Topic 5.2

📍Topic 5.2 Nationalism and Revolutions

Main Idea

Key Timeline

Image Courtesy of Rashmi Korukonda

Things to Know

Revolutions

• The emergence of revolutionary ideas and political conflicts led to a series of significant revolutions in the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Important Revolutions

• American Revolution
  • Influenced by Enlightenment philosophy - liberty and independence
  • Opposition to English mercantilism for political/economic autonomy
  • Declaration of Independence in 1776 - “break-up” letter US → Britain, establishing French support for the American cause led to US’ success
• French Revolution
  • Ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity transformed French society and politics
  • Convening of Estates-General and subsequent formation of National Assembly due to economic issues, such as financial crises and disparities, creating tensions among social classes
  • Estates-General, convened to address financial challenges, led to establishment of National Assembly as discussions on grievances led to calls for broader representation
  • Reign of Terror instilled fear and political instability, influencing not only France but across Europe as monarchies feared similar uprisings
  • Rise of the Jacobins marked a radical shift in political power, shaping trajectory of the Revolution and impacting France’s socio-political landscape
  • Napoleon brought stability but also expansionist ambitions, leading to military conflicts across Europe, fundamentally reshaping continent's geopolitical landscape
• Haitian Revolution
  • Successful slave rebellion in Haiti against French colonizers
  • African slaves led by Toussaint L'Ouverture
  • Gave hope to other slave and/or colonial revolutions
• Creole Revolutions in Latin America
  • Creoles' desire for independence and political power
  • Leadership of figures, such as, Simon Bolivar
  • Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule created discontent among indigenous populations and creole elites
  • Struggle for Latin American independence and the creation of new nations

Nationalism and Unification in Europe

• Italian Unification
  • Led by Count di Cavour, who aimed to unite the fragmented Italian Peninsula under the House of Savoy
  • A practical approach influenced by Enlightenment ideals and realpolitik
  • Strategic alliances and warfare, marking a significant step toward Italian nationhood
  • Influence of Giuseppe Mazzini's revolutionary philosophy
• German Unification
  • Orchestrated by Otto von Bismarck, who used calculated wars to unite German states
  • Tactics included conflicts with Denmark, Austria, and France, resulting in the creation of the German Empire in 1871, reshaping the political landscape.
• Balkan Nationalism
  • Rise of nationalist movements in Balkans due to decline of Ottoman Empire and influence of Enlightenment ideas
  • Greek independence began because of cultural pride, exposure to Enlightenment thought, and foreign intervention
  • Similar movements in Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, aided by outside powers

Consequences of Revolutions

• Political and Social Changes
  • Transition from monarchies to republics or constitutional monarchies
  • Legal reforms and recognition of civil liberties, shifting the balance of power and promoting democratic aspirations
  • The spread of revolutionary ideals and nationalism
• Repercussions on European Powers
  • Impact extended beyond the nations directly involved
  • Increased competition and conflicts among major European states
  • Safeguarding interests and influencing the evolving political landscape
• Impact on Colonies
  • Revolutionary ideals influenced movements for independence in colonies
  • Laid groundwork for future efforts to secure self-determination in regions under colonial rule
• Long-term Effects
  • Influence on future revolutions and nationalist movements
  • A cycle of cause-and-effect relationships between revolutions, political changes, and nationalism

Terms to Remember