RISE OF NATIONALISM IN 19th CENTURY: NATIONALISM AND NATION STATE

Nationalism in the modern sense is a phenomenon which emerged in the

eighteenth century in western Europe and-then spread during the 19th and 20th
centuries to other parts of the world
Nationalism in the modern sense emerged with the growth of industrial
capitalism and was then sustained by a variety of factors – by notions of
community based on language, ethnicity or religion or by the rivalry and
competition among states and imagined communities.
Nationalism aligned with the modern state in giving rise to nation-state
The modern concept of the nation emerged during the Age of Revolution, the
American Revolution of 1776 and the French Revolution of 1789
 VARIOUS FACTORS THAT LED TO RISE OF NATIONALISM IN EUROPE

1) Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) : The upheaval caused by the Napoleonic Wars

disrupted traditional political structures and fostered a sense of national
identity among various European peoples. French revolutionary ideals, such as
liberty and equality, spread across the continent, inspiring nationalist
movements

2) Impact of Enlightenment Ideas: Enlightenment ideals of individual rights,

democracy, and rationalism laid the intellectual groundwork for nationalism.
Philosophers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire promoted the concept
of popular sovereignty and the rights of nations to govern themselves.
3) Revolutionary Movements: The French Revolution (1789-1799) and
subsequent revolutionary movements in Europe challenged the authority of
monarchies and aristocracies. These revolutions emphasized the importance
of national sovereignty and popular participation in government

4) Cultural and Linguistic Identity: Romanticism, a cultural and intellectual

movement, celebrated the unique cultural heritage, language, and traditions
of various European nations. Romantic writers, poets, and artists contributed
to the revival of national folklore and mythology, fostering a sense of
national pride and identity.
5) Industrialization and Urbanization: The industrial revolution transformed
European societies, leading to urbanization, mass migration, and the rise of a
new urban middle class. Industrialization created a shared sense of economic
interests among people within specific regions or nations

6) Print Media and Mass Communication: The proliferation of print media,

newspapers, and pamphlets facilitated the dissemination of nationalist ideas
and political propaganda. Nationalist leaders and intellectuals used
newspapers and other forms of mass communication to mobilize support for
their causes.
7) Imperial Decline and Nationalist Aspirations: The decline of multinational
empires, such as the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire,
created opportunities for nationalist movements to assert themselves and
demand independence or autonomy for their respective nations
 IMPACTS OF RISE OF NATIONALISM IN 19th -CENTURY

1) Formation of Nation-States: Nationalist movements led to the unification of

previously fragmented territories into nation-states. Italy and Germany are
prime examples where nationalist fervor contributed to the consolidation of
disparate regions into cohesive political entities.

2) Redrawing of Borders: Nationalism often fueled territorial disputes and

border changes as different ethnic or linguistic groups sought to delineate
boundaries based on their perceived national identities. This process
sometimes led to conflicts and wars as states vied for control over disputed
territories.
3) Centralization of Power: Nationalism encouraged the centralization of political power
within nation-states. Strong centralized governments emerged, often at the expense
of traditional feudal or imperial structures.

4) Rise of Republicanism: Nationalist movements frequently advocated for republican

forms of government, challenging the legitimacy of monarchies and aristocracies.
Republican ideals of popular sovereignty and democratic governance gained
prominence.

5) Cultural Revival: Nationalism spurred cultural revivals across Europe, as societies

sought to reclaim and celebrate their unique histories, languages, and traditions. This
led to movements promoting national literature, art, music, and folklore.
6) Imperialism and Colonialism: While nationalism promoted the self-
determination of nations in Europe, it also fueled imperialistic ambitions
outside the continent. European powers sought to expand their territories
and influence globally, often justifying colonial conquests in the name of
civilizing "inferior" peoples.

