CHAPTER 1 RISE OF NATIONALISM IN EUROPE

Key Concepts of the Lesson

In 1848, Frederic Sorrieu, a French artist, prepared a series of four prints visualizing his dream of a world made up of democratic and social Republics. The first print shows the people of Europe and America—men and women of all ages—offering homage to the Statue of Liberty.

The French Revolution and the Idea of Nation

• Growth of nationalism in France
• Introduction of various measures and practices created sense of collective identity among the people of France
• Change of monarchy and establishment of republic, creation of new assembly
• Rise of Napoleon and his reforms
• Revolutionaries helped other people of Europe to become nations

The Making of Nationalism in Europe

• Germany, Italy, and Switzerland were divided into kingdoms, duchies and cantons with autonomous rulers
• Use of different languages
• Rise of the middle class
• Industrialization in England, emergence of a working class and liberalism
• New conservatism after 1815 and preservation of traditional institutions

After the defeat of Napoleon, European governments followed the spirit of conservatism. Conservative regimes were autocratic. Revolutionaries at that time fought for liberty and freedom. E.g., Mazzini’s Young Italy and Young Europe.

3. The Age of Revolution (1830–1848)

• Liberalism and nationalism
• Greek war of independence against the Ottoman Empire and Treaty of Constantinople
• Emphasis on vernacular language
• Hunger, hardship, and popular revolt
• Demand for constitutionalism and national unification
• Rights for women
• Result: Frankfurt Parliament (May 1848)

4. Unification of Germany and Italy

• Changing concept of nationalism after 1848
• Germany and role of Bismarck in unification
• Unification of Italy by Mazzini, Garibaldi, and Victor Emmanuel II
• Separate case of Britain: Glorious Revolution (1688), Act of Union (1707)

5. Visualizing the Nation

Representing nationalism through female allegories such as Marianne (France) and Germania (German Nation).

6. Nationalism and Imperialism

By the end of the 19th century, nationalism became narrow and intolerant. The Balkans became a region of big power rivalry. Nationalism aligned with imperialism became one of the causes of World War I. Though the idea of nationalism varied, the concept of the nation-state was accepted universally.

At a Glance

• Conservatism: A political philosophy stressing tradition and gradual change
• Giuseppe Mazzini: Italian revolutionary and founder of Young Italy and Young Europe
• Otto von Bismarck: Chief minister of Prussia, architect of German unification
• Romanticism: Cultural movement promoting nationalist sentiment
• Nation-state: A state where citizens share a common identity and history
• Treaty of Vienna (1815): Hosted by Duke Metternich
• Nationalism in Poland was preserved through music and language
• Kaiser William I: Emperor of united Germany
• Liberalism: Freedom of individuals, equality before the law

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

1. Greek War of Independence

• Greek under Ottoman Empire
• Growth of nationalism sparked the struggle
• Support from Western Europeans
• Poets and artists lauded Greece
• Result: Greece became independent through Treaty of Constantinople

2. Why 1830s is called the year of Economic Hardship?

• Increase in population in Europe
• Unemployment
• Small producers faced competition
• Rise in food prices led to poverty

3. Measures taken by French revolutionaries for collective identity

• Ideas of la patrie and le citoyen
• New tricolor flag
• National hymns and commemorations
• Uniform laws for all citizens

4. Consequences of the Vienna Congress

• Bourbon dynasty restored in France
• States set up on France’s boundaries
• Prussia gained new territories
• Austria got Northern Italy
• Russia got part of Poland

5. Why 1830s were years of great economic hardship?

• Population increase
• Unemployment and migration
• Price rise and market competition
• Peasants in poor conditions

6. Nationalism in Britain vs Europe

In Britain, English, Welsh, Scot, and Irish had their own cultures. The English Parliament seized power in 1688. The Act of Union brought Scotland under England. Ireland was forcibly added in 1801. British identity was promoted through the flag, anthem, and language.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

1. Napoleonic Code

Also known as the Civil Code of 1804.

• Removed privileges based on birth
• Established equality
• Secured right to property
• Simplified administrative divisions and abolished feudal system

2. Ideals of Liberal Nationalism

• Freedom for individual
• Equality before law
• Government by consent
• End of autocracy
• Free markets

3. Stages of German Unification

• Germany was divided into many small states
• Liberal efforts failed, Prussia took charge
• Otto von Bismarck led wars against Austria, Denmark, and France
• Prussia won and William I was declared Emperor in 1871

4. Unification of Italy and Values Learned

• Italy had 7 states; Sardinia-Piedmont led unification
• North under Austria, Centre by Pope, South by Spain
• Leaders: Victor Emmanuel II, Cavour, Mazzini, Garibaldi
• Italy unified in 1861
• Value: Love, unity, nationalism

5. Balkan Issue

• Region with many ethnic groups: Slavs
• Under Ottoman Empire till late 19th century
• Romantic nationalism and Ottoman decline led to conflict
• Power rivalry between Russia, Germany, England, Austria-Hungary
• Caused wars and led to World War I

6. Frankfurt National Assembly

• Convened in 1848 to create German constitution
• Offered monarchy to King of Prussia who rejected it
• Middle class ignored workers’ demands
• Troops disbanded the assembly