The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

Introduction

• Europe is not a single country but an entire continent.
• Nationalism developed in various parts of this continent and how they formed into nation-states.
• Story starts from the French Revolution.

Painting by Frederic Sorrieu

• Painting titled "The Pact of Nations" (1848).
• Shows a vision of liberty across various nation-states.
• People acquiring liberty one by one, illustrating the world turning into nation-states.

The French Revolution

• The starting point for the rise of nationalism in Europe.
• France became the main nation initiating changes that spread across Europe.
• French Revolution began in 1789 with the aim of changing the power structures.

Key Concepts Introduced

• La Patrie (The Fatherland) and Le citoyen (The Citizen): To instill a sense of unity and equality.
• Adoption of new symbols like flags and songs to promote a sense of national unity.

Internal Changes in France

• Abolition of internal customs duties.
• Establishment of a national assembly to replace regional and royal assemblies.
• Introduction of changes in the administrative system (removal of guild restrictions).
• Introduction of uniform weights and measures by Napoleon.

Napoleon's Influence

• Seen as a harbinger of change and modernity initially.
• Brought various reforms but also curtailed political freedoms by establishing French control.

Nationalism in Europe Post-Napoleon

• Post-1815, rise of conservatives who defeated Napoleon led by countries like Prussia, Austria, Russia, and Britain.
• Treaty of Vienna (1815): Aimed to undo Napoleon's changes and prevent future dominance.

Romanticism

• A movement that focused on uniting people through emotions and cultural heritage (songs, dances, folklore).
• Example: German unification efforts using German culture and language.

Revolutions Across Europe (1830-1848)

• Influence of French changes seen in Belgian uprising and Greek War of Independence.
• Romanticism and cultural unity as driving forces for nationalism.

Unification of Germany and Italy

• Germany: Unification completed in January 1871 after defeating France.
• Italy: Unification involved multiple princely states coming together.

Nationalism and Imperialism

• Nationalism leads to imperialism when nations begin to dominate others socio-economically and politically.
• Balkan region post-Ottoman Empire saw many small nation-states emerging and conflicting.
• Led to conditions culminating in World War I and rise of newly independent nations.