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Nationalism in Europe 1848

Introduction to Nationalism

• Frédéric Sorrieu, a French artist, created prints visualizing a world of democratic republics in 1848.

• The first print depicts various nations paying homage to the statue of Liberty, symbolizing liberty and democracy.

Symbolism in Sorrieu's Print

• Liberty personified as a female figure holding the torch of Enlightenment and the Charter of Rights.

• Shattered remnants of absolutist institutions in the foreground, indicating the decline of oppressive regimes.

• Different peoples of Europe identified through flags and traditional costumes.

Utopian Vision in Nationalism

• Questioned: How does the print depict a utopian vision?

Nationalism Beyond Borders

• By this time, the United States and Switzerland were already established nation-states.

• The German flag reflects liberal hopes for unification in 1848 as the German-speaking peoples sought a collective national identity.

Ernst Renan's Concept of a Nation

• In 1882, French philosopher Renan discussed what constitutes a nation in his essay "What is a Nation?".

• Criticism of the idea that race, language, religion, or territory define a nation.

Attributes of a Nation According to Renan

• Common history, past endeavors, sacrifices, and collective memory enhance national identity.

• A nation's existence is a daily plebiscite, meaning it's constantly reaffirmed by the people.

• Nations guarantee liberty and should not annex territories against the will of the people.

Importance of Nations

• Nations act as coalitions of shared sentiments and values.

The French Revolution and National Identity

• The revolution (1789) marked the first clear expression of nationalism.

• Transfer of sovereignty to the people, emphasizing collective identity through the concepts of la patrie (fatherland) and le citoyen (citizen).

• Establishment of a centralized administrative system and uniform laws.

Cultural Revolution During the French Revolution

• Introduction of the tricolour flag, new hymns, and commemorations to foster national unity.

• Abolishment of regional dialects in favor of a common French language to cultivate a singular national identity.

Expansion of Nationalism

• The revolutionaries believed in liberating other European nations from despotism, spreading nationalist ideals while French armies invaded surrounding regions.

Napoleon's Influence on Nationalism

• Napoleon introduced several reforms that aligned with revolutionary principles despite restoring monarchy.

• The Napoleonic Code established equality before the law and abolished feudal privileges, influencing diverse European territories.

Mixed Reactions to French Rule

• Initially welcomed in some regions (e.g., Holland, Switzerland) but faced hostility due to increased taxation and conscription.

• The perceived oppression by French authorities led to resistance against occupation.

Emergence of Nation-States

• Mid-18th century Europe lacked nation-states; regions were under various dynasties and empires, leading to diverse cultural identities.

• Events of the 19th century fostered political clarity and the rise of nationalism as a cohesive ideology.

The Role of the Aristocracy and Middle Class

• Social dynamics shifted as liberal, educated middle classes began advocating for their political rights and national unification.

• The disintegration of traditional aristocratic structures further fueled ambitions for collective national identities.

Liberal Nationalism in the 19th Century

• Liberalism represented freedom, individual rights, and the end of autocracy, initially linked to nationalist movements.

• Limitations due to exclusion of women and non-property owners from political rights.

Economic Factors in Nationalism

• The establishment of a customs union (Zollverein) among German states in 1834 exemplified economic nationalism, crucial for unifying the states.

The Vienna Congress and Its Consequences

• 1815 Vienna Congress aimed to restore conservatism post-Napoleonic wars, reinforcing monarchies and suppressing liberal movements.

• Established a conservative order resistant to liberal nationalism.

The Role of Revolutionaries

• Post-1815, many liberal-nationalists formed secret societies to advocate for political liberalism and national independence, highlighting figures like Giuseppe Mazzini.

Revolutions of 1848

• Economic hardship along with the oppression led to revolts by middle-class liberals seeking constitutional reforms and national unification.

Unification Trends in 19th Century Europe

Germany

• The rise of Prussia and military leadership under Otto von Bismarck facilitated German unification through a series of wars from 1864 to 1871.

Italy

• Italy's unification led by figures like Cavour and Garibaldi, transitioning from fragmented statehood to an integrative national structure.

The Role of Culture in National Identity

• Art, literature, and folk traditions created a shared sense of identity, significantly shaping nationalistic sentiments.

The Influence of Romanticism

• Romantic poets and artists highlighted emotional connections to the nation, reinforcing collective identities through cultural heritage.

Nationalism and Imperialism

• By the late 19th century, nationalism devolved into an aggressive force leading to imperial ambitions and conflicts, particularly in the Balkans.

• The interplay between nationalism and imperialism ultimately precipitated catastrophic events like World War I.

Conclusion

• Nationalism evolved from a movement supporting liberty and self-rule to an increasingly intolerant and militaristic ideology, leading to global complexities.