Why did nationalist tensions emerge in the Balkans?
[question] Question. Why did nationalist tensions emerge in the Balkans? [/question] [solution] Solution: Nationalist tensions emerged in the Balkans because of the spread of ideas of romantic nationalism as also the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire that had previously ruled over this area. The different Slavic communities in the Balkans began to strive for independent rule. They were jealous of each other and every state wanted more territory, even at the expense of others. Also, the hold o...
How was the history of nationalism in Britain unlike the rest of Europe?
[question] Question. How was the history of nationalism in Britain unlike the rest of Europe? [solution] Solution: The history of nationalism in Britain was unlike that in the rest of Europe in the sense that it was forced down upon the masses. There was no concept of a British nation prior to the eighteenth century. The region was in fact inhabited by different ethnic groups (English, Welsh, Scot, Irish). Each group had its own cultural and political tradition. However, as the English state gre...
Through a focus on any two countries, explain how nations developed over the nineteenth century.
[question] Question. Through a focus on any two countries, explain how nations developed over the nineteenth century. [/question] [solution] Solution: The development of the German and Italian nation states in the nineteenth century Political fragmentation: Till the middle of the nineteenth century, the present-day nations of Germany and Italy were fragmented into separate regions and kingdoms ruled by different princely houses. Revolutionary uprisings: Nineteenth-century Europe was characterise...
Choose three examples to show the contribution of culture to the growth of nationalism in Europe.
[question] Question. Choose three examples to show the contribution of culture to the growth of nationalism in Europe. [/question] [solution] Solution: Apart from wars and territorial expansion, culture also played a crucial role in the development of nationalism. Romanticism was a European cultural movement aimed at developing national unity by creating a sense of shared heritage and common history. The Romantic artists' emphasis on emotions, intuition and mystical feelings gave shape and expre...
Explain what is meant by the 1848 revolution of the liberals
[question] Question. Explain what is meant by the 1848 revolution of the liberals. What were the political, social and economic ideas supported by the liberals? [/question] [solution] Solution: The 1848 revolution of the liberals refers to the various national movements pioneered by educated middle classes alongside the revolts of the poor, unemployed and starving peasants and workers in Europe. While in countries like France, food shortages and widespread unemployment during 1848 led to popular...
What changes did Napoleon introduce to make the administrative system more efficient in the territories ruled by him?
[question] Question. What changes did Napoleon introduce to make the administrative system more efficient in the territories ruled by him? [/question] [solution] Solution: Napoleon introduced several changes to make the administrative system more efficient in the territories ruled by him. He formulated the Civil Code of 1804, also known as the Napoleonic Code. It did away with privileges based on birth. This law established equality before law, and also secured the right to property. Napoleon sh...
Briefly trace the process of German unification.
[question] Question. Briefly trace the process of German unification. [question] [solution] Solution: The process of German unification was continued by Prussia after the defeat of the liberal, middle-class Germans at the hands of the aristocrats and the military in 1848. Its chief minister Otto von Bismarck carried out this process with the help of the Prussian army and bureaucracy. Over seven years, Prussia fought three wars with Austria, Denmark and France. These wars culminated in Prussian v...
Who were Marianne and Germania? What was the importance of the way in which they were portrayed?
[question] Question. Who were Marianne and Germania? What was the importance of the way in which they were portrayed? [/question] [solution] Solution: Marianne and Germania were respective female allegories for the French and the German nation. They stood as personifications of ideals like 'liberty' and 'the republic'. The importance of the way in which they were portrayed lay in the fact that the public could identify with their symbolic meaning, and this would instil a sense of national unity ...
What steps did the French revolutionaries take to create a sense of collective identity among the French people?
[question] Question. What steps did the French revolutionaries take to create a sense of collective identity among the French people? [/question] [solution] Solution: The French revolutionaries took many important steps to create a sense of collective identity among the French people. Ideas of la patrie (the fatherland) and le citoyen (the citizen) popularised the notion of a united community enjoying equal rights under a constitution. A new French flag replaced the royal standard. The Estates G...
Write a note on: (a) Guiseppe Mazzini (b) Count Camillo de Cavour
[question] Question. 1. Write a note on: a) Guiseppe Mazzini b) Count Camillo de Cavour c) The Greek war of independence d) Frankfurt parliament e) The role of women in nationalist struggles [/question] [solution] Solution: (a) Guiseppe Mazzini: He was an Italian revolutionary who played a significant role in promoting the idea of a unified Italian state. He believed that nations were the natural units of mankind, and so Italy (which was then divided into a number of small states and kingdoms) h...