This lesson examines how nationalism developed during the revolutionary era and how it shaped ideas of belonging and political authority. It also distinguishes nationalism from patriotism and introduces the relationship between a nation and a state.
Before the revolutionary era, many people primarily identified politically with a monarch, dynasty, city, or local community. The French Revolution and the wars that followed helped popularize a different idea: the nation as a community whose people, rather than a monarch alone, were the source of political loyalty.
All flashcards
How did the French Revolution help shape modern national identity?
It promoted the nation as a source of political loyalty and called on people to defend a country presented as representing them.
What is a nation-state?
A state in which a national community is politically united and ideally governs itself.
What role did Giuseppe Mazzini play in Italian unification?
He founded Young Italy in 1831 and promoted a united Italian republic based on popular sovereignty.
How did the Zollverein contribute to German unification?
The Prussian-led customs union reduced trade barriers and encouraged economic cooperation among German states.
What did nineteenth-century conservatism generally favor?
Established institutions, social stability, hereditary authority, and gradual rather than revolutionary change.
Quiz questions
What was the primary economic effect of the Zollverein among German states?Answer: It reduced customs barriers and encouraged trade and economic cooperation.
Why did the Frankfurt Assembly's attempt to unify Germany fail?Answer: Powerful aristocrats and military leaders opposed it, and Frederick William IV refused its offered crown.
How did Bismarck pursue German unification?Answer: He used Prussian military power and a series of wars to expand Prussian influence and unite states.
What did John Stuart Mill defend in On Liberty?Answer: Individuals' freedom to make choices about their lives without government intrusion or obstruction.
What was a central aim of the Congress of Vienna's balance of power?Answer: To prevent any one nation from becoming powerful enough to dominate the others.
Based on World History Volume 2, from 1400 by Ann Kordas, Ryan J. Lynch, Brooke Nelson, Julie Tatlock (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.