Comprehensive Notes: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe (Class 10 History)

**Comprehensive Notes: The Rise of Nationalism in Europe (Class 10 History)**

**1. Understanding Nationalism**

- Nationalism is the ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion, or allegiance to a nation or

nation-state and places these obligations above other individual or group interests.

- In 19th-century Europe, it emerged as a powerful force uniting people based on common

language, ethnicity, history, and aspirations.

- Nationalist ideas spread through revolutions, wars, literature, and economic movements, leading to

the formation of modern nation-states.

**2. The French Revolution: Birth of Nationalism (1789)**

- The first major political upheaval influenced by nationalist ideas.

- Reforms:

- Abolition of monarchy and establishment of a republic.

- Power shifted from the monarch to the French citizens.

- Ideas of *La Patrie* and *Le Citoyen* emphasized collective identity.

- Introduction of the tricolour French flag, national anthem (*La Marseillaise*), and uniform laws.

- Administrative centralization ensured consistency in governance.

- Internal customs duties abolished to encourage economic unity.

**3. Napoleon and the Spread of Nationalism (17991815)**

- Napoleon rose to power promising reform and stability.

- Introduced the **Civil Code of 1804 (Napoleonic Code)**:

- Equality before the law.

- Abolition of feudal privileges.

- Protection of private property.

- Infrastructure improved, facilitating trade and communication.

- Despite reforms, Napoleons rule turned oppressive:

- Heavy taxation.
- Military conscription.

- Censorship and reduced freedoms led to local opposition in occupied regions.

**4. Society and Political Ideologies in 19th-century Europe**

- European society:

- **Aristocracy**: Landed elites with traditional privileges.

- **Middle Class**: Industrialists, lawyers, teachersemerged with modern values.

- **Peasantry**: Largest section, often under feudal burdens.

- **Liberalism**:

- Political: Freedom of speech, representative government, no absolute monarchy.

- Economic: Free markets, end of trade restrictions.

- **Zollverein (1834)**:

- Led by Prussia to integrate German states economically.

- Unified currency, reduced custom duties, promoted trade and movement.

**5. The Role of Revolutionaries**

- Post-1815: Conservative forces restored monarchies across Europe (Congress of Vienna).

- Revolutionaries, often middle-class liberals, formed secret societies to fight autocracy.

- **Giuseppe Mazzini**:

- Italian revolutionary exiled for his nationalist beliefs.

- Founded *Young Italy* and *Young Europe*.

- Advocated for independent, democratic republics.

- Inspired nationalist movements across Europe.

**6. The Age of Revolutions (18301848)**

- **July Revolution in France (1830)**:

- Overthrew King Charles X; constitutional monarchy established under Louis Philippe.

- Triggered uprisings across Europe (e.g., Belgium, Poland).

- **Greek War of Independence (182932)**:

- Greece, under Ottoman rule, revolted with support from Western Europe and diaspora.
- Treaty of Constantinople (1832): Recognized Greece as an independent nation.

**7. Romanticism and Cultural Nationalism**

- A movement that celebrated emotion, nature, and cultural roots over rationalism.

- Romantic thinkers believed that shared heritage and cultural traditions formed national identity.

- Tools of cultural nationalism:

- Language: Revival of native languages suppressed under foreign rule.

- Literature and Art: Focused on folk tales, poetry, and music.

- Symbols: Nations depicted as female figuresMarianne (France), Germania (Germany).

- Example: Polish clergy used the Polish language to resist Russian dominance.

**8. Economic Hardships and Popular Revolts (1830s)**

- Rapid population growth and industrialisation led to:

- High unemployment and migration to cities.

- Poor living conditions in urban slums.

- Competition from industrial goods hurt local artisans.

- Crop failures and food scarcity caused widespread unrest.

**9. Unification of Germany**

- Germany: A collection of 39 states under the German Confederation.

- **Otto von Bismarck** (Prussian Chancellor):

- Used diplomacy and military force to unify Germany.

- Led three decisive wars:

1. Denmark (1864)

2. Austria (1866)

3. France (187071)

- In 1871, Germany unified under Prussian King William I, declared Kaiser at Versailles.

- Post-unification: Legal, judicial, and economic reforms consolidated national unity.

**10. Unification of Italy**

- Italy was fragmented into seven states, some under foreign control.
- **Key Leaders**:

- Giuseppe Mazzini: Ideological leader.

- Count Camillo Cavour (PM of Sardinia): Political strategist who allied with France against Austria.

- Giuseppe Garibaldi: Military leader who liberated Southern Italy.

- **Process**:

- Sardinia-Piedmont emerged as the unifier.

- Garibaldi handed Southern Italy to Victor Emmanuel II.

- In 1861, Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed King of Italy.

**11. Britains Different Path to Nationhood**

- Unlike Germany/Italy, Britains unification was gradual and not revolutionary.

- 1707: **Act of Union** merged England and Scotlandformed the United Kingdom.

- Ireland was forcibly integrated after failed uprisings.

- British nationalism dominated by English symbols, culture, and language.

**12. Nationalism Transforms into Imperialism**

- Late 19th century: Nationalism became aggressive.

- **The Balkans**:

- Included modern-day countries like Serbia, Greece, Croatia, and Romania.

- Ethnic diversity and weakening Ottoman control triggered conflicts.

- Competing claims and foreign interventions escalated tensions.

- Rivalries led to the Balkan Wars, setting the stage for **World War I**.

**Key People and Terms**

- **La Patrie / Le Citoyen**: Revolutionary French terms emphasizing national unity.

- **Napoleonic Code**: Set of civil laws ensuring legal equality.

- **Zollverein**: Economic union led by Prussia.

- **Giuseppe Mazzini**: Founder of Young Italy, visionary for Italian unity.

- **Otto von Bismarck**: Unified Germany using military and diplomacy.

- **Victor Emmanuel II**: First king of unified Italy.

- Greece: Recognized as independent in Treaty of Constantinople (1832).

- Germany: William I crowned Kaiser in 1871.

- Italy: Victor Emmanuel II declared king in 1861.

**Important Questions Key Areas**

- Identity creation during French Revolution.

- Impact of Romanticism on nationalism.

- Spread of revolutionary ideas post-1815.

- Causes of Balkan conflicts.

- Role of secret societies and revolutionaries.

**Conclusion**

The 19th century was a turning point for Europe, where nationalist movements redefined the

continent's political landscape. Inspired by liberal and cultural ideologies, nations such as Germany

and Italy emerged through struggle, unity, and leadership. However, rising nationalism also created

rivalries that eventually led to global conflicts such as World War I. Nationalism remains a powerful

force shaping world history even today.