THE RISE OF NATIONALISM IN EUROPE – Class 10 Notes along with Question and Answers

→ During the 19th century nationalism emerged as a force which changed the political and mental world of Europe and the end result was nation-state.

Nation – State

→ One in which rulers along with citizens develop a sense of common identity.
→ This identity was forged through struggle.

The French Revolution and the idea of the Nation:

• Started in 1789
• It was the first expression of nationalism in Europe.
• It abolished monarchy.
• Powers were transferred from monarch to a body of French citizens.

Major changes during French Revolution :

• The idea of ‘La Patrie‘ and ‘La Citoyen‘ emphasized upon united community and equal rights.
• Power transferred from monarch to common people.
• A new French Flag, the tricolor, was chosen to replace the former royal Standard.
• New national anthem composed and oath was taken.
• A centralized administrative system was put in place and it formulated uniform laws for all citizens within its territory.
• Internal customs duties and dues were abolished.

Spread of Nationalism :

• When the news of the events in France reached the different cities of Europe, students and other members of middle classes began setting up Jacobin clubs.
• Their activities and campaigns prepared the way for the French armies which moved into Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and much of Italy in the 1790s.
• With the outbreak of the revolutionary wars, the French armies began to carry the idea of nationalism abroad.

→ In 1799, Napoleon took over political power.

Civil code of 1804:

→ Equality before law.
→ Right to property.
→ Feudal system was abolished.
→ Freed peasants from serfdom.
→ Transport and communication systems were improved.
→ However, in the areas conquered, the reactions of the local populations to French rule were mixed.
→ Initially, in many places such as Holland and Switzerland, as well as in certain cities like Brussels, Mainz, Milan and Warsaw, the French armies were welcomed as harbingers of liberty.
→ But the initial enthusiasm soon turned to hostility, as it became clear that the new administrative arrangements did not go hand in hand with political freedom.
→ Increased taxation, censorship, forced conscription into the French armies required to conquer the rest of Europe, all seemed to outweigh the advantage of the administrative changes.

The Making of Nationalism in Europe:

• What we know today as Germany, Italy and Switzerland were divided into kingdoms, duchies and cantons whose rulers had their autonomous territories.

Structure of European Society

The New Middle Class :

♦ It consists of industrialists, doctors, teachers.
♦ For the new middle class liberalism stood for freedom for the individual and equality of all before the law.
☆ Later they became the force of Unity and Nationalism.

Features of Liberalism :

• For Middle Class it means –
  → Freedom for individual
  → Equality before law
• Politically it means –
  → Government by consent
  → End of Autocracy and clerical privileges
• Economically it means –
  → Freedom of Market
  → Abolition of Taxes

Wave of Economic Nationalism :

→ Napolean Administrative system had created confederation of 39 states.
→ Each of which had its own currency and weighing system.
☆ Custom barrier in each city hindered economic growth and exchange.

Zollverein (A Custom Union):

→ Initiated by Prussia in 1834.
→ Reduction of number of Currencies from 30 to 2.
→ Abolished tariff barriers.
→ Facilitated railway mobility for economic interests and unification.

• Napoleon was defeated in battle of WATERLOO (1815) by the conservative forces.
• Treaty of Vienna was signed.

Believe in traditional institutions and family values.
For instances – Church, Monarch, etc.

Revolutionaries :

→ During the years following 1815, the fear of repression drove many liberal-nationalists underground.
♦ Secret societies sprang up in many European stakes to train revolutionaries and spread their ideas.
→ Revolutionaries also saw the creation of nation-stakes as a necessary part of this struggle for freedom.

Giuseppe Mazzini

→ As a young man of 24, he was sent into exile for attempting a revolution.
→ Mazzini believed that god had intended nations to be natural units of mankind.
→ Found Young Italy in Marseille and Young Europe in Berne.

→ Following his model, secret societies were set up in Germany, France, Switzerland and Poland.
→ Mazzini’s relentless opposition to monarchy and his vision of democratic republics frightened the conservatives.

The Age of Revolutions 1830-1848 :

→ As conservative regimes tried to consolidate their power, liberalism and nationalism came to be increasingly associated with revolution in many regions of Europe.

July Revolution (France) :

→ The first upheaval took place in France in July 1830.
→ The Bourbon king was overthrown.
→ Installed a constitutional monarchy with Louis Philippe as its head.

