The rise of nationalism in Europe Notes in English Class 10 History Chapter-1 Book- India and the Contemporary World-II
0Team Eklavyaअप्रैल 22, 2025
In 1848, Frederic Soreau painted a series of four paintings depicting a world based on 'democratic and social republics'. In the first painting, people from Europe and America are shown worshiping the Statue of Liberty, which holds the torch of knowledge and the Declaration of Human Rights. The painting shows people of different nations with symbols of their identity—clothing and flags. The picture symbolizes nationalism, brotherhood, and common heritage. Such ideas inspired the rise of nation-states in the 19th century.
French Revolution and the Rise of Nationalism
The French Revolution of 1789 laid the foundation of nationalism. This revolution considered the people as the source of power and introduced the idea of "nation for the people" instead of "state for the king". Let us understand this in simple language.
1. Changes of the French Revolution
During the French Revolution new ideas such as "the Fatherland" (La Patrie) and "the Citizen" (Le Citoyen) were introduced, which were based on equal rights and national unity.
A constitution was made giving equal rights to all citizens.
To strengthen national identity, a new tricolor flag was adopted, the Estates General was renamed the National Assembly, and new songs were written, oaths were taken, and martyrs were honored in the name of the nation.
At the same time, reforms were made to the system by introducing uniform laws, making Parisian French the national language in place of regional dialects, abolishing internal taxes, and implementing a uniform system of weights and measures.
These reforms became the foundation of national unity and modern administration.
2. Spread of revolutionary ideas
The effects of the French Revolution were felt across Europe.
The French revolutionaries declared that their aim was to free Europe from autocratic rulers.
Under this, French armies entered countries like Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy and propagated the ideas of revolution and nationalism.
To adopt these ideas and support the revolution, Jacobin clubs were formed in different countries, which helped in spreading the principles of the French Revolution.
3. Napoleon and his reforms
The Napoleonic Code, which came into force in 1804, marked an important step towards administrative reforms.
The Code abolished birth-based privileges and ensured equality before the law and property rights for all citizens.
Its influence was not limited to France but was also implemented in areas like the Dutch Republic, Switzerland, Italy and Germany. It abolished the feudal system and gave freedom to the farmers.
Improvements in transport and communication particularly benefited the industrial and commercial classes. Uniform laws, weights and measures and currency simplified trade and facilitated the movement of capital, which brought enormous economic benefits to the industrial class.
4. Local reactions
French troops were initially welcomed in Holland, Switzerland and other cities as "messengers of liberty", as they brought a message of liberation from feudal rulers and administrative reforms.
However, popular discontent soon grew as problems such as lack of political freedom, increased taxes, censorship, and forced conscription into the French army began to emerge.
These circumstances made the benefits of administrative reforms less impressive, and people's hopes gradually turned into disappointment.
The making of nationalism in Europe
In the mid-18th century Europe was not divided into modern 'nation-states'. At this time Europe was divided into kingdoms, duchies and empires. People in different regions spoke different languages and had different cultural identities.
1. Rise of nationalism
During the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution, society and politics were dominated by the elite class.
The largest segment of society was the peasant class, while after the industrial revolution a new middle class was emerging along with the commercial class and the working class.
The idea of liberal nationalism emerged during this period, with "liberalism" meaning support for liberty, equality before the law, consent to government, a constitution, and the right to private property.
However, this liberalism limited suffrage, and only men with property had the right to vote, thereby excluding large numbers of people from the political process.
2 Economic and political changes
Economic reforms during Napoleon's reign abolished the feudal system in France and its subjugated territories, giving freedom to peasants and the business class.
In 1834 the Zollverein (tariff union) was formed in Germany, which introduced uniform laws, currency, and weights and measures to facilitate trade.
Meanwhile, political changes such as the Congress of Vienna of 1815 restored the old monarchies, controlled France's borders, and established a new conservative order in Europe that sought to suppress revolutionary ideas.
3. Revolutionary movement
Due to repression on nationalist movements many leaders went underground and formed secret organisations.
Revolutionary leaders such as Giuseppe Mazzini founded organisations such as Young Italy and Young Europe, which aimed to create a republican nation-state.
On the other hand, conservative leaders like Metternich adopted a policy of censorship and repression to suppress these movements.
