Nationalism and Empires: A Historical Overview

The policy of imposing Russian culture and language on other ethnic groups in the Russian Empire.

The breaking up of a large empire into smaller, independent states.

A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's nation, often leading to a desire for independence or unity.

A period of political and social upheaval in Russia during which the Tsarist regime was overthrown and replaced with a communist government.

The Turkish people, originally a nomadic group from Central Asia, who established and ruled the Ottoman Empire for centuries.

The massacre and forced deportation of Armenians by the Ottoman government between 1894-1896 and again in 1915.

The process of bringing together various smaller states or regions into a single, unified nation.

A group of people who share a common culture, language, history, and territory, often with a strong sense of national identity.

A policy of focusing on practical matters above ideals, emphasizing national interests and power. Bismarck used this strategy to unite Germany.

A conflict between Austria and Prussia in 1866, which Prussia decisively won, furthering German unification by weakening Austria's influence.

War between France and Prussia in 1870, Prussia decisively winning and solidifying German unification. Bismarck provoked it to unite remaining German states.

The prime minister of Piedmont-Sardinia who played a key role in Italian unification.

The king of Piedmont-Sardinia who became the first king of a unified Italy. He played a crucial role in the unification process even though he was not a strong military leader.

A prominent Italian nationalist who led the 'Red Shirts' in conquering the Southern Italian states, merging them with the newly formed Kingdom of Italy. He cooperated with Victor Emmanuel II.

The Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, led by Victor Emmanuel II and Cavour, was the main force behind Italian unification.

After defeating Austria, Piedmont-Sardinia gained control of most of Northern Italy, except for Venetia. Venetia was later acquired through the Austro-Prussian War.

Austria lost control of Venetia, a region in Italy, and had to accept Prussia's annexation of more German territory.

The Prussian king's ambassador, Bismarck, used deception and manipulation to provoke France into a war with Prussia. He encouraged the French to attack through fabricated news and political schemes.

The French army was defeated by the Prussian forces at the Battle of Sedan in September 1870, resulting in the surrender of Napoleon III, the French emperor.

The Franco-Prussian War, a conflict between France and Prussia, marked a crucial point in the unification of Germany. Prussia's victory solidified its power and contributed to the formation of a unified German empire.

The Prussian victory in the Franco-Prussian War fueled a strong wave of nationalistic pride and unity throughout Germany, leading to the creation of the German Empire with Prussia at its core.

Otto von Bismarck was a Prussian statesman who played a key role in unifying Germany under Prussian leadership. He implemented policies that strengthened Prussia's influence and ultimately led to the creation of the Second Reich.

Bismarck's strategy included allying with Austria and winning the two border provinces, showcasing Prussia's strength to other German states.

This war sparked German nationalism and cemented Prussia's position as the dominant force in Germany. This victory was key in convincing Southern Germany to join the unified Reich.

King Wilhelm I of Prussia was crowned Kaiser (emperor) of the Second Reich in the Palace of Versailles, France. The French defeat and the victory of the Prussians made Wilhelm the figurehead of the newly unified Germany.

Bismarck's actions led to the unification of Germany, a process known as 'Realpolitik'. This strategy used power, diplomacy, and war to achieve political goals, helping shape a new modern German nation.