Rise of Nationalism in Europe

Jul 9, 2024

Rise of Nationalism in Europe

Introduction

  • Explanation of nationalism in Europe
  • Homework and free notes available
  • Teacher's engagement via comments

Key Concepts

Definitions

  • Continental Europe: Will mention various countries like France, Germany, and Italy
  • Nationalism: Defined as 'देशभक्ति'
  • Rise of Nationalism: How the feeling of patriotism spread in Europe
  • Journey: Pre-nationalism conditions, emergence of nationalism, and its outcomes

Notable Artworks

Frederick Sorrieu's Painting

  • Year: 1848
  • Artist: Frederick Sorrieu from France
  • Significance of 1848: Many important events occurred
  • Painting Theme: Dream of a world with democracy and republics
  • Sky Elements: Jesus Christ, angels, fraternity (brotherhood)
  • Ground Elements: Remnants of autocracy, monarch symbols, long march of people
  • Statue of Liberty: Represents freedom and phases of countries attaining independence
  • Key Takeaways: Democracy and republics as divine blessings; shift from monarchy to nation-states

Transformation in Europe

Modern State to Nation-State Transition

  • Pre-19th Century: Predominantly monarchies
  • Modern State: A transition phase from monarchy to nation-state
  • Nation-State: Shared history, identity, and struggle

French Revolution

  • Year: 1789
  • Key Change: Abolishing absolute monarchy and promoting constitutional monarchy
  • Spread of Revolution: French revolutionaries used various means like songs, slogans, and symbols

Revolutionary Movements

Spread of Nationalism

  • La Patrie and Le Citoyen: Concepts introduced to spread nationalism
  • Equal Rights: Abolition of old regime distinctions
  • Symbols and Swearing: New flag, hymns, and oaths
  • National Assemblies: Replaced traditional state generational meetings
  • French Language: Promoted as the common language

Napoleon’s Influence

  • Napoleonic Code: Legal reforms emphasizing equality and property rights
  • Expansionist Policies: Attempts to control Europe led to resistance and eventual downfall

Rise of Conservatism

Post-Napoleon Europe

  • Defeat of Napoleon: Battle of Waterloo, 1815
  • Conservative Powers: Britain, Austria, Russia, Prussia
  • Treaty of Vienna: 1815, aimed to restore pre-revolutionary monarchy and territorial arrangements
  • Measures: Reestablishment of monarchies, censorship, and suppression of dissent

Secret Societies and Revolutions

  • Revolutions: Led by middle-class individuals against conservatism
  • Famous Revolutionary: Giuseppe Mazzini, founder of Young Italy and Young Europe

Romantic Imagination and National Feeling

Romanticism

  • Definition: A cultural movement promoting nationalism through arts and literature
  • Examples: Johann Gottfried Herder in Germany, showcasing Volksgeist (the people's spirit)
  • Poland's Cultural Resistance: Use of Polish language in resistance

Social and Economic Changes

Hardship in 1830s Europe

  • Overpopulation
  • Migration: From rural to urban areas
  • Unemployment: Competition from industries leading to low wages

Significant Revolts

Paris Revolt

  • Year: 1848
  • Participants: Poor people of Paris
  • Outcome: King abdicated, establishment of the republic by the National Assembly

Silesian Weavers’ Revolt

  • Year: 1845
  • Cause: Exploitation by contractors
  • Outcome: Suppression by army

The Age of Revolution (1830-1848)

Revolutions across Europe

France

  • Year: 1830, July Revolution**
  • Outcome: Constitutional monarchy reestablished

Belgium

  • Year: 1830-1831
  • Cause: Influenced by French Revolution
  • Outcome: Independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands

Greece

  • Year: 1821-1832
  • Outcome: Independence from Ottoman Empire through the Treaty of Constantinople, 1832

Unification Movements

Germany

  • Leader: Otto von Bismarck
  • Strategy: Wars against Denmark, Austria, and France, resulting in unification
  • Outcome: Proclaimed at Versailles, 1871

Italy

  • Leader: Count Cavour, with help from Garibaldi
  • Strategy: Diplomatic and military actions to unify diverse regions under Sardinia-Piedmont
  • Outcome: Victor Emmanuel II crowned as the first king of Unified Italy, 1861

Nation-Building Process

The Case of Britain

  • Process: Gradual through parliamentary actions
  • Integration of Scotland and Ireland: Through union acts and control measures

Balkan Nationalism

Balkan Region

  • Ethnic and Geographical Diversity: Mix of different cultures and regions
  • Nationalistic Tensions: Conflict among the Slavs and intervention by external powers
  • Result: Regional conflicts contributing to the outbreak of WWI

Anti-Imperialist Movements

  • End of Empires: Nationalism as a tool against imperial powers
  • Examples: India's freedom struggle, leading to the formation of modern nation-states

Summary

  • Frederick Sorrieu’s dream of democratic and social republics
  • French Revolution as a significant expression of nationalism
  • Shift from monarchies to modern and nation-states
  • 19th century Europe marred by revolts and a wave of nationalism leading up to WWI
  • Various cultural and political movements contributing to the nationalistic sentiment

Key Terms & Questions

  • La Patrie, Le Citoyen
  • Giuseppe Mazzini, Otto von Bismarck, Count Cavour
  • Romanticism’s role in nationalism
  • Paris and Silesian revolts
  • Impact of Napoleonic Code
  • Treaty of Vienna, 1815
  • First and Second World Wars

Questions

  1. What do you mean by ‘topiya’?
  2. Explain the social and economic conditions in Europe during 1830s.
  3. Describe the role of Romanticism in spreading nationalism.
  4. Compare the unification process of Germany and Italy.

Conclusion

  • Understanding the rise of nationalism in Europe helps comprehend the political and cultural shifts that shaped modern nation-states