1.7 - Discuss

The 1848 revolution of the liberals refers to a series of interconnected uprisings across Europe that were driven by the desire for political reform, national independence, and social justice. Liberals were primarily focused on establishing constitutional governments, expanding individual rights, and fostering economic freedom. Key ideas supported by liberals during this time included liberty, equality, and fraternity. They wanted to reduce the power of monarchies and the influence of aristocracy, while promoting civil liberties such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly.

Culture played a significant role in the development of nationalism in Europe. Here are three examples: 1) Literature: Nationalist authors, such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Germany and Victor Hugo in France, wrote works that emphasized national pride and identity, inspiring people to feel connected to their nation's history and culture. 2) Music: National anthems and folk songs helped to foster a sense of unity and belonging. Pieces like 'La Marseillaise' in France became rallying cries for national freedom. 3) Art: Visual representations of national landscapes and historical events by artists played a crucial role in forming national identities. These cultural elements helped people to share a common sense of identity and belonging, thereby enhancing nationalism.

Over the 19th century, nations such as Germany and Italy underwent significant transformations that contributed to their development. In Germany, the unification movement led by Otto von Bismarck used a combination of military force and political strategy to unite various independent states into a single nation. This was characterized by wars against Austria and France and fostered a strong national identity. In Italy, figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Count Cavour played pivotal roles in unifying the Italian states, emphasizing shared language and culture. Both nations experienced a surge in nationalism that propelled their unification and strengthened their identities as modern nation-states.

The history of nationalism in Britain differed from that of continental Europe in several ways. For one, Britain had a relatively stable political system with a constitutional monarchy, which meant that the quest for national identity did not involve the same level of conflict and upheaval that characterized other European nations. Additionally, Britain's expansionist policies through colonization often led to a sense of national pride based on empire rather than internal unification struggles. Thus, while other European nations were largely focused on self-determination and unifying diverse ethnic groups, Britain’s nationalism was more about maintaining its empire and celebrating its existing identity.

Nationalist tensions in the Balkans emerged due to a mix of ethnic diversity and the decline of the Ottoman Empire, which had historically maintained control over the region. As the empire weakened, various ethnic groups, including Serbs, Bulgarians, and Greeks, began to demand independence and autonomy, turning their focus towards nationalism as a means of asserting their identity. Competition for territory, coupled with external influences from major powers, led to conflicts and intense nationalistic feelings, creating a volatile atmosphere that would eventually contribute to larger conflicts in Europe.

This project encourages students to explore and understand how nationalism is expressed symbolically in cultures outside of Europe. Students can look at countries in Asia, Africa, or the Americas where symbols such as flags, anthems, and national heroes may vary significantly. For instance, the use of Afrocentric imagery in the flags and art of many African nations represents a reclaiming of identity steeped in colonial history, which can differ from the predominantly historical and cultural themes found in European nationalism.