Introduction – The Idea of Nationalism

• Before the 19th century, Europe was divided into empires ruled by kings, not nation-states.
• Nationalism is the idea that people with a shared culture, language, and history should have their own country.
• The French Revolution (1789) spread nationalist ideas across Europe.

The French Revolution and the Idea of Nation

• The French Revolution introduced the idea of a nation based on citizenship and democracy.
• Napoleon Bonaparte (1804–1815) expanded nationalist ideas across Europe.

Key Changes Introduced by the French Revolution

• Abolished monarchy and feudalism.
• Established equal laws and political rights for citizens.
• Introduced the national flag, anthem, and common laws.

The Napoleonic Era and Its Impact on Europe

• Napoleon spread the ideals of nationalism and modern administration across Europe.
• He introduced the Napoleonic Code (1804), which:
  • Abolished feudal privileges.
  • Promoted equality before the law.
  • Encouraged merit-based government jobs.

However, Napoleon’s expansion also led to resistance, as people wanted independence from French rule.

The Congress of Vienna (1815) and the Restoration of Monarchies

• After Napoleon’s defeat (1815), European monarchs met at the Congress of Vienna to restore old regimes.
• They wanted to:
  • Re-establish monarchy in France.
  • Prevent the rise of nationalism and democracy.
  • Divide Europe among powerful kingdoms.

The Age of Revolutions (1830–1848) – Nationalist Uprisings

During the 19th century, many nationalist revolutions took place across Europe.

The Greek War of Independence (1821–1832)

• Greece was ruled by the Ottoman Empire for centuries.
• Greek nationalists fought for independence, supported by Britain, France, and Russia.
• Greece became independent in 1832, inspiring other nationalist movements.

The July Revolution (1830) in France

• Overthrew King Charles X and replaced him with a constitutional monarchy.
• Inspired revolutions in Belgium, Poland, and Italy.

The Revolution of 1848 – Rise of Democracy and Nationalism

• In 1848, nationalist and democratic revolutions broke out across Europe.
• Workers, students, and liberals demanded democracy and national unity.

France Becomes a Republic (1848)

• King Louis Philippe was overthrown, and France became a Republic.
• Introduced universal male suffrage (voting rights for all men).

The Frankfurt Parliament (Germany, 1848)

• German nationalists tried to unite Germany under a single government.
• The Frankfurt Parliament was formed but failed due to lack of support.

The Unification of Germany (1866–1871)

Before unification, Germany was divided into 39 separate states. The most powerful among them were Prussia and Austria.

Otto von Bismarck and German Unification

• Prussian leader Otto von Bismarck led the unification of Germany using his policy of “Blood and Iron” (war and diplomacy).
• He fought three wars to unify Germany:
  • War with Denmark (1864) – Gained northern German territories.
  • War with Austria (1866) – United northern German states under Prussia.
  • Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) – Defeated France and completed German unification.

Germany Becomes a Nation (1871)

• In 1871, Germany was officially unified, and King Wilhelm I of Prussia became Emperor (Kaiser).
• Berlin became the capital of Germany.

The Unification of Italy (1859–1870)

Before unification, Italy was divided into small kingdoms controlled by Austria, France, and the Pope.

Leaders of Italian Unification

• Giuseppe Mazzini – Spread nationalist ideas and created the Young Italy Movement.
• Count Cavour – Prime Minister of Sardinia-Piedmont, led diplomatic efforts to unify Italy.
• Giuseppe Garibaldi – A military leader who captured southern Italy with his Red Shirts army.

The Unification Process

• War with Austria (1859) – Cavour allied with France and defeated Austria.
• Garibaldi’s Campaign (1860–1861) – Captured Sicily and Naples.
• Rome Becomes Capital (1870) – Italy was fully unified, and Victor Emmanuel II became King.

Nationalism and Romanticism – The Role of Culture in Building Nations

• Culture, language, and history played an important role in shaping nationalism.
• Poets, artists, and historians helped spread nationalist ideas.

Romanticism and Nationalism

• Romantic artists glorified folk traditions, national heroes, and myths.
• Johann Gottfried Herder (Germany) – Promoted folk culture to strengthen national identity.

Language and Nationalism

• Language played a major role in uniting people.
• The Polish language was banned by Russian rulers, but Polish nationalists preserved it through underground schools.

The Strange Case of the British Nation

• Unlike Germany and Italy, Britain’s nationalism developed differently.
• The English gradually controlled Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
• Scotland and Wales were united with England, forming the United Kingdom (UK).
• Ireland was forcefully brought under British rule, leading to conflicts.

The Impact of Nationalism in Europe

Nationalism transformed Europe and influenced world history.

Positive Effects

• Created modern nation-states (Germany, Italy, Greece).
• Spread ideas of democracy and self-rule.
• Inspired independence movements in Asia and Africa.

Negative Effects

• Led to wars and conflicts (Franco-Prussian War, World War I).
• Encouraged aggressive nationalism and imperialism.

Conclusion

• The French Revolution (1789) introduced nationalism to Europe.
• Napoleon spread nationalism but was later defeated (1815).
• The Congress of Vienna tried to restore old monarchies, but revolutions continued.
• The 1848 Revolutions demanded democracy and national unity.
• Germany was unified by Otto von Bismarck through war (1871).
• Italy was unified under Cavour, Garibaldi, and Victor Emmanuel II (1870).
• Culture, language, and history played a key role in nationalism.
• Nationalism shaped modern Europe but also led to conflicts and wars.