The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

Introduction

• Lecture presented with enthusiasm to engage students
• Focus on the significance of nationalism in European history
• Encouragement to share and like for more educational content

Frederick Sorrieu's Vision

• Artist: Frederick Sorrieu, 1848
• Picture Description: Visualized dream utopian world with nations and freedom
• Key Elements:
  • France leading the process toward nationhood
  • Germany, Italy struggling to become nation-states
  • Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom
  • Monarchy and absolutism symbolically broken down
  • U.S. and Switzerland already nation-states

Historical Context and Visualization

• People's depiction from Europe and America marching towards freedom
• Broken symbols of monarchy signify the end of absolutism
• Different people in distinct national costumes

Emergence of Nationalism

• Impact: Brought sweeping changes in 19th-century Europe politically and socially
• Motivation: Revolts driven by unfair social, economic, and political inequalities
• Nation-States: Formed through collective national sentiment
• Key Elements of Nation-State:
  • Common history
  • Collective identity
  • Shared culture and social norms

Social and Political Changes

• 1789 French Revolution as a starting point
• King Louis XVI's fall and rise of people's sovereignty
• Efforts by Revolutionaries:
  • New national identity
  • Tri-color flag
  • Estates General renamed National Assembly
  • Uniform laws and centralized administration
  • Abolition of internal duties
  • Establishing French as common language

Spread of Nationalism

• Napoleon Bonaparte's Role Post-1799:
  • Introduced Napoleonic Code
  • Equality before law, no privileges by birth
  • Secured property rights
  • Simplified administrative systems
  • Improved transportation and communication
• Downsides: Napoleon's dictatorship undermined democracy
• Local Reactions: Mixed feelings; initial support declined due to authoritarian policies

Nation-States vs. Dynastic Empires

• Nation-states replaced multinational dynastic empires
• Different ethnic groups with varied cultures under single rulers

Central Europe Under Autocratic Monarchs

• Example of Habsburg Empire with diverse ethnicities and languages
• Commonality due to being part of the same empire
• Presence of noble classes and aristocracy
• Varied regional dialects and social structures

Economic and Political Liberalism

• Early 19th century associated with liberalism
• Liberalism (Latin: 'Liber' = Free) focused on:
  • Equality before law
  • Government by consent
  • End of autocracy and clerical privileges
• Economic liberalism highlighted freedom of markets and abolition of trade restrictions

Zollverein: Standardizing Economies

• Prussian Initiative (1834): Customs union among 39 states
• Standardization of currency and measurements
• Promoted economic unity and trade

Conservatism After 1815

• Post-Napoleon Era: Return to monarchy and traditional values
• Conservatism: Gradual development over rapid changes
• Defeat of Napoleon (1815): Led by Britain, Russia, Prussia, Austria
• Treaty of Vienna (1815): Restored monarchies, balanced power among states

Liberal Nationalist Movements (1830-1848)

• Groups: Educated middle class, teachers, professors, traders
• July Revolution (1830): Overthrew Bourbon kings in France, established constitutional monarchy
• Effect: Inspired revolutions in Brussels, Belgium, and other parts of Europe

Greek War of Independence

• Against Ottoman Empire (1821): Driven by revolutionary nationalism
• Supported by Western Europe and Greek exiles
• Cultural Drive: Artists and poets galvanized European support
• Outcome: Treaty of Constantinople (1832); Greece gained independence

Secret Societies and Underground Movements

• Post-1815 Repression: Led to formation of secret societies
• Key Figures: Giuseppe Mazzini and his societies (Young Italy and Young Europe)
• Objective: Oppose monarchies, establish democratic republics

Summary

• Influence of French Revolution on European thought and systems
• Development of national identities and states through revolutions
• Continuing struggle for democratic rights and independence in 19th-century Europe