Nationalism in Europe

Frédéric Sorrieu's Prints (1848)

• French artist visualized a world of democratic and social republics.
• Depicted in a series of four prints, with the first showing a procession of people offering homage to the statue of Liberty.
• Nations represented by flags and costumes; the United States and Switzerland lead, followed by France and Germany.
• Symbolism of fraternity among nations (e.g., Christ, saints).

Rise of Nationalism

• Nationalism emerged in the 19th century as a force changing political and social dynamics in Europe.
• Transition from multi-national dynastic empires to nation-states.
• Nation-states defined by a sense of collective identity and shared history.

Ernst Renan on Nationhood

• Nationhood is based on a shared glorious past, common endeavors, and sacrifices.
• Nations are a form of solidarity and guarantee liberty.

French Revolution's Nationalism (1789)

• Marked the first expression of nationalism.
• Transition of sovereignty from monarchy to citizens.
• Unified national identity through symbols like the tricolour and the concept of 'la patrie.'
• Spread of nationalism via revolutionary wars and Jacobin clubs.

Napoleonic Reforms

• Napoleon introduced the Civil Code, promoting equality before the law and abolishing feudal privileges.
• Reaction to French rule was mixed; initial support turned to hostility due to political repression and taxation.

Early 19th Century Europe

• Dominated by aristocracy and peasantry.
• The growth of industrial production led to the rise of a new middle class.

Liberal Nationalism

• Advocated for freedom, equality before the law, and government by consent.
• Economic liberalism called for free markets and unified economic territories.

Conservative Restoration and Reaction

• Post-1815: Conservativism aimed to strengthen traditional institutions.
• The Congress of Vienna attempted to restore old monarchical orders.

Romanticism and National Culture

• Romanticism played a role in nationalism by glorifying shared cultural pasts.
• Artists like the Grimm Brothers contributed to nation-building by preserving folk culture.

Revolutions of 1830-1848

• Demand for nation-states led by middle-class liberals.
• The Greek war of independence exemplified nationalist movements.

Role of Women

• Women participated in political movements but faced discrimination regarding suffrage rights.

Unification of Germany and Italy

• Bismarck led Germany's unification through strategic wars and diplomacy.
• Mazzini, Garibaldi, and Cavour were key figures in Italy's unification.

British Nation-State Formation

• Resulted from gradual processes and English dominance over Scotland and Ireland.

Visualizing Nations

• Nations personified as female figures (e.g., Marianne for France, Germania for Germany).

Nationalism and Imperialism

• By late 19th century, nationalism became narrow and aligned with imperialist ambitions.
• The Balkan region became a hotbed of nationalist tensions leading to WWI.

Conclusion

• Nationalism had both unifying and divisive effects across Europe, leading to the formation of nation-states and contributing to inter-state conflicts.