Detailed Summary
Nationalism surged in Europe during the 19th century, primarily influenced by the French Revolution's ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Key moments included the emergence of new nations where previously vibrant, multi-ethnic empires existed. Artists like Frédéric Sorrieu and philosophers like Ernst Renan contributed to the conceptualization of nations and their identities.
The French Revolution (1789) was a seminal moment that shifted sovereignty from monarchs to the citizens, emphasizing collective identity. In this context, nationalism not only unified people within states but also inspired independence movements across Europe, most notably in Italy and Germany.
As the century progressed, nationalism began to take on a more aggressive form, intertwining with imperialism. The Balkans became a focal point of nationalist tension, with various ethnic groups seeking independence from the crumbling Ottoman Empire. This regional turbulence was fueled by competition among European powers, ultimately leading to conflicts and the First World War. By the late 19th century, nationalism shifted from a unifying force for democratic ideals to a catalyst for imperial competition and warfare.