7) Ethnic and Religious Tensions: Nationalism sometimes exacerbated tensions

between different ethnic or religious groups within multi-ethnic states.
Minority groups often found themselves marginalized or oppressed within
the dominant national narrative, leading to conflicts and social unrest.
8) Impact on International Relations: The rise of nationalism reshaped the
dynamics of international relations, as states increasingly pursued policies
aimed at promoting their national interests and asserting their sovereignty
on the world stage
 GERMAN NATIONALISM & UNIFICATION OF GERMANY (1850s-1870)
Background (Germany before Unification)

Factors Responsible for Unification

Course of Unification

Role of Bismarck in German Unification

Impact of German Unification

 BACKGROUND (GERMANY BEFORE UNIFICATION)

10th century to 1806 (The Holy Roman Empire)

1806-1815 (Napoleon Empire)

 1815-1865 (Vienna Order)

 BACKGROUND (GERMANY BEFORE UNIFICATION)
1) 10TH CENTURY TO 1806 (THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE):

Prior to 1806, German-speaking Central Europe included more than 300

political entities, most of which were part of the Holy Roman Empire

These German state ranged in size from the small city state to Large well
defined territorial state like Bavaria

Holy Roman Empire was headed nominally by Austrian Habsburg dynasty

Two big Independent German speaking states of 19th Century were Prussia &
Austria
The Holy Roman Empire at its greatest territorial extent
300 German Speaking States
2) 1806-1815 (Napoleon Empire):

Napoleon fought a war with Austria and incorporated many parts of the Holy
Roman empire into the Napoleon’s Empire

Napoleon abolished the Holy Roman Empire in 1806 and replaced 300
German states into 39 State. This was called as Confederation of Rhine
Confederation of the Rhine
3) 1815-1865 (Vienna Order):

The Vienna Congress established a loose German Confederation (1815–1866),

headed by Austria, with a “Federal Diet” (called the Bundestag, an assembly of
appointed leaders) that met in the city of Frankfurt

The emperors of Austria became the titular presidents of this parliament and
Prussia became Vice President. So, Austrian-Prussian dualism got established
 FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR GERMAN UNIFICATION
1) Napoleon Role
Napoleon Simplified the map of Germany (300 hundred states of
Germany into 39 states)
Napoleonic liberal reforms increased the hunger of self governance
Rise of German nationalism against Napoleonic Imperialism

2) Congress of Vienna Role

Retained 39 German states and gave legitimacy to Napoleon’s
Reorganization
Creation of Federal Diet as German National assembly
3) Prussian Ambition to expand the empire

4) Bismarck’s Blood and Iron Policy

5) Zollverein or German Customs Union (From 1833 onwards)

The Zollverein linked many Prussian and other German Princely territories
The Zollverein removed trade barriers and promoted economic
cooperation among German states. It laid the groundwork for political
unity

6) German Industrialist Interest

7) Cultural Nationalism popularized by German Universities, Philosophers,

Historians, etc.
 COURSE OF GERMANY UNIFICATION
1) July Revolution of 1830 in Germany

2) The Hambach Festival, 1832

3) Revolutions of 1848-49 in Germany (March Revolution)

4) Debates after 1850

5) Wilhelm I becomes King of Prussia(1861)

6) The Three wars of Bismarck

 COURSE OF GERMANY UNIFICATION
1) JULY REVOLUTION OF 1830 IN GERMANY:
A successful revolution broke out in France in July 1830 against the
autocratic rule of Charles X. The news of this revolution greatly inspired
the patriots of Germany
The rulers of almost all states except Austria and Prussia were compelled
to introduce liberal constitutions in their respective states
2) THE HAMBACH FESTIVAL, 1832:
30,000 liberals and radicals gathered together in city of Hambach to
demand reforms, national unification, representative government,etc
Flags of black, red and gold were shown in their rally which later become
the German national colours also
3) REVOLUTIONS OF 1848-49 IN GERMANY (MARCH REVOLUTION):

