The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

Introduction

• Frederic Sorrieu: Created four pictures depicting imagination of society without monarchy, fostering democratic values.
• Key Painting - The Pact Between Nations:
  • Depicts society moving towards democracy.
  • Features the Statue of Liberty holding Book of Human Rights and a torch.
  • Broken crowns of monarchy symbolize the fall of monarchies.
  • People carrying national flags moving towards liberty.
  • Gods and Jesus Christ looking pleased from above (utopian society vision).

The French Revolution & Idea of Nation

• Pre-1789: Monarchies ruled, no democratic rights for common people, succession by bloodline.
• Post-1789 (French Revolution): Major political and constitutional changes:
  1. Power shifted from monarchy to common people.
  2. Adoption of a new tricolor flag.
  3. French became the national language.
  4. Creation of a new national anthem.
  5. Voting rights were granted, State General elected (later became National Assembly).
  6. Abolishment of international custom duties.

Spread of Nationalism in Europe

• Post-revolution: French soldiers spread nationalism across Europe.

• 1799: Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, who dismissed democracy and became a powerful leader.

• Napoleonic Codes: Key reforms that influenced Europe:

  1. Equality before law.
  2. Right to property.
  3. Abolishment of feudal system.
  4. Improvement in transport & communication.
  5. Standardization of weights and measures.
  6. Removal of guild restrictions.

• Napoleon’s Downfall: Loss of popularity due to limitations on political freedom, high taxation, censorship, and forced army enlistment.

Forming of Nation-States in Europe

• 18th Century Europe: Dominated by autocracies and monarchies.
• Concept of Nation State: Region with patriotic citizens sharing common identity, culture, and language.
• Classes in Society: Aristocrats (rich, powerful, French-speaking) vs. peasants (majority, poor).
• Industrial Revolution: Rise of the middle class (industrialists, professionals).

Liberal Nationalism

• Political:
  1. End of autocracy.
  2. Government by people’s choice (democracy).
  3. Freedom for individuals.
  4. Equality before law.
  5. Constitutional and representative government.
• Social:
  • Equal political rights and voting.
• Economic:
  • Free market, reduction of taxes, standardization of currencies, and removal of customs barriers.

1830-1848 Revolutions

• July Revolution:
  • Removal of Bourbon King by liberal revolution in 1815.
  • Constitutional monarchy under Louis Philippe.
  • Belgium’s separation from United Kingdom of Netherlands after revolts.
• Greek War of Independence:
  • Fight for independence from Ottoman Empire with support from Western countries and artists.
  • Treaty of Constantinople, 1832: Greece recognized as an independent nation.

Romantic Imagination and National Feelings

• Romanticism: Cultural movement promoting nationalism.
• Johan Gottfried’s Philosophy: Culture is the essence of the nation, understanding nation through people's culture.
• Role of Language:
  • Polish revolt against Russian imposition of language.
  • Importance of vernacular languages in fostering national identity.

1830 Economic Hardships & Revolts

• Population Increase: Unemployment and migration to cities causing rise in slums.
• Economic Depression: Due to competition from cheaper English goods and poor harvests.
• Desperate Measures:
  • Revolts in Paris leading to declaration of a republic.
  • Universal male suffrage and right to work established.

Siliesia Weavers' Revolt (1845)

• Cause: Non-payment by contractors led to revolt by weavers.
• Outcome: Unsuccessful revolt, 11 weavers killed by military intervention.
• Significance: Highlighted growing unrest and willingness to fight against oppression.