Nationalism in Europe

Define nation state and modern state

1. A modern state was a state that was controlled by a centralised power that exercised sovereign control over a clearly defined territory that had been developing over a long period of time in Europe.

2. A nation state was a state where the majority of people and not only rulers, developed a sense of common identity and shared history or descent

3. This commoness did not exist from immemorial but was developed from the struggles, and actions of the leaders and common people

Explain Frederic Sorrieau’s painting

1. In 1848, Frederic Sorrieau, a french artist, prepared a series of 4 prints, visualising his dream of a world made up of ‘Social and Democratic Republics’ as he called them.

2. The first print of the series showed the people of Europe and america- men and women of all ages and social classes- marching in a long train and paying homage to the statue of Liberty as they pass by it.

3. Since, artists of the time of the French Revolution, depicted Liberty as a female figure- here in the painting one can see the statue of liberty holding the torch of enlightenment in one hand and the charter of rights of man in the other.

4. On Earth, in the foreground of the painting, one can see the shattered remains of the symbols of absolutist institutions.

5. In Sorrieau’s utopian vision, the people of the world are grouped as distinct nations, identified with their flags and national costume

6. Leading the procession way past the statue of liberty, are the Unites states and switzerland, which were already nation states by this time, followed by france germany poland england ireland hungary and russia.

7. From the heavens above, Christ, Saints and angels gze down upon the scene. They have been used by the artist to symbolise fraternity amongst the nations of the world.

“French revolutionaries had introduced various measures and practices that could create a sense of fraternity among the people of France”. Explain

1. The new french flag, the tricolour was chosen to replace th former royal standard.

2. The Estates General was elected by the body of active citizens and renamed the National Assembly

3. A centralised administrative system was put in place which formulated unifrom laws for the citizens within its territory.

4. They removed internal custom duties and dues

5. They introduced a uniform system of weights and measures

Mention the features of Napoleonic code of 1804

The Civil Code of 1804 was also known as the napoleonic code.

FEATURES

1. It did away with any privileges based on birth.

2. It established equality before law.

3. It secured the right to property

4. Napoleon also abolished the feudal system and freed peasants from serfdom and manorial dues.

5. Transport and communication systems were also improved