The revolutions of 1848-1849, also known as the "Springtime of Nations"

contributed to the German unification process in the following ways:

i. Spread of Nationalism: The revolutions of 1848-1849 were fueled by

nationalist fervor and aspirations for political change across Europe,
including in the German states. The revolutionary movements highlighted
the desire for national unity and self-determination among various German-
speaking populations
ii. Calls for Constitutional Reform: During the revolutions, demands for constitutional
reform and representative government reverberated throughout the German states.
Liberals, nationalists, and reformists called for the establishment of constitutional
monarchies, civil liberties, and parliamentary representation, laying the groundwork
for future political structures conducive to unification.

iii. Formation of Representative Assemblies: In many German states, revolutionary

upheavals led to the establishment of constituent assemblies and provisional
governments. These assemblies provided platforms for political debate, the drafting
of constitutions, and the articulation of nationalist aspirations, fostering a sense of
shared identity and purpose among Germans.
iv. Frankfurt National Assembly or German National Assembly: It was created
by liberal leaders from German state to draw up a constitution for a united
Germany characterized by constitutional monarchy. When the election of an
emperor took place in the national assembly, majority votes were cast for
Frederick William of Prussia. But The offer was refused by Frederick William
of Prussia (on the advice of Bismarck). Prussia also rejected the proposed
constitution. Many of the German princely states refused to accept the
constitution. This led to the collapse of entire scheme and destruction of
German Revolution
v. Legacy of Ideals and Unity: Despite the failure to achieve immediate political
change, the revolutions of 1848-1849 left a lasting legacy of democratic
ideals, constitutionalism, and national unity aspirations in Germany. The
experiences of the revolutions heightened awareness of the need for
political reform and fostered a sense of shared identity among Germans,
setting the stage for future unification efforts.
4) DEBATES AFTER 1850:

Debates after 1850

Greater Germany Lesser Germany

Unity of all German Unity of all German
States State excluding Austria
5) WILHELM I BECOMES KING OF PRUSSIA (1861):
He gave a new vigor to Prussian expansionist Policy
He Concentrated on strengthening Prussia both as a Economic &
military power
He appointed Von Moltke as chief of the Prussian General Staff
He appointed Von Roon as Prussian Minister of War
He appointed Otto von Bismarck as Minister-President of Prussia in
1862
Bismarck started implementing many Administrative, Economic, Army
Reforms
6) THE THREE WARS OF BISMARCK:

Three wars of
Bismarck

1864-with Denmark
Schleswig-Holstein 1866-with Austria 1870- with France
Question
Bismarck engineered conflicts such as the Danish War (1864), the Austro-
Prussian War (1866), and the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) to weaken
rival powers and strengthen Prussian dominance in Germany.

These wars culminated in the creation of the North German Confederation

and, ultimately, the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871.
 PRUSSIA - DENMARK WAR (1864)

MAIN CAUSE :- Schleswig-Holstein Question

Schleswig-Holstein question was controversy between Denmark, Prussia, and

Austria over the status of Schleswig and Holstein

At this time the population of Schleswig was Danish in its northern portion,
German in the south. The population of Holstein was almost entirely German

After 1474 both Schleswig and Holstein were ruled as separate duchies by the
kings of Denmark

The Napoleonic Wars awakened German national feeling

In the ensuing German-Danish War (1864), Danish military resistance was crushed by
Prussia and Austria. By the Peace of Vienna (October 1864), Denmark ceded
Schleswig and Holstein to Austria and Prussia

Gastein Convention(1865):

Convention of Gastein was agreement between Austria and Prussia on 1865, after
their seizure of the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein from Denmark.

The pact provided that both the emperor of Austria and the king of Prussia were to
be sovereign over the duchies

Prussia administering Schleswig and Austria administering Holstein (which was

sandwiched between Schleswig to the north and Prussian territory to the south)
 SEVEN WEEKS’ WAR OR AUSTRO-PRUSSIAN WAR (1866)
Main cause : Unviability of Gastein Convention

Important event: Battle of Sadowa

Result :Prussia defeated Austria

The war was formally concluded on August 23, 1866 by the Treaty of Prague

The Peace of Prague resulted in the dissolution of the old German

Confederation and the permanent exclusion of Austria from German affairs
North German Confederation (1867):

