After 1848, the nations of Europe struggled to ease the strains that developed in the post-Napoleonic era. The quest for national status met with success in Germany and Italy, with less success elsewhere. The demands of liberals for voting rights and economic freedom were realized impressively in Britain, partially elsewhere, and at least entertained in other places. The attempt by urban and rural workers to gain entry to political life displayed itself powerfully in France, more mildly but more effectively in Britain. Elsewhere these groups were still ignored.
From 1848 to 1871, the many component states of the Italian peninsula and of the German-speaking lands (except for Austria) achieved unification in the new nations of Italy and Germany. In both cases, though liberal nationalists had long championed the cause, unification was achieved from above by senior statesmen who were themselves of noble birth. And in both cases, the new nations were monarchies.
From 1848 to 1871, the many component states of the Italian peninsula and of the German-speaking lands (except for Austria) achieved unification in the new nations of Italy and Germany. In both cases, though liberal nationalists had long championed the cause, unification was achieved from above by senior statesmen who were themselves of noble birth. And in both cases, the new nations were monarchies.
Reading Schedule:
Napoleon III In France (Pgs. 756 - 758) Nation Building in Italy, Germany and the United States (Pgs. 758 - 766) The Modernization of Russia and the Ottoman Empire (Pgs. 776 - 773) The Responsive National State, 1871 - 1914 (Pgs. 773 - 778) The Nation and People (Pgs. 778 - 783) Marxism and the Socialist Movement (Pgs. 783 - 789) |