European Nationalism and Revolutions

Overview

This lecture covers the rise of nationalism in Europe, its symbolism, key historical events, and the impact on nation formation, focusing on the period from the French Revolution to the early 19th-century revolutions.

The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

• Nationalism emerged as a powerful force in 19th-century Europe, leading to new nation-states.
• Frederick Sorrieu’s 1848 painting visualized a utopian world of free nation-states.
• The painting showed France, Germany, Italy, and others striving for national unity, symbolized by the Statue of Liberty.

The French Revolution and Spread of Nationalism

• The French Revolution (1789) shifted power from monarchy to the people, proclaiming the nation belonged to its citizens.
• Revolutionaries created a new tri-colored flag, elected a National Assembly, and implemented uniform laws.
• Internal customs were abolished, and French was promoted to foster unity.
• The revolution inspired other nations and led to wars aimed at liberating Europe from absolute monarchs.

Napoleon and the Napoleonic Code

• Napoleon Bonaparte seized power in 1799, establishing himself as emperor.
• The Napoleonic Code introduced equality before law, secured property rights, and abolished feudal privileges.
• Standardized weights, measures, and currency improved trade, but Napoleon ended democracy and restored monarchy.
• Initial support for French reforms faded due to censorship and military conscription.

Diversity in European Empires

• Eastern and Central Europe included multinational empires like the Habsburg Empire with diverse languages and cultures.
• The only unifying factor was rule by a common monarch, not shared identity.

Social Structure and the New Middle Class

• Europe was divided into aristocrats (nobles), peasants, and an emerging middle class due to industrialization.
• The middle class (traders, professionals) promoted liberal and nationalist ideas.

Liberalism and National Unity

• Liberalism advocated for equality before the law and government by consent.
• Voting rights were limited to property-owning men; women and the poor were excluded.
• Economic liberalism demanded free markets and removal of trade barriers.
• Zollverein, a customs union led by Prussia, standardized currency and measurements.

Conservatism after 1815 and the Treaty of Vienna

• After Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, European leaders aimed to restore monarchies and traditional institutions.
• The Treaty of Vienna redistributed territories and reinforced conservative regimes.
• Censorship was imposed to suppress dissent; liberal nationalists formed secret societies.

Age of Revolutions (1830-1848)

• Liberal nationalists led revolutions to overthrow monarchies and establish constitutional governments.
• The July Revolution (1830) in France inspired uprisings in Belgium and Greece.
• The Greek War of Independence (1821-1832) led to Greece becoming a nation-state with support from European liberals and the Treaty of Constantinople.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Nation-state — A state where citizens share a common identity, history, and culture.
• Absolutism — System where a monarch holds all power.
• Liberalism — Ideology promoting equality before law and individual freedoms.
• Conservatism — Preference for tradition and gradual change, supporting monarchy and established order.
• Zollverein — Prussian-led customs union that removed trade barriers.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review NCERT textbook slides on "The Rise of Nationalism in Europe."
• Prepare answers on the impact of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Code.
• Read about the unification of Italy and Germany for the next session.