However, despite these difficulties the feeling of independence and liberation gradually grew, leading to the spread of nationalism.
4. Nationalism and economic development
The industrial class, in which merchants and industrialists played a major role, demanded a unified market so that uniform rules could be implemented for the development of trade and industry.
The expansion of railways and trade networks not only facilitated economic activities but also promoted national unity.
This integrated economic system gave rise to economic nationalism, whereby shared economic interests united people and strengthened nationalist sentiments.
The Age of Revolutions: 1830–1848
Between 1830 and 1848, many revolutions took place in Europe, the aim of which was to challenge the conservative forces and spread nationalism and liberalism. These revolutions were led by the educated middle class. Let us understand this in simple language.
1. Revolutions of 1830
The French July Revolution of 1830 resulted in the removal of the Bourbon king from power and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy under Louis Philippe.
This revolution had a profound impact on Europe. Taking inspiration from France, there was a revolt in Brussels, which resulted in Belgium separating itself from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and establishing itself as an independent nation.
Meanwhile, Greece began its war of independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Sympathy for Greek culture in Western Europe inspired the European public and poets to support Greece.
The English poet Lord Byron gave it even more prestige by participating in the war. Eventually, Greece was granted the status of an independent nation under the Treaty of Constantinople in 1832.
2. Culture and national sentiment
Poets and artists under the Romantic movement used art, poetry, and music to promote national sentiment, emphasizing emotions and cultural heritage rather than logic and science.
Considering folklore, folk songs and folk dances as the basis of national identity, German philosopher Johann Gottfried Herder said that true national sentiment lies in these traditions. Nationalism was strengthened by collecting and preserving these folk traditions.
Poland was a prime example, where, despite being occupied by Russia, Prussia and Austria, music and language kept the national spirit alive.
The Polish language became a symbol of the struggle against Russia, and it was through this cultural expression that Poland maintained its nationhood.
3. Hunger, hardships and popular uprising
The 1830s were a time of economic and social crisis, with an increasing population leading to rising unemployment and poverty.
The increasing competition from cheap machine-made clothes seriously affected the livelihood of local artisans.
The situation worsened further due to crop failure and inflation in 1848. Several important rebellions took place during this period.
In 1845 weavers in Silesia revolted against low wages paid by contractors, but the army crushed the revolt, killing 11 weavers. In 1848 people in Paris took to the streets in protest, forcing Louis Philippe to abdicate power.
This resulted in the establishment of a republic and the granting of suffrage to all men, which was an important step in political and social change.
4. 1848: Revolution of the Liberals
The middle class revolution of 1848 centred around the demands for constitutionalism and national unification.
The Frankfurt Parliament was formed in Germany, where a constitution was drafted for the national unity of the German regions.
However, King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia rejected the crown offered by the parliament, and the parliament was weakened by opposition from the nobility and the military.
Women also participated enthusiastically in this movement, but they were deprived of voting rights and political rights, which limited their role.
5. The result of revolutions
Conservative forces returned to power after the failure of the revolutions of 1848, but they learned an important lesson during this period. The kings realized that the cycle of revolution could be stopped by making some concessions to the liberals.
This resulted in the abolition of serfdom and the introduction of economic reforms. These changes provided stability to the conservative regime as well as accelerated the process of reform in society.
Creation of Germany and Italy
In the 19th century, nationalism was used by conservative forces in Europe to increase their political dominance. The unification of Germany and Italy are important examples of this process. Let us understand this in simple language.
1. Germany
During the Revolutions of 1848 middle class Germans attempted to unite the German states to form a nation under an elected parliament, but the monarchy and the military crushed this initiative.
Subsequently, Prussian Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck led national unification through the military and bureaucracy.
Over seven years, wars were fought against Austria, Denmark, and France, with Prussia achieving decisive victories.
In January 1871, King William I of Prussia was proclaimed Emperor of a unified Germany at the Glass Palace of Versailles.
Prussia laid the foundation for a strong nation by modernizing Germany's currency, banking system, and legal system.
2. Italy
Italy was divided into seven states in the 19th century, with the north ruled by Austria, the centre by the Pope, and the south by the Bourbon kings of Spain.
