The Rise of Nationalism in Europe – Lecture 1

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, people, events and concepts from Lecture 1 on ‘The Rise of Nationalism in Europe’. These cards help reinforce definitions essential for understanding 19th-century European nationalism and its French origins.

Nationalism

A strong feeling of shared identity and loyalty among people, leading to the creation of nation-states in 19th-century Europe.

Nation-State

A state in which the majority of citizens share a common identity, history or descent, not just ruled by a monarch.

Modern State

A political entity with a centralised authority exercising sovereign control over clearly defined territory.

Liberalism (19th-century Europe)

Ideology advocating individual freedom, equality before law, representative government, free markets and end of autocracy.

La Patrie

French term for ‘the fatherland’, introduced during the Revolution to foster collective national identity.

Le Citoyen

French for ‘the citizen’; emphasised equal rights and duties of members of the nation.

Estates General

The pre-revolutionary French assembly of three estates; renamed the National Assembly in 1789.

French Tricolour

The blue-white-red flag adopted after 1789, replacing the royal standard as a symbol of the nation.

Civil Code of 1804 (Napoleonic Code)

Legal code introduced by Napoleon that abolished privileges by birth, established legal equality and protected property rights.

Jacobin Clubs

Political clubs set up across Europe by students and the middle class to spread revolutionary ideals from France.

Battle of Leipzig (1813)

Coalition defeat of Napoleon in Germany, marking the loss of many French-controlled territories.

Battle of Waterloo (1815)

Final defeat of Napoleon by Britain and Prussia, ending his rule.

Frédéric Sorrieu

French artist who in 1848 produced four prints envisioning democratic and social republics worldwide.

The Pact Between Nations (1848 print)

Sorrieu’s artwork depicting people of different nations marching toward liberty, symbolising democratic unity.

Utopian Vision

An idealistic depiction of a perfect society; Sorrieu’s prints expressed such a vision for democratic republics.

French Revolution (1789)

Overthrow of monarchy in France leading to republican ideas and the first clear expression of nationalism.

Collective Belonging

Sense of shared identity fostered by symbols, hymns, and common rights during the French Revolution.

Abolition of Feudal System

Napoleon’s policy of ending manorial dues and serf obligations in conquered territories.

Serfdom

Medieval forced labour system from which peasants were freed under Napoleonic reforms.

Guild Restrictions

Economic controls on production and trade in towns, removed by Napoleon to promote free enterprise.

Censorship (Napoleonic Era)

Government control over the press and ideas, one cause for discontent under Napoleon.

Ernst Renan

French philosopher who lectured on the true basis of nationhood in 1882.

"What is a Nation?"

Renan’s famous essay arguing that a nation is a daily plebiscite founded on shared deeds and will, not race or language alone.

Sovereignty

Supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself without external control.

Despotism

Absolute, oppressive rule; French revolutionaries vowed to free Europe from it.

Torch of Enlightenment

Symbol in Sorrieu’s print representing spread of knowledge and rational political ideals.

Charter of the Rights of Man

Document symbolised in revolutionary art, embodying universal rights established in 1789.

Absolutism

System of unlimited monarchical power challenged by liberal and nationalist movements.

Centralised Administrative System

Uniform bureaucracy and laws created in France and exported by Napoleon to foster unity.

Uniform Weights and Measures

Standard metric system adopted in revolutionary France to replace regional variations and promote unity.