European Nationalism and Revolutions 1830-1848

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Study Notes

Culture significantly influenced the rise of nationalism through art, poetry, stories, and music.
Romanticism sought to foster nationalist sentiment and emphasized the importance of language.
The imposition of the Russian language led to a rebellion in 1831 against Russian dominance.

The 1830s in Europe were marked by economic struggles, increased population, and rising food prices.
Poor harvests resulted in widespread poverty, especially in urban areas.
In 1848, food shortages and unemployment triggered mass protests in Paris.

The educated middle class spearheaded the 1848 revolution, demanding a nation-state founded on parliamentary principles.
Political associations convened in Frankfurt to push for an all-German National Assembly.
On 18 May 1848, 831 elected representatives participated in the Frankfurt Parliament; they sought to establish a constitutional monarchy.
Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia rejected the crown offered by the Parliament, opposing the elected assembly.

Nationalism emerged during the French Revolution of 1789, transferring sovereignty from monarchy to citizens.
Concepts like "la patrie" (the fatherland) and "le citoyen" (the citizen) were introduced.
The tricolour became the national flag, replacing the prior emblem.

Napoleon's Civil Code of 1804 abolished birth privileges, establishing legal equality and property rights.

Germany, Italy, and Switzerland were fragmented into various kingdoms and duchies with independent rulers.
The aristocracy held significant power while the majority population consisted of peasants.

Political and social power was primarily in the hands of the aristocracy.
The industrial revolution led to the emergence of a working class and a middle class composed of industrialists and professionals.

Liberalism, derived from "liber" (meaning free), championed property-owning men’s right to vote; women and non-property holders were excluded.

Before the 18th century, Great Britain did not exist as a unified nation; its power grew through wealth and influence.
The Act of Union (1707) united England and Scotland, forming the 'United Kingdom of Great Britain'.
Ireland was incorporated forcibly in 1801. Symbols like the Union Jack and "God Save Our Noble King" were promoted as national symbols.

Artists in the 18th and 19th centuries often depicted nations as female figures representing ideals like Liberty and Justice.
Liberty was symbolized by red caps or broken chains, while Justice was portrayed as a blindfolded woman with scales.

By the late 19th century, nationalism intertwined with imperialism, leading to tensions, particularly in the Balkans.
The Balkans, with modern nations including Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia, became a conflict hotspot due to the declining Ottoman Empire and nationalist aspirations.
Rivalries among European powers over colonies and military strength culminated in wars and ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War I in 1914.