→ The July Revolution sparked an uprising in Brussels which led to Belgium breaking away from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Greek war of independence :

• Greece had been part of the Ottoman Empire since the 15th century.
• Struggle started in 1821.
• Nationalists in Greece got support from other Greeks living in exile and also from many West Europeans.
• The Treaty of Constantinople was signed in 1832.
• Greece was recognised as independent nation.

Romanticism:

• A cultural movement that rejected Nationalism by science and reasons.
• It introduced nationalism through art and love.

Case of Poland:

→ Poland had been participated at the end of the 18th century by the Great Powers – Russia, Prussia and Austria.
→ Emphasized on vernacular language for carrying the modern nationalist message to large audience who were mostly illiterate.
→ The use of Polish came to be seen as a symbol of the struggle against Russian dominance.

Hunger, Hardship and Popular Revolt:

→ The 1830s were years of great economic hardship in Europe.
→ Population increased
→ Unemployment increased
→ Peasants struggled against Aristocracy.
→ Rise in food prices

The Making of Germany and Italy :

Unification of Germany :

→ Nationalist feelings were widespread among middle-class Germans.
→ Tried to unite the different regions of the German confederation into a nation-state governed by an elected parliament.
→ Otto von Bismarck, was the architect of this process carried out with the help of the Prussian army.
→ 7 years of War with Austria, Denmark, France.
→ In 1871, William I was proclaimed as German Emperor.
→ Process of nation building had demonstrated the dominance of Prussian State power.
→ The new state placed a strong emphasis on modernising the currency, banking, legal and judicial systems in Germany.

Unification of Italy :

→ During the middle of the 19th century, Italy was divided into seven states.
→ Out of seven only Sardinia – Piedmont was ruled by an Italian Princely States.

Giuseppe Mazzini

→ He had also formed a secret society called Young Italy.
→ During the 1830s, Giuseppe Mazzini had sought to put together a coherent programme for a unitary Italian Republic
→ After his failures in 1831 and 1848 the responsibilities fell on Victor Emmanuel – II.

Chief Minister Cavour :

→ He led the movement and Sardinia – Piedmont defeated the Austrian forces in 1859.

Giuseppe Garibaldi:

→ He succeeded in winning the support of the local peasants of Two Sicilies in order to drive out the Spanish rulers.

Victor Emmanuel – II

→ In 1861, he was proclaimed as the King of United Italy.

The Strange Case of Britain:

• Ethnic Composition :
  → English
  → Welsh
  → Scottish
  → Irish

→ All of these ethnic groups had their own cultural and political traditions.
♦ But as the English nation steadily grew in wealth, importance and power, it was able to extend its influence over the other nations of the islands.
→ English parliament had seized power from England and Scotland
☆ The Act of Union (1707) between England and Scotland that resulted in the formation of the United Kingdom of ‘Great Britain’.
☆ Later Ireland was merged to form to form Great Britain.

Visualising the Nation:

• It was difficult to give a face to a nation.
• Artists in 19th century found out a way by personifying the nation.
• Nations were portrayed as female figures.
Eg. – Marianne in France and Germania in Germany.

Nationalism Vs Imperialism

→ During the end of 19th Century, nationalism started converting into imperialism.

Case of Balkan states :

• Nationalist tension started in Balkan area after 1871.
• Large area of Balkan was under control of Ottoman empire.
• Weakening of Ottoman empire allowed them to break into independent states.
• These states were jealous of each other and each wanted to gain more territory.
• The situation got more intense when big European powers entered the war.
• This finally led to World War – I.

• Later anti imperial movement started which finally lead to independence of many countries.

Questions

1 Mark Questions

1. Which of the treaty recognized Greece as an independent nation?
A1. Treaty of Constantinople
[1M, 2021 Sample Paper]

2. Who was called as the architect of Germany’s unification?
A2. Otto Von Bismarck
[1M, 2020]

3. Name the Treaty of 1832 that recognised Greece as an independent nation.
A3. Treaty of 1832: Constantinople
[1M, 2016]

4. Name the event that mobilised nationalist feelings among the educated elite across Europe in 1830-1848?
A4. The Greek War of Independence in 1821.
[1M, 2016]

5. What was the main aim of revolutionaries of Europe during the years following 1815?
A5. The main aim of revolutionaries of Europe was to oppose monarchical forms of government.
[1M, 2016]

