History 1 short

 The French Revolution and the Idea of the Nation:- 

- The first clear expression of nationalism came with the French Revolution in 1789.

- French revolution led to the transfer of sovereignty from the monarchy to s body of French citizens.

- The idea of ‘la patrie’ (the father land) and ‘le citoyen’ (the citizen) emphasized the notion of a 

united community, enjoying equal rights under a constitution.

- A new French flag- the tricolor, was chosen to replace the former royal standard.

- The Estates General converted into National Assembly and it was elected by the body of active citizens.

- A centralized administrative system was put in place and it formulated uniform laws for all citizens 

within its territory.

- Internal custom duties and dues were abolished.

- French became the common language of the nation.

- With the outbreak of the revolutionary wars, the French armies began to carry the idea of 

nationalism abroad.

- Napoleon set about introducing many of the reforms that he had already introduced in France.

Napoleon Code (The Civil Code of 1804):- 

- Finished all the privileges based on birth.

- Established equality before the law and secured the right to property.

- In the Dutch Republic, Switzerland, Italy and Germany, Napoleon simplified administrative divisions. 

- Abolished the feudal system and freed peasants from serfdom and manorial dues.

- Transport and communication system were improved.

- Peasants, artisans, workers and new businessmen enjoyed new-found freedom.

The making of Nationalism in Europe: - 

- Division of Europe in small kingdoms before the middle of 18th century.

- Most of these were ruled by autocratic monarchs.

- They did not see themselves as sharing a collective identity or a common culture.

- They used different languages.

The Aristocracy and the new middle class: - 

- A landed aristocracy was the dominant class on the continent. 

- They spoke French for purposes of diplomacy in high society.

- Peasants as a major group.

- Commercial or middle class emerges as a new group.

- Role of middle class in bringing an end to aristocratic privileged class.

What did liberal nationalism stand for: - 

- Liberalism derives from the Latin root Liber, meaning free.

- It was the concept of government by consent.

- It stood for freedom of the individual and equality of all before the law.

- Universal Suffrage.

- Freedom of market.

A new conservation after 1815: - 

- Defeated of Napoleon in 1815, European governments were driven by a spirit of conservatism.

- Conservatives believed in monarchy, Church, Social hierarchies, property etc.

- Conservative regimes based on autocracy.

- They did not tolerate criticism and dissent and sought to curb activities that questioned the 

legitimacy of autocratic governments.