Topic 5.2 Nationalism and Revolutions in the Period from 1750 to 1900
Learning Objective
Explain causes and effects of the various revolutions in the period from 1750 to 1900.
Historical Developments
People around the world developed a new sense of Nationalism or commonality based on language, religion, social customs, and territory. This was sometimes harnessed by governments to foster a sense of unity.
The 18th century marked the beginning of an intense period of revolution and rebellion against existing governments, leading to the establishment of new nation-states around the world.
Discontent with monarchist and imperial rule encouraged the development of systems of government and various ideologies, including democracy and 19th-century liberalism.
Colonial subjects in the Americas led a series of rebellions inspired by democratic ideals. The American Revolution, and its successful establishment of a republic, the United States of America, was a model and inspiration for a number of the revolutions that followed. The American Revolution, the Haitian Revolution, and the Latin American independence movements facilitated the emergence of independent states in the Americas.
The ideas of Enlightenment philosophers, as reflected in revolutionary documents— including the American Declaration of Independence during the American Revolution, the French “Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen” during the French Revolution, and Bolívar’s “Letter from Jamaica” on the eve of the Latin American revolutions— influenced resistance to existing political authority, often in pursuit of independence and democratic ideals
Newly imagined national communities often linked this new national identity with borders of the state, and in some cases, nationalists challenged boundaries or sought unification of fragmented regions.
Reading Questions
What is Nationalism?
How did nationalism lead to Revolution?
How can Nationalism unite a country?
How can Nationalism divide a country?
What is 19th Century or Classical Liberalism?
How did Classical Liberalism lead to Revolution?
Learning Objective
Explain causes and effects of the various revolutions in the period from 1750 to 1900.
Historical Developments
People around the world developed a new sense of Nationalism or commonality based on language, religion, social customs, and territory. This was sometimes harnessed by governments to foster a sense of unity.
The 18th century marked the beginning of an intense period of revolution and rebellion against existing governments, leading to the establishment of new nation-states around the world.
Discontent with monarchist and imperial rule encouraged the development of systems of government and various ideologies, including democracy and 19th-century liberalism.
Colonial subjects in the Americas led a series of rebellions inspired by democratic ideals. The American Revolution, and its successful establishment of a republic, the United States of America, was a model and inspiration for a number of the revolutions that followed. The American Revolution, the Haitian Revolution, and the Latin American independence movements facilitated the emergence of independent states in the Americas.
The ideas of Enlightenment philosophers, as reflected in revolutionary documents— including the American Declaration of Independence during the American Revolution, the French “Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen” during the French Revolution, and Bolívar’s “Letter from Jamaica” on the eve of the Latin American revolutions— influenced resistance to existing political authority, often in pursuit of independence and democratic ideals
Newly imagined national communities often linked this new national identity with borders of the state, and in some cases, nationalists challenged boundaries or sought unification of fragmented regions.
Reading Questions
What is Nationalism?
How did nationalism lead to Revolution?
How can Nationalism unite a country?
How can Nationalism divide a country?
What is 19th Century or Classical Liberalism?
How did Classical Liberalism lead to Revolution?
Introduction
People around the world developed a new sense of Nationalism or commonality based on language, religion, social customs, and territory. This was sometimes harnessed by governments to foster a sense of unity. This led many regions believe that they needed Independence from both the Sea Based Empires and the Land Based Empires. Nationalism coupled with the ideas of Classical Liberalism resulted in the American Revolution, The French Revolution, The Hattian Revolution, The Latin American Revolution as well as other calls for Revolution around the world.
Nationalism
Nationalism is a belief, creed, or political ideology that involves an individual identifying with an imagined political community (a nation-state). The creation of a national identity usually involves the collective recognition of a common birthplace, a common culture (religion, language, food, music, etc.), and a common history. The creation of a national identity also involves what psychologists refer to as "an awareness of difference" - a feeling and recognition of 'we' and 'they.' A sense of belonging to a nation may strengthen when an external threat becomes clearer, causing individuals to seek to unite with fellow-countrymen for mutual protection against the common threat. As a result of nationalism, Nation-states emerged as the principal form of political organization in both Europe and the Americas. Nationalism would also band people together to spark the Atlantic Revolutions and other rebellions.
Classical Liberalism
Liberalism, or what we might now refer to as "classical liberalism" to distinguish it from today's usage of the term, emerged as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution. The rising urban business class, sometimes called the bourgeoisie, wanted more political influence to match their growing economic and social power. Liberals emphasized civil liberties, natural rights and limited government while rejecting hereditary privileges of the middle ages. Many wanted to broaden voting rights for males. Liberals advocated for the separation of church and state meaning that the government institutions should be kept separate from the institutions of the church.
Lastly, Liberals also advocated for limited government intervention in the economy and supported the ideas of capitalism while rejecting mercantilism. One of the most influential liberals, other than Adam Smith, was John Stewart Mill. Mill combined economics with philosophy. He believed in a moral theory called utilitarianism—that actions that lead to people's happiness are right and that those that lead to suffering are wrong. Utilitarianism promotes actions that do "the greatest good for the greatest number." Liberals thus believed that wealthy individuals should be the ones helping the poor NOT the government. Liberals and their ideas against mercantilism and absolute rule, would also contribute to Independence movements in the Atlantic world.
Lastly, Liberals also advocated for limited government intervention in the economy and supported the ideas of capitalism while rejecting mercantilism. One of the most influential liberals, other than Adam Smith, was John Stewart Mill. Mill combined economics with philosophy. He believed in a moral theory called utilitarianism—that actions that lead to people's happiness are right and that those that lead to suffering are wrong. Utilitarianism promotes actions that do "the greatest good for the greatest number." Liberals thus believed that wealthy individuals should be the ones helping the poor NOT the government. Liberals and their ideas against mercantilism and absolute rule, would also contribute to Independence movements in the Atlantic world.