6. Who was proclaimed German Emperor in a ceremony held at Versailles in January 1871?
A6. Kaiser William I of Prussia was proclaimed German Emperor in a ceremony held at Versailles in January 1871.
[1M, 2016]

7. Who was proclaimed the King of United Italy in 1861?
A7. Victor Emmanuel-II
[1M, 2016]

8. What was the major change that occurred in the political and constitutional scenario due to the French Revolution in Europe?
A8. It led to the transfer of sovereignty from the monarchy to a body of French citizens. The revolution proclaimed that it was the people who would henceforth constitute the nation and shape its destiny.
[1M, 2015]

3 Mark Questions

9. Explain the measures and practices introduced by the French revolutionaries to create a sense of collective identity amongst the French people.
A9.
(i) The ideas of La Patrie (the fatherland) and Le Citoyen (the citizen) emphasized the notion of united community enjoying equal rights under a constitution.
(ii) A new French flag, tricolour was chosen to replace the Royal Standard.
(iii) Estates General was elected by the body of active citizens and renamed the National Assembly.
[3M, 2021 Sample Paper]

10. “Like Germany, Italy too had a long history of political fragmentation”. Explain.
A10.
(i) Italians were scattered over several dynastic states
(ii) Sardinia-Piedmont was ruled by an Italian princely house.
(iii) Italy was unified in 1861 and Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed King of United Italy.
[3M, 2021 Sample Paper]

11. Describe any three economic hardships faced by Europe in the 1830s
A11. Economic hardships faced by Europe in 1830s were:
• Increase in population.
• Unemployment, migration and price rise.
• Stiff competition in the market.
• Bad condition of peasants. (Any three)
[3M, 2017]

12. Describe any three steps taken by the French revolutionaries to create a sense of collective identity amongst the French people.
A12. French revolutionaries introduced various other measures such as:

1. The Estate General was elected by the body of active citizens and renamed the National Assembly.
2. New hymns were composed, oaths taken and martyrs commemorated all in the name of the nation.
3. A centralized administrative system was put in place and it formulated uniform laws for all citizens within its territory.
   [3M, 2015]

13. How had the female figures become an allegory of the nation during nineteenth century in Europe? Analyse.
A13.
• Artists in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries portrayed nations as female figures. The female form, that was chosen to personify the nation, did not stand for any particular woman in real life. Rather it sought to give the abstract idea of the nation in concrete form. That is, the female figure became the allegory of the nation.
• In France, she was named Marianne—a popular Christian name and in Germany, Germania. Germania wears a crown of oak leaves as the German oak stands for heroism. The characteristics of Marianne were drawn from those of Liberty and Republic -the red cap, the tricolour and cockade.
[3M, 2016]

5 Mark Questions

19. “Napoleon had, no doubt, destroyed democracy in France, but in the administrative field he had incorporated revolutionary principles in order to make the whole system more rational and efficient.” Support the statement.
A19. Napoleon had brought revolutionary changes in the administrative field in order to make the whole system rational and efficient. The Civil Code of 1804 is usually known as the Napoleonic Code.

1. The first major change was doing away with all privileges based on birth, establishing equality before law and securing the right to property.
2. Administrative divisions were simplified.
3. Feudal system was abolished and peasants were freed from serfdom and manorial dues (abuse of manorial lords).
4. In towns, guild restrictions were removed.
5. Transport and communication systems were improved.
   [5M, 2016, 2014, 2012]

20. Explain any five economic hardships that Europe faced in the 1830s.
A20. Following are the causes of economic hardships in Europe during 1830s:

1. Europe had come under the grip of large scale unemployment. In most of the countries there were more seekers of jobs than employment.
2. Cities had become overcrowded and slums had emerged as population from the rural areas migrated to the cities.
3. Small producers in towns were often faced with stiff competition from imports of cheap machine-made goods from England where industrialization was more advanced specially in the field of textile production.
4. In those regions of Europe, where aristocracy still enjoyed power, peasants struggled under the burden of feudal dues and obligations.
5. The rise of food prices and bad harvests added to the hardships of the peasants.
   [5M, 2016, 2013, 2011]

21. Describe any five measures which were introduced by the French Revolutionaries to create a sense of collective identity amongst the French people.
A21.
• The first clear-cut expression of nationalism came with the French Revolution in 1789. In 1789, France was under the rule of an absolute monarch.
• When the revolutionaries came to power in France, they were determined to create a new sense of unity and nationhood. For this, they emphasized the concept of France being the father land (La Patrie) for all French people, who were from now on addressed as citizens (citoyen). They were given the tri-colour flag, the three colours representing liberty, equality and fraternity.

