Nationalism- Rise and Impact

Current Context

The rise of nationalism is a significant global trend in contemporary times, with nations and communities asserting their identity, culture, and aspirations. It has implications for politics, international relations, and social cohesion. 

RISE OF NATIONALISM

• Nationalism & concept of a Nation, representing the people and their sovereignty, emerged during the French Revolution. Prior to the French Revolution, Europe was dominated by feudal systems, empires, and scattered territories.
• Nationalism became associated with the ideas of self-rule and was influenced by the French and American revolutions.

 Misuse by Absolute Monarchs:

• During Napoleon's invasion of Europe, monarchs used nationalism to consolidate their power and protect their territories against foreign invasion.
• Absolute monarchies in the 19th century used nationalism as a shield to defend and extend their empires.
• Aggressive expansionism and colonial pursuits were justified in the name of nationalism.

ROLE OF REVOLUTIONARY THINKERS

• Modern thinkers contributed to the concept of nationalism and influenced national boundaries.
• Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1832, and Belgium achieved independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1839 through pro-democracy revolutions.
• Thinkers like Garibaldi, Mazzini, and Byron played important roles in the unification of Germany, Italy, and Greek independence, respectively.
• These thinkers brought Romanticism to the literary content, inspiring people to support armies, freedom fighters, and monarchies for the glory of the nation.

ROLE OF INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

• Industrial Revolution fueled Economic Nationalism. National competition in economic sphere brought the nation-states in conflict with each other for acquisition of colonies.

Conclusion

• Nationalism has been a powerful force in shaping the modern world, driving movements for self-determination, fostering a sense of identity & belonging, and influencing political and cultural landscapes.
• While it has contributed to the formation of nation-states and the pursuit of collective goals, it also carries the potential for exclusion, conflict, and ethnocentrism.
• Balancing the positive aspects of nationalism, such as cultural preservation and solidarity, with the need for inclusivity, diversity, and cooperation remains a challenge for societies striving for peaceful coexistence in a globalized world.

UNIFICATION OF GERMANY (1871) 

Current Context:

The unification of Germany refers to the historical process by which the various German speaking states were unified into a single nation-state. It is a significant event that shaped the political landscape of Europe and had long-lasting implications. 

Conditions Prevailing Prior to Unification of Germany

• Political conditions: Till about the 1800s, there was no emotion of German nationalism among the people. The princely states were autonomous, and others were directly ruled by the Holy Roman emperor.
• Social conditions: Resembled those of feudal society with dominance of Junkers (landlords) in state affairs.
• Economic conditions: Division of Germany into multiple states resulted in poor economic development due to restrictions on the movement of goods.

Role of Napoleonic Wars & French Revolution: Sequence of Events

• End of artificial boundaries: Napoleonic wars ended the artificial boundaries in many German states, leaving 38 states remaining (Prussia was the largest and most powerful state).
• Wave of nationalism enthused the Germans for unification of the German states. They started demanding a democratic form of government and economic reforms, influenced by French Revolution.
• Formation of German Confederation (1815): including parts of Austrian and Prussian Empires and some German states.
• Failure of the Confederation: Constituent states asserted their independence and did little to meet anti-feudal aspirations and rivalry between Austria and Prussia for dominance.
• Revolts of 1848: Revolts erupted across German states, aiming to overthrow monarchies and establish democratic systems. Constituent Assembly formed in Frankfurt with goals of uniting German states and drafting a new constitution.
• Rejection by Prussian King: Proposal for a constitutional monarchy for a united Germany was rejected.
• Suppression and emergence of Prussian monarchy: Rulers repressed nationalists, withdrew rights granted, and the monarchy of Prussia became the strongest.

Unification under Bismarck: Policy of Blood & Iron: Sequence of Events

• Bismarck's policy: Aimed to preserve the interests of the landed aristocracy and the dominance of the army in state affairs.
• War against Denmark: Bismarck's Prussia fought a war in 1864, in alliance with Austria, against Denmark to annex most of the territory of the German Confederation.
• Alliance with Italy: Bismarck allied with Italy in 1866 to defeat Austria and remove it from the German Confederation, leading to its dissolution.
• Formation of North German Confederation: In 1867, Bismarck formed the North German Confederation, uniting 22 German states, but excluding Southern German states like Bavaria.
• Prussian King as head: The Prussian King became the hereditary head of the state through the constitution of the North German Confederation.
• Southern states' unification: Southern German states, initially pro-Austria, were forced to unite after the German victory in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.
• Franco-Prussian War: The war in 1870 led to the final unification of Germany, with France's defeat and the declaration of a republic in France in 1871.
• Absorption of German states: The war allowed Bismarck to absorb the remaining German states into a united Germany.

Conclusion:

• The unification of Germany in the 19th century was shaped by social, economic, and political factors, including division, wars, failed democracy, and Bismarck's policy.
• The Franco-Prussian War solidified Germany's unification under the Prussian monarchy, leaving a lasting impact on Europe and beyond.