CHAPTER 1: NATIONALISM IN EUROPE
o CONCEPT OF NATIONALISM
→ Nationalism refers to a political and emotional ideology in which people develop
a sense of collective identity based on shared culture, language, history, and
territory. Before the 19th century, Europe was not divided into nation-states but
into empires ruled by monarchs. People identified themselves more with their
local region or ruler rather than a nation.
→ The idea of nationalism changed this structure by asserting that the nation
(people) should be the basis of political power, not kings or dynasties. This
transformation was gradual and deeply influenced by political revolutions,
economic changes, and cultural developments.
o THE FRENCH REVOLUTION AND THE IDEA OF THE NATION
→ The French Revolution marked the first clear expression of nationalism. Before
the revolution, France was under an absolute monarchy where the king held
complete power. Society was divided into estates, and common people had no
political rights.
→ The revolution introduced the idea that sovereignty belongs to the people. This
was a radical shift. The revolutionaries created symbols and practices to
promote a sense of collective identity:
⃰ The tricolour flag replaced the royal flag
⃰ The Estates General became the National Assembly
⃰ A centralized administrative system was established
⃰ Internal customs duties were abolished
→ Citizens were now equal before the law, and the concept of a unified nation-state
emerged. However, women and non-propertied men still did not get equal
political rights.
o KEY TERMS
→ Sovereignty → Supreme power of the state
, → Nation-state → State where people share common identity
→ Citizenship → Legal membership in a nation
o NAPOLEON AND THE SPREAD OF NATIONALISM
→ Napoleon Bonaparte played a dual role in spreading nationalism. Initially, he
introduced revolutionary reforms such as the Civil Code (Napoleonic Code of
1804) which abolished feudal privileges and ensured equality before law.
→ However, as he expanded his empire across Europe, his rule became
increasingly authoritarian. While he modernized administrative systems, local
populations began to see him as a foreign oppressor. This led to the growth of
nationalist sentiments in other regions, especially Germany, Italy, and Spain.
→ Thus, Napoleon indirectly strengthened nationalism by provoking resistance
against foreign domination.
o THE CONGRESS OF VIENNA (1815)
→ After Napoleon’s defeat, European powers met at the Congress of Vienna, led
by Duke Metternich.
→ The aim was to restore the old conservative order:
⃰ French Monarchy, the Bourbons, that were overthrown were reinstated
⃰ Territories were redistributed to maintain balance of power
⃰ Liberal and nationalist movements were suppressed
This system tried to undo the changes brought by the French Revolution. However, it
could not completely eliminate the growing desire for nationalism.
o CONSERVATISM
→ Conservatism is a political philosophy that emphasizes tradition, monarchy, and
stability. Conservatives believed rapid change was dangerous and preferred
gradual reforms.
o THE AGE OF REVOLUTIONS (1830 & 1848)
→ The conservative order faced repeated challenges in the form of revolutions:
⃰ 1830 Revolution → Led to the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy in France
⃰ 1848 Revolutions → Widespread uprisings across Europe
o CONCEPT OF NATIONALISM
→ Nationalism refers to a political and emotional ideology in which people develop
a sense of collective identity based on shared culture, language, history, and
territory. Before the 19th century, Europe was not divided into nation-states but
into empires ruled by monarchs. People identified themselves more with their
local region or ruler rather than a nation.
→ The idea of nationalism changed this structure by asserting that the nation
(people) should be the basis of political power, not kings or dynasties. This
transformation was gradual and deeply influenced by political revolutions,
economic changes, and cultural developments.
o THE FRENCH REVOLUTION AND THE IDEA OF THE NATION
→ The French Revolution marked the first clear expression of nationalism. Before
the revolution, France was under an absolute monarchy where the king held
complete power. Society was divided into estates, and common people had no
political rights.
→ The revolution introduced the idea that sovereignty belongs to the people. This
was a radical shift. The revolutionaries created symbols and practices to
promote a sense of collective identity:
⃰ The tricolour flag replaced the royal flag
⃰ The Estates General became the National Assembly
⃰ A centralized administrative system was established
⃰ Internal customs duties were abolished
→ Citizens were now equal before the law, and the concept of a unified nation-state
emerged. However, women and non-propertied men still did not get equal
political rights.
o KEY TERMS
→ Sovereignty → Supreme power of the state
, → Nation-state → State where people share common identity
→ Citizenship → Legal membership in a nation
o NAPOLEON AND THE SPREAD OF NATIONALISM
→ Napoleon Bonaparte played a dual role in spreading nationalism. Initially, he
introduced revolutionary reforms such as the Civil Code (Napoleonic Code of
1804) which abolished feudal privileges and ensured equality before law.
→ However, as he expanded his empire across Europe, his rule became
increasingly authoritarian. While he modernized administrative systems, local
populations began to see him as a foreign oppressor. This led to the growth of
nationalist sentiments in other regions, especially Germany, Italy, and Spain.
→ Thus, Napoleon indirectly strengthened nationalism by provoking resistance
against foreign domination.
o THE CONGRESS OF VIENNA (1815)
→ After Napoleon’s defeat, European powers met at the Congress of Vienna, led
by Duke Metternich.
→ The aim was to restore the old conservative order:
⃰ French Monarchy, the Bourbons, that were overthrown were reinstated
⃰ Territories were redistributed to maintain balance of power
⃰ Liberal and nationalist movements were suppressed
This system tried to undo the changes brought by the French Revolution. However, it
could not completely eliminate the growing desire for nationalism.
o CONSERVATISM
→ Conservatism is a political philosophy that emphasizes tradition, monarchy, and
stability. Conservatives believed rapid change was dangerous and preferred
gradual reforms.
o THE AGE OF REVOLUTIONS (1830 & 1848)
→ The conservative order faced repeated challenges in the form of revolutions:
⃰ 1830 Revolution → Led to the overthrow of the Bourbon monarchy in France
⃰ 1848 Revolutions → Widespread uprisings across Europe