Prussia’s victory in the war enabled it to reorganize many German

states into Single North German Confederation with the Prussian king
as the President
North German Confederation (1867):

South German state

 THE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR (1870-71)
Causes of War:

1) Stronger Prussia and worried France

2) Bismarck ambition to stimulate Nationalism in south German state

3) Dispute regarding Prince Leopold candidacy throne to Spanish throne & Ems
dispatch

Important event :Battle of Sedan

Result : Prussia defeated France

On 18 January 1871, the German princes and senior military commanders proclaimed
Wilhelm “German Emperor” in the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles in France
Treaty of Frankfurt:

Under the subsequent Treaty of Frankfurt, France relinquished most of its

traditionally German regions (Alsace and the German-speaking part of
Lorraine) paid an indemnity, and accepted German administration of Paris and
most of northern France

Consequences of Franco-Prussian War:

Franco-Prussian War Completed unification of Germany & Italy

Unified German Empire
 ROLE OF BISMARCK IN GERMAN UNIFICATION
Otto von Bismarck played a central and multifaceted role in the unification of
Germany. As the Chancellor of Prussia from 1862 to 1890 and later as the first
Chancellor of the German Empire, Bismarck employed a combination of
diplomacy, statecraft, and realpolitik to orchestrate the process of German
unification. His role can be summarized in following ways:

1) Diplomatic Skill and Vision: Bismarck possessed exceptional diplomatic skills

and a visionary approach to statecraft. He recognized the potential of a
unified Germany under Prussian leadership and worked systematically to
achieve this goal.
2) Strengthening Prussia by bringing internal reforms
 Push towards industrialization of Prussia
 Modernization of Prussian Military to meet future war needs
 Tackling opposition from liberals leaders of Prussian National assembly and
unilaterally undertaking many reforms

3) Wars of Unification: Bismarck engineered a series of wars and diplomatic maneuvers

aimed at weakening rival powers and consolidating Prussian dominance in Germany.
These included the Danish War (1864), the Austro-Prussian War (1866), and the
Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). Through these conflicts, Bismarck sought to
undermine the influence of Austria and France and pave the way for Prussian
hegemony.
4) Realpolitik and Opportunism: Bismarck was a master of realpolitik, a
pragmatic approach to politics that prioritized practical considerations over
ideological or moral principles. He seized upon opportunities presented by
international crises and domestic discontent to advance Prussian interests
and promote the cause of German unification.

5) Creation of the North German Confederation: Following the Austro-Prussian

War, Bismarck orchestrated the creation of the North German Confederation,
a federal state comprising northern German states under Prussian
leadership. This marked a significant step towards German unity and laid the
groundwork for the formation of the German Empire.
 IMPACT OF GERMAN UNIFICATION
1) Formation of the German Empire: The unification resulted in the formation
of the German Empire, with King Wilhelm I of Prussia proclaimed as Emperor
(Kaiser) of Germany in 1871. This marked the consolidation of various
German states under Prussian leadership

2) Shift in European Power Dynamics: The emergence of a unified Germany

altered the balance of power in Europe. It challenged the dominance of
traditional powers like France and Austria-Hungary and reshaped alliances
and diplomatic relationships across the continent.
3) Modernization and Industrialization: The unified German Empire embarked
on a period of rapid industrialization and modernization. It became an
economic powerhouse in Europe, rivaling other major industrial nations like
Britain and France.

4) Colonial Ambitions: Following unification, Germany pursued colonial

ambitions, acquiring territories in Africa and the Pacific. This marked
Germany's emergence as a colonial power and contributed to global
competition among European imperial powers.
5) Impact on European Alliances: The creation of a unified Germany reshaped
European alliances and security dynamics. It prompted other European
powers to reassess their diplomatic strategies and military capabilities in
response to the new German threat. The secret alliance system indirectly led
to World War One

6) Franco-German Relations: The war and subsequent unification strained

Franco-German relations, leading to lingering tensions and periodic conflicts
that would influence European geopolitics for decades to come

7) Great impetus to Nationalism in Europe especially in Yugoslavian region