In the 1830s Giuseppe Mazzini planned a unified Italy by forming the secret organization "Young Italy", but the revolutions of 1831 and 1848 failed.
Later, King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia-Piedmont and his prime minister Cavour led the unification of Italy.
In 1859 he signed a diplomatic alliance with France to defeat Austria. Meanwhile, Giuseppe Garibaldi liberated Southern Italy and Sicily with an army of volunteers.
In 1861 Victor Emmanuel was proclaimed king of a unified Italy. However, despite this unification, people in rural Italy did not understand the concept of "Italia".
Illiterate peasants mistook her for the king's wife, calling her "La Talia," which made it difficult to internalize the spirit of a unified nation at the grassroots level.
3. Britain
In the 18th century the British Isles were inhabited by English, Scots, Welsh and Irish people, but after the Revolution of 1688 England increased its dominance through Parliament.
The Act of Union of 1707 united England and Scotland, suppressing Scottish culture and language.
Ireland, which was divided between Catholics and Protestants, was forcibly incorporated into the United Kingdom in 1801. Irish rebellions were crushed and English culture was promoted.
The "British nation" was constructed through the Union Jack (the national flag), the national anthem, and Anglo culture, attempting to establish a unified national identity.
5. Visual imagination of the nation: Creation of female metaphors
In the 18th and 19th centuries, artists personified the nation to express nationalism. They depicted the nation as a woman, which did not actually represent any woman. It was merely an attempt to give concrete form to the idea of the nation.
1. Symbolic use of female metaphors
During the French Revolution, ideas such as liberty, justice, and republic were portrayed through feminine symbols.
Liberty was represented by a red cap and broken chains, while justice was symbolized by a blindfold and a scale in hand.
In the nineteenth century, nations also started being depicted as female, so that people could feel an emotional connection with them.
This symbolic depiction became an important medium to strengthen national unity and sentiment.
2. "Marianne" of France
In France, the image of Marianne became a symbol of the people's nation, representing liberty, the republic, and national unity.
Marianne was depicted with symbols such as a red cap, tricolor, and crest.
To boost her popularity and promote nationalism, statues of Marianne were erected in public places, and her image was featured on coins and postage stamps, making her an enduring symbol of French national identity.
3. Germany's "Germania"
The symbol of the German nation was the image of "Germania", which represented German unity and national pride. Germania was crowned with oak leaves, as oak trees are considered a symbol of valor and strength in Germany. This symbol encouraged the spirit of nationalism among the German people.
4. Importance
Female metaphors were used to deeply establish nationalism in the hearts and minds of the people.
These symbols were used to embody ideals such as liberty, justice, and democracy, as well as to strengthen national unity and identity.
These female metaphors generated an emotional connection among the masses, thereby giving widespread support to the spirit of nationalism.
Nationalism and Imperialism
By the end of the 19th century, the initial liberal and democratic nature of nationalism had changed. It had now become a narrow and militant ideology, used for imperialism.
1. The Balkan region: a hotbed of nationalist tension
The Balkan region, which included the countries of modern-day Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Croatia, was an area of geographic and ethnic diversity.
The inhabitants were called Slavs. With the weakening of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, various national groups in the Balkans began to struggle for independence.
These groups used their history to show that they were previously independent and that their independence was taken away.
However, conflicts between these national groups also deepened, as the Balkan states became jealous of each other and attempted to expand their territories.
This competition and confrontation fueled instability and conflict in the region.
2. Competition among European powers
The Balkan region became a centre of attraction for powers like Russia, Germany, England, and Austro-Hungary due to its geographical position and strategic importance.
These powers competed for trade, colonies, and military dominance. Their competition pushed the Balkan region into frequent conflicts and instability.
These international and regional tensions made the Balkans a hotbed of wars and eventually the region became a major cause of World War I.
3. Nationalism against imperialism
In the 19th century, European countries colonized large parts of Asia and Africa, leading to anti-imperial movements in these regions.
These movements were driven by the inspiration of creating an independent nation-state and the spirit of national unity emerged in them.
However, these countries developed distinctive nationalisms according to their local conditions and cultural heritage and did not fully adopt the model of European nationalism.
Thus, a unique form of nationalism was seen in every country.
