Nationalism in Europe: Lecture Notes

Introduction

• The previous class discussed the history of France and the end of the monarchical system.
• The story of the formation of European countries, such as Germany, Britain, and how the spirit of nationalism awakened in France.

Painting by Frédéric Sorrieu

• Imagined a utopian society in 1848.
• The painting depicted the Statue of Liberty with the Charter of Human Rights.
• Symbols of the absolutist government ended.

Concept of Nation State

• A nation state involves a collective identity and shared struggles of ancestors.
• Role of France: Impact of the French Revolution.
• The idea of La Patrie and La Citoyen.

Napoleon Bonaparte

• Took power in France in 1799.
• Established the Napoleonic Code: Uniform laws, property rights, liberation from serfdom.
• International impact of Napoleon and the cause of opposition.

Liberal Nationalism in Europe

• Demands of the new middle class: Constitution-based government, liberty, equality.
• Zollverein Customs Union: Facilitation for trade.

Treaty of Vienna 1815

• Restoration of power in Europe after Napoleon's defeat.
• Influence of conservative powers and role of Giuseppe Mazzini.

Age of Revolution (1830-1848)

• France's July Revolution and Belgium's independence.
• Greek War of Independence and the role of Karol Kipinski.

French Republic of 1848

• Establishment of the republic, expansion of universal voting rights.
• Silesia uprising and Frankfurt Parliament.

German and Italian Unification

• Otto von Bismarck and the unification of Germany.
• Victor Emmanuel II and the unification of Italy.

The Peculiar Case of Britain

• Influence of the English Parliament and the construction of Britain along with Scotland, Ireland.

Visualizing the Nation

• Allegories: Symbolic representations of Germania and Marianna.

Nationalism and Imperialism

• Conflict in the Balkan region: Demand for Slavic independence.
• Decline of the Ottoman Empire and intervention of major European powers.

Important Questions

• Points of German and Italian unification, Balkan conflict.
• Chronology of various events and image-based questions.

These notes help develop an understanding of the rise of nationalism and the formation of various nations in Europe.