AP European History: Nationalism in 19th Century Europe

Overview

• Time Period: 1815-1914
• Topic: Rise of Nationalism in Europe and its consequences
• Instructor: Steve Heimler

Nation-State Concept

• Dominated Europe during the period
• New way of political organization
• Imaginary lines (borders) did not exist prior to this period

Nationalism

• Definition: Strong identification with one’s own people, culture, and heritage
• Elements of Nation-State:
  • Nation: People sharing language and culture
  • State: Land with borders and a governing body
• Example: Feeling closer to Californians than Cubans due to shared American identity
• Catalysts: Shared history, language, cultural heritage

Consequences of Nationalism

1. Romantic Idealism:

• Romantic artists and writers glorified national pasts
• Examples:
  • Grimm Brothers’ German fairy tales
  • Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables”

2. Liberal Reform:

• Led by figures like Napoleon III
• Promotion of international trade and economic boost
• Institution of Universal male suffrage

3. Political Unification:

• Movements to unite fragmented states
• Example: Giuseppe Mazzini’s Italian unification efforts with “Young Italy”

4. Racialism:

• Definition: Belief that one race is superior
• Positive Side: Pan-Slavic movement against Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empire rule
• Negative Side: Anti-Semitism against Jewish people
  • Key Event: Dreyfus Affair in France
  • Results: Pogroms and rise of Zionism (led by Theodor Herzl)

Key Figures and Movements

• Napoleon III: French leader promoting nationalistic liberal reforms
• Otto von Bismarck: Prussian leader harnessing nationalism to unify Germany
  • Provoked wars to foster German nationalism

Other Developments

• Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary: Compromise to stabilize the state and address Hungarian nationalism post-1848 revolutions
  • Creation of Austrian and Hungarian monarchies

Further Learning

• Continue reviewing Unit 7 of AP European History
• Video note guides for further study