Nationalism 1750-1900: Key Concepts and Events

Nationalism (1750-1900)

• Nationalism became a significant force in shaping state and empire development during this period.
• Revolutions in the Atlantic world (1750-1900) were influenced by These factors included Enlightenment ideas, political philosophies, and cultural movements that inspired revolutionary thought and action.
• People around the world developed a shared sense of identity based on factors like language, religion, social customs, and territory.
• Governments utilized various methods, such as propaganda, education, and national celebrations, to foster unity among diverse populations, strengthening national identity.
• Newly formed national communities linked their identities with state borders; nationalists challenged boundaries and sought unification, or liberation.
• Examples of nationalism include the Propaganda Movement in the Philippines, which aimed to promote reform and awareness of Filipino identity; Māori nationalism, which focused on the rights and culture of the Māori people in New Zealand; and the literary works from Puerto Rican writers that emphasized cultural pride. Furthermore, the unification movements in Germany and Italy were pivotal in creating nation-states from various independent territories through a shared nationalist sentiment.
• Balkan nationalism and Ottomanism were also notable developments.

Nationalism Defined

• Nationalism is a strong sense of pride in one's culture, ethnic group, or country.
• Such symbols include the American flag, the national anthem, and historical monuments that represent the country’s foundations and values.

German Unification

• German unification efforts had previous failures.
• Prussia, a strong, prosperous, and authoritarian state, became the focus for German leadership.
• King William I appointed Otto von Bismarck as prime minister with the goal of uniting Germany in 1861-1888.
• • Bismarck implemented a pragmatic policy known as realpolitik, which emphasized making decisions based on practical and realistic considerations rather than idealistic or theoretical principles. This approach allowed Bismarck to navigate complex political landscapes effectively, prioritizing the strategic interests of Prussia and the broader goal of unification over ideological purity. His methods often involved manipulation, diplomacy, and military action to achieve desired outcomes.

Bismarck's Methods

• Bismarck prioritized unification of German states, using diplomacy and military force.
• He provoked wars with Denmark and Austria to gain territories and unify northern German states.
• He orchestrated another war against France, leading to the unification of the remaining German states under Prussian leadership in 1871.
• Bismarck's strategy was controversial but incredibly successful in achieving German unification during 1866-1871.

War for Power & Unification

• France opposed the growing German power.
• Prussia strategically maneuvered diplomatic relations and utilized nationalist sentiments in 1870 to incite conflict with France, ultimately leading to war.
• The Southern German states joined Prussia.
• France was defeated, and William I was declared Emperor of the Second German Empire.
• The war was concluded in January 1871.

Industrialization

• Germany's industrialization accelerated after unification.

Nationalism fueled a strong sense of identity and purpose among various German states, encouraging their populations to seek unification. This collective aspiration significantly contributed to the political movements and conflicts that ultimately led to the establishment of a unified Germany.