French revolutionaries introduced various other measures such as:

1. The Estate General was elected by the body of active citizens and renamed the National Assembly.
2. New hymns were composed, oaths taken and martyrs commemorated all in the name of the nation.
3. A centralized administrative system was put in place and it formulated uniform laws for all citizens within its territory.
4. Internal customs, duties and dues were abolished and a uniform system of weights and measures was adopted.
   [5M, 2016, 2015, 2012]

22. Describe the process of unification of Germany.
A22. Unification of Germany:
In the 18th Century, Germany was divided into a number of states. Some of these states ceased to exist during the Napoleonic wars. At the end of the war, there were still 39 independent states in Germany. Prussia was most powerful, dominated by big landlords known as Junkers.
(i) Nationalist feelings were widespread among middle class Germans who had tried to unite the different regions of the German federation into a nation-state governed by an elected Parliament.
(ii) In May 1848, a large number of political associations came together to vote for an All German National Assembly. Their representatives met at Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Assembly proposed the unification of Germany as a constitutional monarchy under the King of Prussia as emperor.
(iii) The King of Prussia rejected the offer and the liberal initiative of nation building was repressed by combined forces of the monarchy, the military and the ‘Junkers’.
(iv) Then on, Prussia under its Chief Minister Otto von Bismarck led the movement for unification of Germany. Bismarck carried out this process with the help of the Prussian army and the bureaucracy. He fought three wars over seven years with Denmark, Austria and France. Prussia was victorious in all these wars and the process of unification was completed as a result of Prussia’s victory over France.
(v) Consequently, on 18th January 1871, an assembly comprising of princes of German states, representatives of the army, important Prussian ministers and Bismarck gathered in the Palace of Versailles and proclaimed the Prussian King, Kaiser William, the new German Emperor.
[5M, 2015, 2013, 2012]

23. How had revolutionaries spread their ideas in many European States after 1815? Explain with examples.
A23. During the years following 1815, the fear of repression drove many liberal nationalists underground.

1. Secret societies sprang up in many European states to train revolutionaries and spread their ideas. Revolutionary ideas were spread by opposing monarchical forms and to fight for liberty and freedom.
2. Most of the revolutionaries also saw the creation of nation-states as a necessary part of this struggle for freedom.
3. Giuseppe Mazzini was an Italian revolutionary born in Geneva in 1807. He was a member of the Secret Society of the Carbonari. He attempted a revolution in 1831 and was sent into exile.
4. He had set up two more underground societies, namely, Young Italy (1832) in Marseilles and then Young Europe in Berne. The members were like-minded young men from Poland, France, Italy and Germany.
5. He opposed monarchy and small states and kingdoms and dreamt of a Democratic Republic. He believed the unification of Italy alone could be the basis of Italian liberty.
   [5M, 2014]

24. How did culture play an important role in creating the idea of the ‘nation’ in Europe? Explain with examples.
A24. Culture, music, dance and religion played an important role in the growth of nationalism.
(i) Role of culture was important in creating the idea of the nation. Art, poetry, music etc. helped in developing and expressing nationalist feelings. Romanticism was a cultural movement that led to the development of nationalist sentiment. Romantic artists and poets criticized the glorification of reason and science and instead focussed on emotions and intuition.
(ii) Artists in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries portrayed nations as female figures. The female form, that was chosen to personify the nation, did not stand for any particular woman in real life. Rather it sought to give the abstract idea of the nation in concrete form. That is, the female figure became the allegory of the nation. In France, she was named Marianne —a popular Christian name and in Germany, Germania.
(iii) Language too played an important role in developing nationalist sentiments. After Russian occupation, the Polish language was forced out of schools and Russian language was imposed everywhere. In 1831, an armed rebellion against Russian rule took place which was ultimately crushed. Following this, many members of the clergy in Poland began to use language as a weapon of national resistance.
(iv) Romantics such as the German philosopher Herder claimed that true German culture was to be discovered among the common people – das volk. It was through folk songs, folk poetry and folk dances that the true spirit of the nation was popularized.
[5M, 2013]

