Lecture Notes: The Statue of Liberty and Nationalism in Europe

The Statue of Liberty as a Symbol

The Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom and emerged as a response to the denial of basic rights.
The French artist Ritsu Raw depicted it in his work 'Universal Democratic and Social Republic'.
- Highlighted a utopian world with liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- Showcased people from different countries, evolving towards the Statue.
- Represented by national costumes and revolutionary flags.
- Symbolized the end of absolutist institutions.
- Used angels and Christ to emphasize fraternity.

French Revolution and Nationalism

French Revolution (1789) as the first expression of nationalism.
Overthrow of absolutism and Move towards a constitutional monarchy.
Formation of national identity and pride through symbols like the tricolor flag.
Establishment of common language and abolition of feudal privileges.
Influence on Europe leading to widespread movements against autocracy.

The Impact of Napoleon Bonaparte

Post Revolution, Napoleon seized the opportunity to shift the power dynamics.
Introduced the Napoleonic Code (Civil Code of 1804):
- Abolished noble privileges based on birth.
- Established equality before law and property rights.
Though administrative changes were positive, his eventual return to monarchy overshadowed his reforms.

The Growth of Liberalism and Nationalism in 19th Century Europe

Emergence of new social groups: middle-class (industrialists, professionals) and working-class.
Middle-class led the push against autocracy with liberal ideologies.
Liberalism focused on individual rights, free markets, and private property.
Middle-class formed alliances to push for economic freedom and unified territory.
Establishment of Customs Union (Zollverein) by German states in 1834.

Conservatism and Liberal Movements

Post-Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna (1815) aimed to restore conservative order.
European powers re-established traditional monarchies and imposed censorship.
Liberals formed secret societies and propagated nationalist views.
Giuseppe Mazzini and other revolutionaries worked towards national unification.

The Wave of Revolutions (1830-1848)

Greek War of Independence (1821) against Ottoman Empire.
Series of revolutions across Europe (Italy, Germany, Poland, Turkey, Ireland).
Constitutional demands by the liberal middle class.
The significance of the Frankfurt Parliament (1848) and its failure.
Women's active roles in revolts, despite being denied political rights: Example of Louise Otto Peters.

Examination of Romantic Movement and Nationalism

Romanticism emphasized nationalism and individualism: Folk tales and art to revive culture.
Example: Grimm Brothers' fairy tales to promote German identity.

Socio-Economic Struggles

Post-1830 Europe saw economic hardships, unemployment, and bad harvests.
Revolts such as the Silesian weavers' revolt (1845) were significant events.
The liberal middle class and workmen demanded constitutional reforms.

Key Figures in National Unification

Germany's unification led by Prussia and Otto von Bismarck.
Italy's unification led by Victor Emmanuel II, Count Cavour, and Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Britain’s formation of a nation-state took a gradual approach.

Symbols of Nationalism and Gender Issues

Women’s role overshadowed despite active participation.
Symbol of feminism by activists like Louise Otto Peters demanding equality.

Shift in Nationalism post-1871

Nationalism, conservatism integrated to strengthen monarchies in Italy & Germany.
Conflicts led to new conservative regimes, continued socio-political struggles.
Notable conflict regions: Balkan region and its influence on WWI

European Imperialism

European powers' rivalry in imperialism culminated in WWI.
Nationalist movements in colonized countries led to formation of nation-states.

Note: The lecture encompasses a broad timeline from the French Revolution, through the Napoleonic era, liberal and conservative movements, to the imperialistic conflicts leading up to WWI.