Overview
This lecture covers the rise of nationalism in Europe from the French Revolution to the formation of nation-states like Germany, Italy, and Britain, highlighting key events, ideologies, and cultural influences.
Monarchies and Social Structure Before 1789
- Europe was dominated by absolute monarchies with rigid social classes: clergy, nobility, and commoners.
- Economic hardship, high taxes, and inequality led to widespread unrest among lower classes.
The French Revolution and Nationalism
- The 1789 French Revolution transferred power from the king to citizens, declaring the people the nation.
- Symbols like the tricolor flag and national hymns promoted unity and identity.
- A centralized administration, uniform laws, and the French language were established.
- Revolutionary France aimed to spread nationalism across Europe.
Napoleon and Administrative Reforms
- Napoleon's Code of 1804 established equality before the law and abolished birth privileges.
- Reforms included ending serfdom, removing guild restrictions, and improving trade.
- Napoleon's rule faced resistance due to high taxes and lack of political freedom.
Nationalism in Europe’s Diverse Regions
- Regions like Germany, Italy, and Switzerland were fragmented into smaller states with diverse cultures and languages.
- The aristocracy was powerful yet small; most Europeans were peasants or emerging middle classes.
Liberal Nationalism in Early 19th Century
- Liberalism meant individual freedom, equality before the law, and government by consent.
- Free markets and economic unification were linked to national unity (e.g., Zollverein customs union in Germany).
- Political rights were limited, often excluding women and non-property owners.
Conservatism and the Congress of Vienna
- After 1815, European leaders aimed to restore monarchies and maintain order.
- The Congress of Vienna redrew boundaries and restored dynasties to curb French influence.
- Censorship and repression were enforced, but liberal nationalist ideas persisted underground.
Revolutions and Nationalist Movements (1830–1848)
- Liberal revolutions in France and Belgium inspired nationalist uprisings across Europe.
- The Greek War of Independence was fueled by nationalist support from within and abroad.
- Romanticism promoted national identity through culture, language, and folklore.
Economic Hardship and Social Unrest
- Population growth, unemployment, and food shortages led to uprisings and revolts, notably in 1848.
- Peasants, workers, and the middle class demanded rights, reforms, and nation-states.
Unification of Germany and Italy
- Prussia, led by Bismarck, unified Germany through war and strong administration in 1871.
- Italy unified under Sardinia-Piedmont's leadership, with the help of Cavour, Garibaldi, and popular movements.
The British Nation-State
- The British nation formed gradually, incorporating Scotland and Ireland through political union and cultural dominance.
- English symbols and language became national markers, subordinating other identities.
National Symbols and Allegories
- Female figures (Marianne in France, Germania in Germany) personified nations as allegories of unity and ideals.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Nationalism — A belief in the right of people with common identity to form independent nations.
- Liberalism — Ideology advocating individual freedom, equality before law, and government by consent.
- Conservatism — Belief in preserving traditional institutions like monarchy and social hierarchies.
- Zollverein — Customs Union of German states promoting economic unification.
- Romanticism — Cultural movement emphasizing emotion and national identity through arts.
- Allegory — A symbolic figure representing abstract ideas like Liberty or the Nation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review chapter on the French Revolution and European nationalism.
- Complete assigned reading on the unification of Germany and Italy.
- Prepare for a quiz on key nationalist movements and figures in 19th-century Europe.