25. What did Liberal Nationalism stand for? Explain any four ideas of Liberal Nationalists in the economic sphere.
A25. Liberalism or Liberal Nationalism stood for freedom for the individual and equality of all before the law. Four ideas of Liberal Nationalists in the economic sphere are:

1. Liberalism stood for freedom of markets and abolition of state imposed restriction. For example, Napoleon’s administration was a confederation of 29 states, each of these possessed its own currencies, weight and measures. Such conditions were viewed as obstacles to economic exchange.
2. Liberal Nationalists argued for the creation of a unified economic territory allowing the unhindered movement of goods, people and capital.
3. In 1834, a customs union or “zollverein” was formed. The union abolished tariff barriers and reduced the number of currencies from 30 to 2.
4. The creation of a network of railways further stimulated mobility, harnessing economic interest to national unification.
   [5M, 2011]

Practice Questions

1 Mark Questions

1. Who led the movement for the unification of Germany?
2. What was the name of the union initiated by Prussia in 1834?
3. Who was the leader of the unification of Italy?
4. Who proclaimed himself as the German Emperor in 1871?
5. What name was given to the French tricolour flag during the French Revolution?
6. What is the significance of ‘La Patrie’?
7. What system did the French revolutionaries abolish to free peasants from manorial dues?
8. Which war is associated with the defeat of Napoleon in 1815?
9. What was the name of the treaty signed after Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo?
10. What political event in France in 1830 inspired revolutions across Europe?
11. Who was the head of the constitutional monarchy installed in France after the July Revolution?
12. What was the purpose of the Zollverein?
13. What type of government did liberals in the 19th century support?
14. What term describes the process by which nations are portrayed as female figures?
15. Who was the famous leader of the Young Italy movement?
16. Which empire controlled Greece before its independence in 1832?
17. What movement rejected nationalism based on science and reason in favor of art and love?
18. What was the purpose of Jacobin clubs in the 1790s?
19. Who established the secret society known as Young Europe?
20. Which war saw the spread of nationalism through French military victories in the 1790s?
21. What impact did Napoleon’s Civil Code have on the rights of individuals?
22. What did the revolutionaries of Europe seek to create after 1815?
23. How was Poland divided at the end of the 18th century?
24. Who were the Junkers in Prussia?
25. What was the economic impact of Napoleon’s administrative reforms?
26. Which conservative forces opposed the revolutionaries in the early 19th century?
27. How did the weakening of the Ottoman Empire influence the Balkan states?
28. What was the result of the Act of Union between England and Scotland in 1707?
29. How did increased taxation affect the conquered areas under Napoleon?
30. What did the French national anthem symbolize during the Revolution?
31. What was the role of culture in spreading nationalism in Europe?
32. What effect did the Napoleonic Wars have on the political map of Europe?
33. Who led the French revolutionary army’s campaigns in Europe in the 1790s?
34. What was the role of women in 19th-century revolutionary movements?
35. What impact did the Industrial Revolution have on the middle class in Europe?
36. What was the result of the Treaty of Vienna?
37. What was the role of secret societies in promoting nationalist ideas in Europe?
38. What impact did the July Revolution have on Belgium?
39. What was the role of art in promoting nationalist feelings in the 19th century?
40. What were the cultural symbols used to represent nations in Europe?
41. What event marked the beginning of French nationalism in 1789?
42. What major power supported Greek independence?
43. What role did Giuseppe Garibaldi play in the unification of Italy?
44. How did nationalists use language to resist foreign domination in Poland?
45. What was the primary goal of the Congress of Vienna?
46. What was the significance of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848?
47. What was the political impact of the German Confederation on Europe?
48. What role did liberal nationalists play in the economic unification of Germany?
49. What was the significance of the Revolution of 1848 for nationalist movements in Europe?
50. Who were the leaders of the revolutionary uprisings in the Italian states?

