Notes: Nationalism in Europe
Introduction
- Start: Picture-based introduction. Preceding story is essential.
- Key Event: 1789 French Revolution removed monarchy's power and gave it to citizens.
- Problem: Power was with citizens but no unity.
- Solution: Nationalism to bring unity across Europe.
Study Plan
- Detailed study by reviewing NCERT images, points, and Q&A.
- Description and resource links provided, including important questions.
- Interactive, movie-like presentation of chapter.
French Revolution and Nationalism
Key Events and Concepts
- New French Flag: Introduced as a symbol of unity.
- National Assembly: Formed post-revolution, elected by active citizens.
- Centralized Administrative System: Aimed to create common laws, moving away from monarch-driven, varied rules.
- Fatherland Concept: United community with equal rights.
- Abolishing Internal Customs: Unified system for consistent measurement and taxes.
- Common Language: French became the national language.
Nationalism Spread
- Jacobin Clubs: Helped spread revolutionary ideas across Europe.
- Key Figures: Revolutionaries promoted nationalism beyond France.
- Napoleon Bonaparte: Rose to power in 1799, introduced reforms.
Napoleonic Code
Merits and Demerits
- Merits: Equality before the law, administrative simplification, improved communication and transport systems, single national currency.
- Demerits: Increased taxes, censorship, forced conscription.
Making of Nationalism in Europe
Social Structure and Liberal Nationalism
- Classes: Aristocracy (landed elite) and peasants/small landowners.
- Middle Class Emergence: Due to industrialization; pushed for liberal nationalism.
- Liberal Nationalism: Advocated personal freedom and unity; political and economic liberalism.
Zolverrein (Custom Union)
- Formed in 1834: Initiated by Prussia to reduce trade barriers and unify measures and currency.
Fall of Napoleon and Congress of Vienna
Key Events
- Defeat: NapoleonтАЩs defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 by the Quadruple Alliance (Britain, Prussia, Russia, Austria).
- Congress of Vienna (1815): Restored pre-revolutionary dynasties and redrew European borders to prevent French expansion.
Resistance and Revolutionary Sentiment
- Notable Figures: Giuseppe Mazzini (Italian revolutionary) opposed monarchical rule.
- Failures and New Governors: Monarchs continued to face opposition; new administrative changes post-1848 revolutions.
Period of Revolutions (1830-1848)
- Uprisings: France (July Revolution), Greece (War of Independence), widespread economic hardships and food shortages leading to revolts.
- Political Changes: Grants suffrage to male citizens, creation of national workshops for employment.
- Frankfurt Parliament: Failed attempt to unify Germany under a constitution; suppression of revolts by monarchs.
Unification of Germany and Italy
Germany
- Key Figures: Otto von Bismarck led unification efforts backed by Prussian military and bureaucracy.
- Victory: Against France, Austria, Denmark leading to January 1871 unification.
- Symbol: King William I crowned as Kaiser in Versailles.
Italy
- Key Figures: Mazzini (Young Italy movement), Count Cavour (prime minister), Garibaldi (military leader).
- Unification: Succeeded by 1861 with Victor Emmanuel II as king; territorial adjustments continued.
i## BritainтАЩs Unique Path
Formation of United Kingdom
- Background: No initial concept of a British nation; gradual consolidation of English dominance over surrounding regions (Wales, Scotland, Ireland).
- Key Acts: Act of Union 1707 (Scotland), gradual control over Ireland by supporting and manipulating local conflicts.
- National Symbols: Union Jack, national anthem, English language.
Visualization of Nationalism
Representation through Symbols
- Adopted Figures: France (Marianne), Germany (Germania).
- Art and Symbolism: Common symbols in art (broken chains, red cap) to represent liberty and heroism.
Nationalism and Imperialism
Balkan Region
- Ethnic Diversity: Region characterized by numerous ethnic groups leading to complex political scenarios.
- Conflict Trigger: Decline of Ottoman Empire led to nationalistic struggles and independence claims.
- Role of Powers: Major European countries supported Balkan nationalism for strategic gains, leading to broader conflicts.
- Outcome: Contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
Important Dates
- French Revolution: 1789
- Napoleonic Code: 1804
- Battle of Waterloo: 1815
- Congress of Vienna: 1815
- Zolverrein Formation: 1834
- Greek War of Independence: 1821-1832
- Unification of Germany: 1871
- Unification of Italy: 1861
- Act of Union: 1707 (UK), 1801 (Ireland)
- Period of Revolutions: 1830-1848