Class 10 History: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
Introduction to the Chapter
1848: French artist Frederic Sorrieu imagined and created four paintings envisioning a democratic and republic world.
Key painting: The Pact Between Nations тАУ depicts a statue of liberty, with a torch in one hand and the Declaration of the Rights of Man in the other, sitting above remnants of monarchical symbols. Jesus and Saints blessed the event from the sky.
Important themes: decline of monarchical systems, democratic vision.
The Impact of the French Revolution
1789: The French Revolution's impact spread across Europe.
Pre-Revolution: Monarchical rule, power concentrated with kings, people had no power.
Changes post-Revolution:
Power shifted from monarchy to common citizens.
Introduction of a new three-color flag.
French declared as the national language.
New national anthem composed, along with oath-taking.
Election of National Assembly through common people's vote.
Spread nationalistic feelings across Europe through French army.
Napoleon's Era
1799: Napoleon's rise ended democracy in France.
Introduced several reforms:
Equal treatment for all citizens, removed aristocratic privileges.
Right to property established.
Improved transportation and communication systems.
Standardized weights and measurements.
Unified different currencies.
Abolished guild restrictions for free trade.
Transformations under Napoleon were initially popular but later led to unrest due to authoritarianism, increased taxes, censorship, and forced military conscription.
Making of Nationalism in Europe
Mid-18th century: Europe lacked nation-states, diverse empires dominated by monarchs.
Differentiation between aristocrats (wealthy, landowners) and peasants (poor workers).
Industrial Revolution: Emergence of the educated, middle class advocating nation-state and liberal nationalism.
Liberal nationalism emphasized ending autocracy, promoting constitutional government, equality, and representative government.
Issues in Early 19th Century Europe
Economic hardships and growing cities leading to poor living conditions and slums.
Demand for liberal principles, including voting rights and political freedoms.
Formation of customs union (Zollverein) in 1834 to ease trade.
The Revolutions of 1848
Middle-class led revolutions advocating nation-states and liberal constitutions.
Frankfurt Parliament (first all-German National Assembly) failed due to lack of wider support and opposition from monarchy.
Unification of Germany and Italy
Unification led by ambitious leaders and strategic alliances:
Germany: Otto von Bismarck led military campaigns eventually leading to unification in 1871.
Italy: Kingdom of Sardinia's Victor Emmanuel II with help from Count Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi unified Italy by 1861.
The Case of Britain
Gradual integration through acts and political agreements:
Act of Union (1707) united England and Scotland.
1801: Ireland incorporated into the United Kingdom despite local resistance.
Cultural Impact: Romanticism and Nationalism
Romanticism: Cultural movement promoting national sentiment through art, poetry, music.
Prominent figures and movements emphasized national language and cultural pride, e.g., Johann GottfriedтАЩs views.
Nationalism and Imperialism
By the end of the 19th century, nationalist sentiments contributed to imperialism, leading to territorial expansions and conflicts.
Balkan region: Ottoman EmpireтАЩs decline fueld independence movements among diverse states.
Resulted in rivalry among major powers and contributed to the outbreak of World War I.