3 Mark Questions

51. How did the Greek War of Independence influence European nationalist movements?
52. Describe the role of Giuseppe Mazzini in the development of nationalist movements.
53. Explain the impact of Napoleon’s defeat on the nationalist movements in Europe.
54. How did the Zollverein contribute to the unification of Germany?
55. What were the key factors in the economic hardships faced by Europe in the 1830s?
56. How did the French Revolution help in the creation of a collective identity among the French people?
57. What role did romanticism play in the growth of nationalism in Europe?
58. How did the Napoleonic Code impact the legal and political systems of Europe?
59. Describe the process of nation-building in Italy during the 19th century.
60. Explain the causes and consequences of the Revolutions of 1830 in Europe.
61. How did the French Revolution lead to the spread of nationalist ideas across Europe?
62. What role did language play in spreading nationalist ideas in 19th-century Europe?
63. Explain the importance of the Treaty of Constantinople in the history of nationalism.
64. What were the main principles of liberalism that guided nationalist movements in the 19th century?
65. How did the rise of the middle class in Europe affect nationalist movements?
66. Describe the main features of the German unification process under Otto von Bismarck.
67. What were the consequences of Napoleon’s administrative reforms in the areas he conquered?
68. How did the revolutionary movements in Europe contribute to the downfall of monarchical rule?
69. Describe the economic challenges faced by peasants in Europe during the 1830s.
70. How did the visual portrayal of nations as female figures influence nationalist sentiments?
71. Explain the role of the Treaty of Vienna in shaping post-Napoleonic Europe.
72. What were the political consequences of the Greek War of Independence for the Ottoman Empire?
73. How did the French armies spread the idea of nationalism in the countries they conquered?
74. Describe the significance of the July Revolution in France for the spread of nationalism in Europe.
75. How did the creation of the Zollverein facilitate the economic unification of Germany?
76. Explain the factors that led to the emergence of secret societies in Europe after 1815.
77. How did the unification of Germany influence European politics in the late 19th century?
78. Describe the relationship between liberalism and nationalism in 19th-century Europe.
79. How did the French Revolution influence the political and social structures of Europe?
80. What were the key factors that led to the unification of Italy under Victor Emmanuel II?
81. Describe the impact of Napoleon’s policies on the administrative systems of Europe.
82. How did the July Revolution in France inspire similar movements in other parts of Europe?
83. What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on nationalist movements in Europe?
84. Describe the process of nation-building in Germany and its effects on European politics.
85. How did cultural movements such as romanticism contribute to the growth of nationalist sentiments in Europe?
86. Explain the role of secret societies in promoting nationalist ideas in 19th-century Europe.
87. How did the defeat of Napoleon affect the political map of Europe?
88. What role did economic factors play in the growth of nationalist movements in Europe?
89. How did the spread of nationalist ideas lead to the decline of imperialism in Europe?
90. Describe the role of cultural symbols such as Marianne and Germania in promoting nationalist feelings.

5 Mark Questions

91. Explain the impact of the French Revolution on the growth of nationalism in Europe.
92. How did the unification of Italy and Germany influence the balance of power in Europe?
93. Describe the main principles of the Napoleonic Code and its influence on European politics.
94. How did the French Revolutionaries create a sense of collective identity among the French people?
95. What were the key factors that led to the unification of Germany under Otto von Bismarck?
96. Explain the role of economic liberalism in the growth of nationalist movements in Europe.
97. How did the July Revolution in France contribute to the spread of nationalism in Europe?
98. Describe the role of romanticism in shaping nationalist movements in Europe during the 19th century.
99. What were the causes and consequences of the Revolutions of 1848 in Europe?
100. How did the weakening of the Ottoman Empire contribute to the rise of nationalist movements in the Balkan states?

CBSE Topper 2024 Notes:

The rise of nationalism in Europe was a significant historical process that reshaped the continent’s political landscape in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Nationalism, the ideology that emphasizes the interests of a particular nation or ethnic group, played a crucial role in the formation of nation-states and the decline of empires.

The Concept of Nationalism

Definition and Origins

Nationalism is a political ideology that involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a nation. It emerged as a powerful force in the late 18th and 19th centuries, influenced by the Enlightenment and the French Revolution.

Note: Nationalism is different from patriotism. While patriotism refers to the love for one’s country, nationalism involves a sense of superiority and a desire for national independence.

Key Elements of Nationalism

1. Common Identity: Shared language, culture, history, and traditions.
2. Self-determination: The right of a nation to govern itself without external interference.
3. Territorial Integrity: The idea that a nation should have defined and recognized borders.

Example: Germany and Italy were not unified countries in the early 19th century. The unification processes of these countries are prime examples of nationalism in action.

Factors Contributing to the Rise of Nationalism

The French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars

The French Revolution (1789-1799) played a pivotal role in spreading nationalist ideas. The revolution promoted the concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which inspired nationalist movements across Europe.

