Rise of Nationalism in Europe and India: Timeline and Key Events
RISE OF NATIONALISM IN EUROPE: TIMELINE CHAPTER OVERVIEW
Exploration of diverse processes leading to the establishment of nation-states and the sentiment of nationalism in 19th century Europe.
Origins of Nationalism:
The first clear expression of nationalism noted during the French Revolution in 1789.
The Act of Union between England and Scotland predates the Revolution, occurring in 1707.
A failed revolt in Ireland in 1798, led by Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen.
Post-revolt, Ireland was forcibly incorporated into the UK in 1801.
Napoleonic Code:
In 1804, Napoleon introduced the Napoleonic Code (civil code), eliminating privileges based on birth, and establishing legal equality.
Industrialization and Social Change:
Industrialization began in England during the mid-18th century, whereas in Germany it commenced in the 19th century, giving rise to new social classes (working and middle classes).
Defeat of Napoleon (1815) and the Congress of Vienna:
After his defeat, representatives of European powers convened in Vienna to strategize a settlement for Europe.
Resulted in the setting up of conservative regimes (autocratic in nature).
Zollverein (1834):
Customs union (Zollverein) established under Prussia's initiative, with most German states participating, leading to a wave of economic nationalism.
National Unity and Liberalism (19th Century):
Ideas of national unity became closely associated with liberalism.
From 1815 onwards, people began to secretly spread nationalist ideas due to repression fears.
KEY INDIVIDUALS AND EVENTS IN EUROPEAN NATIONALISM
Giuseppe Mazzini (born 1807):
A member of a secret society, he founded the secret societies Young Italy in Marseille and Young Europe in Berne.
Greek Nationalism:
Spread significantly from 1821, with Greece gaining independence recognized by the Treaty of Constantinople in 1832.
Uprisings of 1830:
The start of revolutions against Bourbon kings who regained power in 1815. Liberal revolutionaries overthrew these monarchs.
Greek War of Independence (1821-1832):
Armed rebellion in 1831 against Russian rule, which was ultimately crushed.
Revolutions from 1830 to 1848:
Despite conservative regimes attempting to control populations, nationalism surged throughout many regions.
The 1840s marked significant hardship in Europe, marked by increased population, food shortages, and unemployment.
Silesian Weavers Revolt (1845):
Revolts among weavers against the contractors reducing payments.
The Revolution of 1848: led by liberals in various European countries, featured a significant Paris Revolt.
German National Assemblies (May 18, 1848):
Held to elect 831 representatives; faced opposition from the aristocrats.
Reforms in Response to Nationalism:
Monarchies began enacting changes, including the abolition of serfdom and bonded labor in Habsburg and Russian empires. The Habsburg rulers granted more autonomy to Hungarians in 1867.
UNIFICATION AND NATIONALISM
Artistic Representations (1848):
Frederic Sorrieu, a French artist, created a series of four paintings visualizing democratic and social republics.
Italian Unification:
In 1861, Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed king of a united Italy.
German Unification:
In 1871, Prussian King William I was proclaimed the German emperor in a ceremony held in Versailles.
Late 19th Century Nationalism and Imperialism:
Towards the end of the 19th century, nationalism intertwined with imperialism, leading to nationalist tensions, particularly in the Balkan region, post-1871.
NATIONALISM IN INDIA: TIMELINE CHAPTER OVERVIEW
Exploration of events that shaped Nationalism in India and its impact on people, cultivating a sense of patriotism.
Hind Swaraj (1909):
Written by Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi’s Arrival in India (1915):
Returned from South Africa in January.
World War I Impact (1914-1918):
Prices doubled, resulting in heightened hardships.
Gandhi’s Satyagraha Movements:
Organized in various regions, including:
Champaran (1917): To support peasants against the plantation system.
Kheda (1917): To help plague-affected peasants.
Ahmedabad (1918): Organized movements for cotton mill workers.
Nationwide Satyagraha (1919):
Launched against the Rowlatt Act.
Hartal (April 6, 1919): A call for nationwide protests.
Jallianwala Bagh Incident (April 13, 1919): Police firing on peaceful protestors.
POST WAR PERIOD AND NATIONAL STRUGGLE
Khilafat Movement (1919):
Formation of the Khilafat Committee in Bombay, as a reaction to the Turkish defeat.
Nehru's Engagement in Awadh (1920):
Increased contact with villagers to address their concerns, leading to the establishment of Oudh Kisan Sabha by October.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920):
Initiated in the September session at Calcutta, supported by Khilafat for Swaraj.
Gandhi's Salt March (1930):
Initiated with 11 demands to the Viceroy – non-compliance led to the symbolic Salt March to Dandi.
Anti-Imperialist Protests:
Various uprisings and strikes, including militant movements like that in the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh in the early 1920s.
Indigenous Press and Nationalist Literature:
Emergence of various newspapers, nationalistic writings, and grassroots literacy efforts among working-class communities.
COLONIAL IMPACT ON INDIA’S ECONOMY
Decline in India’s textile production post-1750s due to British colonization.
Indentured labor system established, described as a new slavery, leading to mass opposition by the early 1900s.
Impact of the First World War:
Significant unemployment in Britain, contrasting faster recovery rates in the U.S.
Great Depression (1929-mid 1930s):
Halved Indian exports during this period; wheat prices fell by 50%.
PRINT CULTURE & THE MODERN WORLD
Discussion on the development and expansion of printing technology and its global impact.
The printing press, developed by Johann Gutenberg in the 1430s, revolutionized book production.
Rise in literacy rates, with significant publishing activity in Europe from the 15th century onwards.
Notable publications and the rise of periodicals throughout the 18th century.
The emergence of vernacular presses in India and their role in the nationalist movement.
Significant Publications:
Rammohun Roy’s Sambad Kaumudi (1821), influenced contemporary societal ideas.
DEVELOPMENTS IN PRINT AND LITERACY
Increase in the number of books and periodicals from 16th to 19th century.
Various social reform movements influenced by literate authors who wrote on caste discrimination and women's issues during the late 19th century.
A vibrant culture of literacy and production of literature promoting nationalism and social reform emerged significantly by the 1930s.
Political repression via censorship mechanisms:
The Calcutta Supreme Court regulations in the 1820s and the Vernacular Press Act (1878) exemplified the government’s attempts to curb dissent through controlling press freedoms.