaping European political and economic development.
Internal conflict among European powers led to political transformations, territorial conflicts, and military alliances. For example, the rivalry between Prussia and France over Alsace-Lorraine created tensions and garrisoning troops on their common border. These conflicts and historic grievances framed the tensions in European politics.
Outside threats, such as Viking invasions and European explorers claiming resources from indigenous groups, also shaped European political and economic development. These conflicts were driven by desires to protect or gain territory and wealth.