Class 10 History Notes: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

Introduction

• Chapter: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe 1848
• Focus: Artistic and political developments leading to nationalism.

Key Artist: Frederick Sorio

• French artist who conceptualized democratic and republican ideals.
• Created artwork named "The Pact Between Nations."
  • Features Statue of Liberty symbolizing freedom.
  • One hand holds a torch; the other a charter of human rights.
  • Represents the decline of monarchy (depicted by royal artifacts on the ground).

Historical Context: Impact of the French Revolution (1789)

• Shift from monarchy to the power of the common citizen.
• Changes introduced by the revolution:
  • Political Power: Transferred from monarchy to citizens.
  • New Flag: Introduction of a national flag with three colors.
  • National Language: French declared as the national language.
  • National Anthem: Composed a new national anthem.
  • Elections: Common citizens began electing representatives, forming the National Assembly.
  • Custom Duties: Removal of international custom duties.
• French army began spreading nationalist sentiments across Europe.

Napoleon Bonaparte's Influence (1799-1815)

• Established the Civil Code of 1804, focusing on:
  • Equality Before Law: All people treated equally, abolishing noble privileges.
  • Property Rights: Ensured rights to property for citizens.
  • Standardized Weights, Measures, and Currency: Simplified transactions.
  • Trade Regulations: Removed restrictions for free trade.
• Initially viewed as a hero; later faced backlash for authoritarian rule and forced conscription.

The Development of Nationalism in Europe

Mid 18th Century:

• No nation-states existed; power held by monarchs over diverse populations.
• The concept of nation-states began to emerge amidst diversity.

Social Classes:

• Aristocracy: Wealthy minority with significant power.
• Peasants: Majority without power or land, worked for aristocrats.
• Emergence of Middle Class: Resulting from the Industrial Revolution, demanding political representation and reforms.

Liberal Nationalism:

• Advocated the end of autocracy, establishment of legislatures, and equal rights.
• Failed to support women's rights in their reform movements.

Economic Challenges:

• High taxation and multiple currencies caused trade difficulties.
• Custom Union (Zollverein) established in 1834 by Prussia to facilitate trade among German states.

Revolutions of 1848

• Multiple revolutions in Europe, termed as the Age of Revolutions.
• French Revolution: King of Bourbon was ousted; constitutional monarchy established.
• Belgian Revolution: Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands.
• Greek Revolution: 1821 uprising for independence from Ottoman Empire, supported by West European countries.

Romanticism

• Cultural movement promoting emotional connections to one's nation.
• Celebrated national culture through arts and literature.
• The example of Poland: Resistance against imposition of Russian language through cultural preservation.

Economic Hardships and Revolutions

• The introduction of new machinery in Britain led to a rural exodus as people sought jobs in cities.
• 1848: Paris witnessed revolts leading to the establishment of the Second Republic.
• Silesia Revolt (1845): Weavers revolted against reduced payment.

Middle-Class Revolutions

• In 1848, the middle class demanded a national state and parliamentary rights.
• German National Assembly formed in Frankfurt but failed due to ignorance of the working class.

Unification of Germany and Italy

Germany

• Prussia’s leadership in the unification process.
• Otto von Bismarck: Key figure in resisting revolutions and achieving unification through strategic wars (against Austria, France).
• 1871: Establishment of the German Empire under Kaiser William I.

Italy

• Italy was fragmented into multiple states.
• Key Figures: Guiseppe Mazzini and Count Cavour played vital roles in unification.
• 1861: Unified Italy under a single monarchy.

The Case of Britain

• A gradual unification through legislation and dominance over Scotland and Ireland, forming the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Conclusion

• By the end of the 19th century, nationalism transformed into imperialism, leading to the domination of smaller nations by larger ones.
• Balkan region movements exemplified this transition, forming a backdrop for future conflicts.