nationalism in europe

The Painting

Frédéric Sorrieu's 1848 prints present a vision of a world united in democratic and social republics.

Democratic Republics

Sorrieu's visuals depict a harmonious world where people from Europe and America march together in solidarity.

Overthrow of Absolutism

Sorrieu's imagery symbolizes the decline of monarchical tyranny and absolutist institutions.

Birth of Nationalism

The French Revolution of 1789 marked the first clear expression of nationalism in Europe.

Creating a Collective Identity

National unity was cultivated through symbols like 'la patrie' (the fatherland) and 'le citoyen' (the citizen), alongside the French tricolor flag.

Spread of Ideas

French armies exported nationalism to regions like Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy.

Napoleon Bonaparte's Rule

Seizing power during political instability, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor, reintroducing monarchy.

The Napoleonic Code

Enacted by Napoleon, it established legal equality, property rights, and abolished the feudal system.

Zollverein (1834)

A customs union formed by Prussia to eliminate tariff barriers and unify economic interests.

Treaty of Vienna (1815)

A treaty restoring the Bourbon dynasty in France and preventing French expansion by establishing buffer states.

Giuseppe Mazzini

An Italian revolutionary leader who founded 'Young Italy' and advocated for an Italian republic.

Unification of Germany

Led by Otto von Bismarck through 'blood and iron' policies, culminating in the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871.

Unification of Italy

Achieved by leaders like Count Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi, who expelled foreign rulers and unified Italy by 1861.