The Rise of Nationalism in Europe Class 10 ||History|| Chapter 1 NCERT Notes
1. Introduction: The French Revolution and the Idea of Nation
The French Revolution (1789) played a crucial role in the development of nationalism in Europe. It introduced the idea that the sovereignty of a state resides with the people rather than with a monarch.
Key features introduced during the revolution:
- The idea of a nation where people shared a common identity.
- New symbols like the Tricolour flag.
- The National Assembly that was elected by the citizens.
- Abolition of privileges enjoyed by the nobility and clergy.
- Establishment of a unified set of laws and standardized weights and measures.
- Napoleon Bonaparte spread revolutionary ideas across Europe through the Napoleonic Code which abolished feudalism, promoted equality before law, and secured property rights.
However, Napoleon’s conquests soon turned oppressive, causing resentment in various parts of Europe.
2. The Making of Nationalism in Europe
In the early 19th century, Europe was multinational and divided into various kingdoms, duchies, and city-states. For example:
- The Habsburg Empire ruled over a vast region consisting of Austria, Hungary, and parts of Italy, and was a multi-ethnic empire.
Social and Political Structure:
- Aristocracy and New Middle Class: The aristocracy dominated Europe, but the emergence of the middle class (made up of industrialists, businessmen, professionals) with liberal political views and a desire for constitutional government became prominent.
- Peasantry: The majority of Europeans were peasants bound by serfdom or land obligations.
The rise of an educated middle class that believed in equality, freedom of speech, and representative government played a pivotal role in fueling nationalist sentiments.
3. Liberal Nationalism
- Liberalism derived from the Latin word "liber" (free), was the belief in individual freedom, civil liberties, and equality before the law.
- Economic Liberalism: Liberals demanded the removal of restrictions on the economy like trade barriers and wanted a unified economic system.
The Growth of Nationalism through Liberalism:
- In 1834, a customs union known as Zollverein was formed at the initiative of Prussia. This eliminated tariff barriers and reduced the number of currencies from over thirty to two, promoting economic unity.
- Liberalism also promoted the idea of a constitution that would protect individual rights.
However, women were excluded from active political life and their participation was limited to the domestic sphere.
4. The Age of Revolutions (1830-1848)
The period between 1830 and 1848 witnessed a series of revolutions across Europe, motivated by nationalism and liberalism.
1830 Revolution:
- France: The July Revolution of 1830 led to the overthrow of the Bourbon king Charles X and brought Louis Philippe to the throne.
- Belgium: Belgian nationalists rose against the Dutch rulers and won independence in 1830.
- Poland and Italy: Attempts were made by revolutionaries in these regions to establish nation-states, although most were unsuccessful.
1848 Revolution: The Year of Revolutions
- A wave of revolutions occurred across Europe in 1848. In France, the monarchy was overthrown, and a republic was established.
- Germany, Italy, Poland, and the Austrian Empire: Nationalist and liberal revolutions aimed at overthrowing monarchies and establishing constitutional governments, but most were crushed by conservative forces.
Role of Women: Women participated actively in these revolutions, forming political associations and demanding equal rights, but their demands were mostly ignored.
5. Unification of Germany and Italy
Unification of Germany:
- Prussia took the lead in unifying Germany under its leadership.
- Otto von Bismarck, the Prime Minister of Prussia, played a crucial role through a policy of Blood and Iron (wars).
- Three wars over seven years – against Denmark (1864), Austria (1866), and France (1870-71) – resulted in the unification of Germany.
- In January 1871, King Wilhelm I of Prussia was proclaimed the Emperor of Germany at the Palace of Versailles.
Unification of Italy:
- Italy was divided into multiple states under different foreign rulers.
- Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian revolutionary, founded Young Italy with the goal of unification.
- Count Cavour, the Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia, played a key role in unifying Italy through diplomacy and alliances.
- Giuseppe Garibaldi led the military campaigns in southern Italy and contributed to its unification.
- In 1861, Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed the King of a united Italy, but it wasn’t until 1870, after the annexation of Rome, that the unification was complete.
6. The Balkans and Nationalism
The Balkans, which included regions like modern-day Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Albania, and Romania, were under the control of the Ottoman Empire. Throughout the 19th century, nationalist sentiments grew strong in the Balkans, leading to several conflicts and a series of wars aimed at gaining independence.
The idea of nationalism in the Balkans eventually contributed to growing tensions in Europe, leading to World War I.
7. Romanticism and Nationalism
Romanticism was a cultural movement that promoted nationalism by emphasizing the connection between national identity and the arts, folklore, and history.
- Poets, artists, and musicians used their work to inspire national pride.
- The use of the vernacular language in literature, and the revival of folk traditions and customs, also strengthened national consciousness.
8. Conservatism After 1815
After the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, European powers met at the Congress of Vienna to restore the old order, favoring monarchies and conservative ideologies.
Key objectives:
- Restore the monarchies that had been overthrown by Napoleon.
- Establish a balance of power in Europe to prevent future conflicts.
However, the conservative order was constantly challenged by nationalist and liberal forces.
9. The Legacy of Nationalism
The rise of nationalism in Europe left a lasting legacy:
- It led to the creation of nation-states in Germany and Italy.
- It transformed the political map of Europe.
- It sowed the seeds for the rise of nationalist movements in colonies across the world.
Nationalism in Europe, however, also led to competition and rivalry among nation-states, which contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
Conclusion:
The chapter explores how nationalism, sparked by revolutionary ideas and events like the French Revolution, spread across Europe, leading to significant political changes like the unification of Italy and Germany. The concepts of liberalism, conservatism, and romanticism all played a crucial role in shaping the nationalist movements of 19th-century Europe.