Lecture Notes: Revolutions and Nationalism

Introduction

• Discussion on revolutions
• Main causes of revolutionary fervor:
  1. Rise of nationalism
  2. Discontent with monarchist and imperial rule
  3. Development of new ideologies and systems of government

Rise of Nationalism

• Nationalism: Sense of commonality among people with shared language, religion, and customs
• Desire for territory associated with nationalism
• Historical context:
  • Empires like Ottoman and Mongol included diverse peoples
  • Emergence of the idea that culturally similar people should rule themselves
• States fostering nationalism:
  • Use of schools and public rituals to promote national unity
  • Example: Russia imposing Russian language, leading to counter-nationalism in Ukraine, Poland, and Finland

Discontent with Monarchist and Imperial Rule

• General rejection of oppressive governmental authority
• Examples of resistance:
  • Safavid Empire faced rebellion due to harsh taxes
  • Decline of Ottoman Empire aided by Wahhabi movement

New Ideologies and Systems of Government

• Influence of Enlightenment thinkers like Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu
• Popular sovereignty: Power belongs to the people
• Emergence of democracy and liberalism:
  • Protection of civil rights
  • Representative government
  • Economic freedom

Major Atlantic Revolutions

American Revolution (1776)

• British colonies develop independently
• Post-Seven Years' War: British impose taxes leading to rebellion
• Declaration of Independence incorporates Enlightenment principles
• Result: American victory with French aid; establishment of the United States (1783)

French Revolution (1789)

• Inspiration from American Revolution and Enlightenment ideals
• Overthrow of absolutist monarchy
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

Haitian Revolution (1791)

• Haiti, a prosperous French colony, influenced by French revolutionary ideals
• Enslaved population revolts under Toussaint Louverture
• Establishment of the first black republic in the Western Hemisphere

Latin American Revolutions

• Influence of Enlightenment ideas on Spanish and Portuguese colonies
• Creole class discontent with peninsulares
• Napoleon's invasion prompts instability and revolution
• Leaders like Simón Bolívar advocate for self-rule
• Result: Independence and republican governments across Latin America

Other Nationalist Movements

Philippines Propaganda Movement

• Spanish colony with educational restrictions
• Filipino students absorb European nationalist ideas
• Suppression by Spanish authorities leads to Philippine Revolution

Unification of Italy and Germany

• Previously fragmented into multiple states
• Nationalism inspires unification through military and diplomatic efforts

Conclusion

• Additional resources available for review and note guides
• Emphasis on understanding the role of nationalism in revolutionary movements