European Nationalism: Examining its Historical Significance

This essay examines the rise and impact of European nationalism in the 19th century. It begins by outlining the general context of nationalism in Europe, mentioning the emergence of national sentiments from Britain to Russia. The essay then delves into the specific examples of France and Germany, highlighting the influence of the French Revolution, the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the subsequent political turmoil in France, including the Dreyfus affair. It further discusses the emergence of radical nationalism and its effect on the political landscape. The essay also explores the rise of Pan-German League in Germany and the rejection of liberty and equality in Italy. The essay concludes by exploring the impact of these developments on the outbreak of World War I. The essay utilizes the provided reference to support its claims and provides a detailed overview of the historical context.

Running Head: EUROPEAN NATIONALISM
EUROPEAN NATIONALISM
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The nineteenth century was not only a period of liberalism and equality, the epitome of
individuality and civic rights but the situation in the European region also ushered a serious
threat to the apparent tranquillity. It was the national sentiment that emerged in every corner of
Europe from Britain in the West to Russia in the East (Perry, 356). For some of the scholars, the
emergence of regional nationalism in Europe created hatred and disrespect for other cultures and
a negative mindset had been created where people started thinking about their racial superiority
and the right to conquer others. Therefore, it unleashed the wrath of fierce battle and bloodshed
and ultimately infuriated the World War I.
France at the inception of 19th century created some promise of liberty, equality and
fraternity in the aftermath of the French revolution but it was suppressed under the glory and
power of Napoleon Bonaparte. The establishment of the Second French Republic in 1848
initiated the regime of republican political power for the second time. It was further carried out
by his successor Napoleon III. However, in 1860s, the situation was started changing at a rapid
scale when Napoleon III started liberating the press and political prisoner (Perry, 357). It ushered
a new chapter in the history of France. The anarchist and socialist were liberated and set their
own political goals. The fall of Napoleon III created a power vacuum in the French politics and
the successors of Napoleon III were not able enough to make the country rise from its ashes. The
Dreyfus affairs supplemented further incite into the political chaos and an anti-Semitic element
added into the Republican opponents. As a result of that a radical national sentiment had been
emerged in France on the line of racial segregation and fight against the Jews (Perry, 364). It is
important to note that the victory of the radical republicans culminated the fate of Catholic
religious order and direct action against the Jew was taken. Moreover the economic downfall of
France infuriated the mass and all the political parties where started fighting each other. Amidst

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of all those political turmoil, France joined the World War I and it suddenly transformed the
entire picture of France at home. People started supporting the government and a harmony
among the people led to defend the country.
In the international sphere as well the radical nationalism took a great turn into violent
racial nationalism. For instance, in Germany a Pan-German League of extreme racial nationalism
was established under the influence of social Darwinism (Perry, 365). Those people were
believed highly in the political relationship of conquerors and the conquered. Therefore, the
essence of liberty and equality as rejected in Italy. People started patronising and glorifying their
cultures and posed severe hostility towards the organisation culture. It posed a great threat to the
European power structure where hatred towards the minorities and non-political characters was a
very common aspect. Moreover, the radical nationalists started thinking about their supremacy
over others and minorities were considered to be the dirt of the society.

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Reference
Perry, Marvin. Western Civilization, A Brief History, Volume II 11Th Edition. 11th ed., Cengage,
2015, pp. 356-368.