Nationalism, Imperialism, and 19th-Century Political Shifts
T4. L1. Nationalism
Nationalism: There were two conceptions:
- The conception defended by German Romantic culture. For them, the nation is like a living being.
- French theorists posed a political conception of the nation. The nation is formed by the people and sharing laws, rights, and duties.
This led to “Nationalizing policies of the states.” Many people initiated nationalist movements.
The Nationalization Policy of the States
Each country developed a national language, flags, and anthems. Competitive sports fostered animosity towards other countries.
Disintegrating Nationalist Movements
- Belgium separated from the Netherlands in 1830 and became an independent state.
- Austro-Hungarian and Turkish Empires: Some groups created movements demanding independence, which persisted during the 19th century. The Turkish Empire fragmented. The first to separate was Greece, followed by Serbia, Romania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Albania.
- Ireland gained independence from Great Britain in 1922.
The Italian Unification
The process was led by Piedmont and culminated in 1861.
The German Unification
From 1862, William I and his minister Bismarck accelerated the unification process via military means. The German Empire, the II Reich, was born in 1871.
L2. The United States: Expansion and Civil War
The Expansion of Agricultural Land to the West
From 1800 to 1850, the U.S. population grew from 5 to 23 million inhabitants, due to the incorporation of new territories and immigrants. Louisiana, New Mexico, and Florida were acquired. In 1848, expansion provided California. This expansion forged the territory of the United States. Two regions differed: the North-West and the South.
Slavery and Civil War
The clashes between abolitionists and slave states were enduring in the 19th century. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln, who was against slavery, was elected president. Eleven states in the South seceded. The Civil War (1861-1865) saw the victory of the North, which used modern weapons like guns, battleships, and revolvers.
The Reconstruction
This was a time of great economic prosperity. The U.S. became a world power. Slavery was abolished. Two main political parties emerged: Republican and Democrat.
L3. Liberalism and Authoritarianism in Europe
Liberalism in Great Britain and France
Democracy gradually advanced with universal male suffrage, the development of religious freedom and freedom of expression, and the emergence of political parties. The development of modern political strategies. However, authentic democracy was still lacking: women still lacked many rights, there was a suffragist movement, and electoral manipulation existed. In the early 20th century, concerns arose about unemployment and pensions.
Authoritarian Political Systems
- Russia: Power was concentrated in the Tsar and nobility. Serfdom was abolished in 1861. The Orthodox Church and army officers monopolized agricultural positions.
- Germany: Adopted a constitution that created a social parliament, but political power remained concentrated.
- Austro-Hungarian Empire: The Emperor held all the power, supported by the Catholic Church, the aristocracy, and the army.
L4. Imperialism
Imperialism: The extension of a country’s domain over another. The conquering country is the metropolis, and the conquered territories are the colonies. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Spain and Portugal were prominent. In the 19th century, Great Britain and France were the main powers, followed by Germany, Italy, the USA, and Belgium. Outside Europe, Japan emerged. 35% of the world’s land was dependent on Europe and the USA. In 1914, it was 84%.
Economic Factors
Colonies became markets. They were also places to invest capital. Colonization provided cheap raw materials.
Political Factors
Strategic locations were conquered. Prestige and national pride were also driving forces.
Demographic Factors
Millions of Europeans migrated to the colonies.
Ideological Factors
Racist ideologies were prevalent. Europeans were convinced that whites were superior to blacks. They believed they had a mission to civilize. They founded missions in Africa, Asia, and Oceania. There was also scientific curiosity. Geographical Societies organized research expeditions. The country that had explored a territory had the right to colonize it and spread civilization. The U.S. also engaged in this practice.
L5. The Process of Conquest
India was conquered in the 19th century by England, and Algeria by France. In 1870, the powers divided continents (Confederation of Berlin, 1885). Latin America achieved independence from Spain and Portugal in the 19th century but remained economically dependent on European countries and, later, the USA.