Nationalism in Europe (1800-1914)



Nationalism in Europe (1800-1914)

Nationalism can be defined as a sense of pride in a nation. It is also a motivating factor for independence if an area is controlled by someone else. Germany, Italy, Austria, and the Balkan Peninsula (area south of Austria) experienced nationalist movements during the 1800’s which were to have a major impact on events of the 20th century.

Germany-Between 1807 and 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte controlled territory that was later to become Germany. Many people began to demand freedom from France. After Napoleon’s defeat, the German Confederation was formed. This group of German states was fragmented and controlled by Austria. Prussia created an economic union called Zollerein.

[pic]

In 1862, Otto Von Bismarck became chancellor (prime minister) of Prussia. Bismarck was a master of Realpolitik, or realistic politics based on the needs of the state. He hoped that German unity would bring more power to the Hohenzollerns, the ruling dynasty of Prussia. Bismarck is known a “blood and iron” policy in which he supported the building up of the military and industry to strengthen Prussia. He then led Prussia into wars and annexed, or added territory to Prussia. He dissolved the Austrian-controlled German Confederation and created a Prussian controlled confederation. Bismarck smashed French forces in the Franco-Prussian War. He played up the image of a French menace to create a sense of nationalism. Victory over France resulted in added territory and William I of Prussia took the title of Kaiser, or emperor. Otto Von Bismarck remained as prime minister. Germany emerged as an industrial giant with their abundant iron and coal resources. The Krupp family ran an enormous industrial complex that produced steel and weapons for a world market. The Germans developed new products such as synthetic chemicals and dyes. They raised tariffs (taxes on foreign goods) to prevent foreign competition.

Bismarck became known as the “Iron Chancellor” because he crushed opposition to the state. He targeted Catholics because of their loyalty to the Pope. He also targeted Socialist who he feared would turn workers toward revolution. He launched the “Kulturkampf” or battle for civilization. He eventually backed off from these campaigns but pushed the idea of loyalty to the state as a responsibility of all citizens. Many years later, the Nazis would use similar strategies to gain unquestioning support of the people.

By the 1890’s, Germany had implemented many social reforms such as health insurance, old-age insurance, and served as a pioneer of social reform. An excellent system of public schools taught students obedience to the emperor along with reading, writing, and mathematics. William II became Kaiser in 1888 and launched a campaign to expand German territory and strengthen its military power. Aggressive nationalism and militarism in Germany would later add to increased tensions on the eve of World War I.

[pic][pic]

[pic]

Italy- In the early 1800’s, Italian patriots were determined to build a new, unified Italy. Previously Italians had identified with their local regions such as Florence, Venice, or Rome. Guiseppe Mazzini founded Young Italy in the 1830’s to create a free independent nation. Nationalists like Mazzini wanted to unite Italy because of its common language and history. They glorified ancient Rome. Count Camillo Cavour of Sardinia, an island south of Italy gained Lombardy in northern Italy. Guiseppe Garibaldi of Sicily, another island south of Italy wanted to create an Italian Republic. His group of followers was known as the “Red Shirts”. Following years of conflict, Italy was finally united in 1870. The area remained somewhat divided. Socialists organized strikes while anarchists called for the abolition of government. Industrialization came slowly to Italy due to its lack of resources. Many Italians emigrated to Canada, the U.S. and Latin America in this time period.

[pic]

Austria- In 1800, the Hapsburg family was the oldest ruling house in Europe. They had acquired territories in Bohemia, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, and northern Italy. By the 1840’s, factories were springing up. Austria was a patchwork of groups including the Slavs, Czechs, Slovaks, Poles, Ukrainians, Romanians, Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. Rivalries existed between many of these groups. Wars ensued with Italy and Prussia during the 1800’s and Austria faced many political and social problems.

[pic]

The Ottoman Empire- stretched from Eastern Europe and the Balkan Peninsula to North Africa and the Middle East. Many groups such as the Bulgarians, and Romanians staged revolts against the Ottomans, hoping to set up independent nations. The Ottoman Empire was nicknamed the “sick man of Europe” because of the many conflicts over territory. Austria- Hungary took over Serbia and Bosnia. Russia pushed to the Black Sea. Britain and France set their sights on the Middle East and North Africa. In the end, a complex web of interests contributed to crises and war leading the area to be called the “Balkan Powder Keg.” The explosion came in 1914 that led to the start of World War I.

Nationalism in Europe Vocabulary List Name:________________________

Nationalism-

Balkan Peninsula-

German Confederation-

Zollerein-

Realpolitik-

Blood and Iron-

Franco-Prussian War-

Kaiser-

Tariff-

“Iron Chancellor”-

Kulturkampf-

Social Reforms-

William II-

Guiseppe Mazzini-

Young Italy-

Count Camillo Cavour-

Guiseppe Garibaldi-

Red Shirts-

Anarchists-

List the many ethnic groups of Austria-

The Ottoman Empire-

The Sick Man of Europe-

Balkan Powder Keg-

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download