• Napoleon Bonaparte: His conquests spread the revolutionary ideas and also instigated nationalist reactions against French domination.

Tip: Remember the key dates: French Revolution (1789-1799) and Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815).

Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution (late 18th to early 19th century) brought significant economic and social changes, leading to the growth of a middle class that supported nationalist movements.

• Economic Changes: Urbanization and the rise of a capitalist economy.
• Social Changes: Emergence of a politically active middle class.

Note: The Industrial Revolution also led to improved communication and transportation, which facilitated the spread of nationalist ideas.

Romanticism

The Romantic movement in the arts and literature emphasized emotions, individualism, and the glorification of the past, which resonated with nationalist sentiments.

Example: Johann Gottfried Herder, a German philosopher, emphasized the importance of folk culture and language in defining a nation.

The Unification of Germany and Italy

Unification of Germany

Germany was unified in 1871 under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, the Prime Minister of Prussia. The process involved several wars and diplomatic maneuvers.

1. Danish War (1864): Prussia and Austria defeated Denmark.
2. Austro-Prussian War (1866): Prussia defeated Austria, leading to the exclusion of Austria from German affairs.
3. Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871): Prussia defeated France, leading to the proclamation of the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.

Note: The unification of Germany was a top-down process, orchestrated by the Prussian leadership rather than a popular movement.

Unification of Italy

Italy was unified in 1861, with the Kingdom of Sardinia playing a leading role. Key figures included Count Camillo di Cavour, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and King Victor Emmanuel II.

1. Role of Cavour: Prime Minister of Sardinia who used diplomacy and alliances to further the cause of unification.
2. Role of Garibaldi: Led the Red Shirts in a series of military campaigns to unify southern Italy.
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy (1861): Victor Emmanuel II was declared the first king of a united Italy.

Common Mistake: Do not confuse the unification of Germany and Italy with the processes of decolonization that occurred in the mid-20th century. They are distinct historical events.

Impact of Nationalism in Europe

Positive Impacts

1. Formation of Nation-States: Led to the creation of modern nation-states like Germany and Italy.
2. Promotion of Democracy: Nationalist movements often advocated for democratic reforms and self-governance.

Negative Impacts

1. Ethnic Conflicts: Nationalism sometimes led to the suppression of minority groups and ethnic conflicts.
2. Imperialism and Colonialism: Nationalist fervor contributed to imperialistic policies and the expansion of European empires.

Example: The Balkan Wars (1912-1913) were partly fueled by nationalist ambitions of various ethnic groups in the region.

Conclusion

The rise of nationalism in Europe was a complex and multifaceted process that reshaped the continent’s political landscape. It led to the creation of unified nation-states, promoted democratic ideals, but also contributed to ethnic conflicts and imperialism. Understanding the historical context and key events associated with this phenomenon is crucial for comprehending modern European history.

Tip: When studying the rise of nationalism, focus on understanding the causes, key events, and impacts rather than just memorizing dates and names.

CBSE 2024 Topper’s Important Questions:

Question 1:

Look at the picture given below and select the correct option:

Which of the following aspects best signifies this image of Germania?

• A. As a protector of Germany
• B. As a protector of her child
• C. As a protector of German Rhine
• D. As a guardian of women’s rights

Question 2:

Young Italy was formed by ________.

Question 3:

Name the empire that ruled over Austria and Hungary in the eighteenth century.

Question 4:

How were the years of the 1830s a time of great economic hardship in Europe? Explain.

Question 5:

“The development of nationalism did not come about only through wars and territorial expansion. Culture played an important role in creating the idea of the nation.” Elaborate upon the statement.

Question 6:

“The decade of 1830 brought great economic hardship in Europe.” Support the statement with arguments.

Question 7:

1. What happened during the year following 1815 when the fear of repression drove many liberal-nationalists underground?
   (Write your answer here…)
2. Explain the events that occurred during this period.
   (Write your answer here…)

Question 8:

What was the meaning of liberalism in the early nineteenth century in Europe?

Question 9:

How did a wave of economic nationalism strengthen the wider nationalist sentiment growing in Europe? Explain.

Question 10:

Which one of the following was NOT a reason for the popularity of scientific ideas among the common people in eighteenth century Europe?

• A. Printing of ideas of Isaac Newton
• B. Development of printing press
• C. Interest of people in Science and reason
• D. Traditional aristocratic groups supported it