🌍 The Rise of Nationalism in Europe

How ideas of nation, citizenship, and unity transformed Europe from dynastic empires to modern nation-states—and how this new politics connected to World War I.

🎯 Learning Outcomes

  • 🇫🇷 Infer how the French Revolution shaped European nation-making.
  • 🧩 Comprehend the nature of diverse social movements of the era.
  • 🧠 Analyse how nationalism evolved into modern nation-states in Europe & beyond.
  • ⚔️ Evaluate reasons that led to the First World War (broad causes).

🧭 Big Picture — At a Glance

1) French Revolution ➜ New Political Ideas

Liberty, equality, fraternity; citizens & sovereignty; end of feudal privileges; model for Europe.

2) Spread of Nationalism

Symbols, constitutions, citizen armies, and codes (e.g., Napoleonic Code) inspire reforms/risings.

3) Social Movements

Liberals, radicals, conservatives; students, workers, and middle classes push for rights & unity.

4) Nation-Making

Unifications of 🇮🇹 Italy & 🇩🇪 Germany; rearrangement of borders; decline of old empires.

5) Towards World War I

Nationalism + imperial rivalries + alliances + militarism → rising tensions by 1914.

🗓️ Milestones (Snapshot)

  • 1789–1799: 🇫🇷 French Revolution — rights, citizenship, abolition of privileges.
  • Early 1800s: Napoleonic conquests & legal reforms spread modern ideas.
  • 1815: Congress of Vienna — restores monarchies, but nationalist currents grow.
  • 1848: Revolutions across Europe — demands for constitutions & nationhood.
  • 1861–71: Unifications — Italy (Cavour/Garibaldi) & Germany (Bismarck).

🧩 Key Concepts (Broad)

IdeaIn One Line
Nation & NationalismPeople seen as citizens with shared identity, rights & political destiny.
Liberalism (19th c.)Demand for constitutions, civil rights, economic freedoms; limited franchise initially.
ConservatismPrefers stability, tradition, gradual change; post-1815 restoration.
UnificationMerging fragmented states/regions into one nation (Italy, Germany).

🗺️ Map Focus (Quick)

  • Locate: Italy (Piedmont-Sardinia), Germany (Prussia), France, Austrian Empire.
  • Shade: Major political changes 1815 → 1871 (very broad).

⚔️ Towards WWI — Broad Causes

  • National rivalries & unresolved borders ➜ tension.
  • Alliance blocs & arms race ➜ rapid escalation risk.
  • Imperial competition for colonies/markets ➜ frequent crises.

📝 Quick Check

  1. How did the French Revolution redefine the idea of a nation?
  2. Name one social group that pushed nationalist demands in 1848 and why.
  3. Give two broad reasons why European tensions led to WWI.