The Shaping of the Modern World: Nationalism & Reform (1800-1914)

A detailed exploration of the ideological battles, revolutionary movements, and the birth of new nations across Europe and the Americas.

Conservatives “Old School”
- Who: Monarchs, nobles, and church leaders, led by Prince Metternich of Austria.
- Goal: Restore Europe to the state it was in before 1789 (pre-French Revolution).
- Values: Social hierarchy, established churches, and absolute monarchies.
- Methods: Utilized the Concert of Europe to crush revolutionary ideas.
Liberals “The Reformers”
- Who: Business owners, lawyers, and bankers.
- Goal: Advocate for governments based on written constitutions and the separation of powers.
- Values: Emphasized natural rights (liberty, equality, property), freedom of religion, and laissez-faire economics.
Nationalists “The Patriots”
- Goal: Assert that people with a common heritage should have their independent homeland.
- Successes: Greece and Serbia gained independence or autonomy from the Ottoman Empire by 1830.

Waves of rebellion occurred in France, Italy, and Germany against conservative rule.
France:
- Louis Philippe, known as the Citizen King, abdicated his throne, leading to the establishment of the Second Republic and the rise of Napoleon III.
The Balkans:
- Greece and Serbia successfully achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Peninsulares:
- Spanish-born officials who held the highest positions in government and Church.
Creoles:
- European-descended landowners who resented their “second-class” political status.
Mestizos & Mulattoes:
- Mixed-race populations denied wealth and status enjoyed by upper classes.
Social Systems:
- The class distinctions and inequalities led to widespread discontent.

Haiti (1791):
- Toussaint L’Ouverture led a successful slave rebellion against France, resulting in the creation of the first independent black republic in 1804.
Mexico (1810):
- Father Miguel Hidalgo and later José Morelos led the fight for independence from Spain.
South America:
- Simón Bolívar (The Liberator): Freed Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador from Spanish rule.
- José de San Martín: Assisted in the liberation of Argentina and Chile from Spanish control.
Brazil:
- Achieved independence peacefully from Portugal under the rule of Prince Dom Pedro.